Hazon

Hazon is a nonprofit organization, based in New York City, that seeks to "create new vision" in the Jewish community through outdoor and environmental education. It was founded in 2000 by its British-born CEO Nigel Savage.[1][2] The organization claims to be America's "largest faith-based environmental organization".[3] Hazon's advisory board of directors is chaired by Ruth Messinger.[4]

For the moshav with the same name, see Hazon, Israel.
Hazon
Founded2000
FounderNigel Savage
TypeNon-profit
FocusSustainability
Location
Websitehazon.org

Name and aims

In Hebrew, hazon means "vision."

In March 2019, Hazon issued a cease and desist order to stop an Israeli right-wing organization that is against same-sex marriages and promotes a Jewish religious agenda from using its trademarked name. Savage has stated that the messages from the Israeli organization "radically stand against all that we have done, and all that we have tried to do, since our founding in 2000".[5]

Hazon promotes what it calls "immersive JOFEE experiences". JOFEE stands for Jewish, Outdoor, Food, Farming & Environmental Education.[6]

Events

Hazon is best known for the Jewish environmental bike rides it organizes in the New York City region, and for its joint sponsorship of the Israel Ride, a fundraiser in Israel benefitting both Hazon and the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies.[5] Hazon's first program was a six-week cross-USA bike ride, from Washington state to Washington D.C. The New York ride, which takes place during Labor Day weekend each year, combines a shabbaton on the Friday and Saturday, with two days of cycling on the Sunday and Monday. The first New York ride was held in 2001. The Israel Ride has been held since 2003.[7]

Hazon also promotes programs on issues related to food. It convenes the annual Hazon Food Conference every December.[8][9] Its Tuv Ha'aretz program sponsors Jewish communities (including synagogues, Jewish Community Centers, and schools) to build community supported agriculture programs (i.e., farm shares), and to engage in study of Jewish sources and traditions as they relate to healthy eating.[10][11][12][13] Tuv Ha'aretz is a Hebrew phrase that suggests both "best of the land" and "good for the land".[14]

The organization has created an initiative called the Seal of Sustainability aimed at promoting "sustainable lifestyles and environmental consciousness".[15][16][17][18]

COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hazon promoted the growing of produce in gardens which have been likened to the war time Victory gardens.[19][20]

In July 2020, the organization announced the layoffs of 35 percent of its staff following the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization claimed a loss of $2.5 million due to canceled events.[21]

References
  1. Liphshiz, Cnaan. "Jewish 'Communities' in Western Europe operate like expensive members-only clubs". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  2. "Forward 50, 2008". The Forward. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  3. "New organization Dayenu seeks to mobilize US Jews for climate action". National Catholic Reporter. 2020-07-03. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  4. "Advisory Boards". Hazon. Retrieved 2020-08-20.
  5. "U.S. environmental organization Hazon wants Israeli right-wing group to stop using its name". Haaretz.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  6. "Mission & Vision". Hazon. Retrieved 2020-08-20.
  7. "200 Jewish cyclists kick off 16th annual 'Israel Ride'". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  8. Palevsky, Stacey (2009-01-02). "Hazon conference draws hundreds hungry for Jewish food movement". J. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  9. Harris, Ben. "As Jewish farming programs yield more alumni, a growing community takes root". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  10. "Hazon, a local Jewish group, runs farm, sustainability programs". Boulder Daily Camera. 2012-01-23. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  11. "September 4, 2015 ~ Jewish Environmentalism | September 4, 2015 | Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly | PBS". Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly. 2015-09-04. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  12. "How Different Religious Groups Are Promoting Food Security". Food Tank. 2019-07-25. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  13. Selasky, Susan. "Chef demos planned for Sunday's Jewish Food Festival at Eastern Market". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  14. "Jewish food movement comes of age". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 2008-12-30. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  15. "West Marin Jews call for environmental vigilance". Marin Independent Journal. 2019-12-23. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  16. "About Seal of Sustainability". Hazon. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  17. "Hazon Calls for 'Environmental Teshuvah' in the New Year 5780". Jewish Journal. 2019-09-25. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  18. "Hillel Commits to Sustainability Initiatives". www.chicagomaroon.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  19. Daday, Eileen O. (2020-06-16). "Lombard Jewish congregants plant victory gardens during pandemic". Daily Herald. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  20. Clarke, Sandra Ali, Kayla (2020-06-02). "Communities growing fruits, vegetables for people struggling during COVID-19 pandemic". WDIV. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  21. "Jewish environmental organization Hazon lays off 35% of staff amid a year of canceled retreats". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 2020-07-17. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
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