PREPENT Day 16 // Avinu: We Privilege our Power
A reflection on "Avinu: We Privilege our Power" by Maryam Chishti
I run seven monthly events for my Moishe House, a community hub for 20-30s Jewish young adults. When I was a new resident, I was keen to use the budget of my house to invest in environmentally friendly products, compostable plates, cutlery, reusable paper towels, and cleaning products from brands that donate proceeds to charity. I went to local businesses to buy our event supplies and was always thrilled that I could support a place in my neighborhood. Over time, now a four-year resident, I have lost the momentum to be as conscious. I frequently purchase everything we need for the month in one Amazon order, quickly “getting it done” between other tasks throughout the day.
I now don't have the patience to make sure everyone composts their food - instead, I often yield, letting folks toss their recycling, compost, and trash into the same black bin. This is a privilege, I know. Our island has yet to encounter the effects of climate change as other climates, where it's harder to avoid them. I can choose not to care so much. I can choose my own convenience. As I call out for forgiveness, I forgive myself, in moments, for choosing the easier path. I understand that I am one person who juggles many events, and it is a lofty goal, and perhaps an imperfect one, to be so constantly ethical. And I still strive to do better. For, what else can I do?
Maryam Chishti (she/her) is the Co-xecutive Director of the LUNAR collective, the first and only organization for Asian American Jews. She is also the founder of Moishe House Lower Manhattan, and a proud former Lab Shul intern!
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