Running to Fight Leukemia
I am training this year to run two events - Virginia Beach 1/2 Marathon and the Marine Corp Marathon (again) to help the fight against Leukemia and Lymphoma. I am dedicating this effort to my father-in-law Jim who has been fighting leukemia this year. While we are happy that his treatments have been effective, I have seen first hand what this fight entails. I would like your support to help fight this disease through supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I am running with their Team in Training program.
To help fight this disease and show your support, click here Cure Leukemia Now to get to my personal race web site.
Eco-Kosher
Keeping kosher is a daily way that I reaffirm my Judaism. Each time I eat, I become conscious of my choice to eat in a Jewish way. This does not only mean what I eat specifically but also how the food was prepared. Today, this even means concerning ourselves with the work environment in which the food is prepared. Keeping kosher should make us aware of the labor practices of the food processing companies themselves.
While something that is certified kosher means that it has been inspected to insure that there is no prohibited food or additives in the product. For meat, it also assures that the animal was slaughtered in a proscribed manner. But that is not enough. The Conservative Movement, under the leadership of Rabbi Morris Allen, has initiated a certification that assures not only that Jewish law is followed regarding food but also that fair labor practices are upheld for the workers at the processing plants. It is called the Heksher Tzedek. This important step will guarantee that workers are paid a livable wage, work in a safe work place, and uphold the highest Jewish ideals. Read more on Rabbi Morris’ Heksher Tzedek site.
For the article about the new Eco-Kosher movement contact me at gharris@bethelmc.org