Where There's a Will, There's a Way

My name is Joanna, and I am a middle child. I feel the need to state that right in front because that random birth order is a large reason I am doing the work of faith-based environmental stewardship. Why you may ask… I shall explain.  I am sandwiched between two brothers, however my younger brother is WAY younger. I was almost 9 when he was born, so he was more like my first baby than a little sibling. Being the third child obviously meant he had a much more laid back version of my parents…no I am not bitter at all that he had a TV in his room well before I ever did…anyway, he did bring out the adventurous side in my parents.When he was in high school, he convinced my parents to start composting. This was in the early 2000s when composting was not a commonly done practice. I was visiting home when I noticed a large pile of decomposing fruit and vegetable peelings, egg shells, and coffee grinds barely contained in chicken wire in the backyard. I inquired as to what that disgusting new landscape addition was, and naturally my parents said it was my brother’s idea. I rolled my eyes, and added another item to the list of bizarre things my brother got my parents to do. I was, though, impressed with his conviction to do something beautiful with otherwise ugly and useless waste. It stayed with me.Later in college he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and, again, I was moved by his drive to make the world around him better.After college, he began a journey towards becoming more religious. In Judaism we have a name for that, Ba’al Teshuvah. Literally the term translates to “a master of return,” and commonly the term refers to a Jewish individual who moves from a more secular practice of Judaism to a much more observant one.I will tell you his journey to becoming orthodox has not been easy for our family; it has meant a lot of questions, adjustments, confusion, and acceptance. He is now married with a beautiful family.So what about that middle child thing…here it comes. At my very core, I am a peace maker. I avoid conflict, and I honestly just want everyone to get along all the time. If there is a problem, I want to solve it.I was in my brother’s house about two years ago, and I opened up his pantry. It was a sea of plastic and even Styrofoam. Because his family observes strict rules of kashrut (you cannot use the same dishes/utensils/cookware for meat and dairy) and observes the Sabbath (sundown Friday to sundown Saturday where no work is done, includes electricity, cooking, etc.) having disposable plates and utensils dramatically helps with meals. Having three young children is also a reason to cut corners when you can!But I saw a problem and a conflict. How could this sweet young man who had such a drive to make the world better, not to mention the same dedicated and devout person who says a prayer for every food that passes his lips put all that plastic and Styrofoam into the earth on a weekly basis? It just didn’t make sense…and it didn’t align with the core values of Judaism.Caring for our earth is part of being Jewish.  From the great philosopher Maimonides to the late Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, we are taught and reminded in countless texts of our duty to honor this beautiful earth that G-d created. We say prayers, celebrate holidays, and are always encouraged to be humble and grateful for what we have been given.So I am determined. I am determined to bring ambitious but doable solutions to our Jewish community. I am so pleased to report that my brother now uses only real plates and silverware, and even has a garden. I am also thrilled to report that my own synagogue began composting with a little hand holding. Even my children’s public elementary school was willing to start composting with a little encouragement. I know there is a will, and I am here to show the way.Reach out to Joanna at joanna@gipl.org. _____________________________________________________________________About the Author:Joanna Kobylivker is the current chair of the Jewish Climate Action Network of Georgia (JCAN-GA) and joined the GIPL team as our Community Organizer in May 2021, to formally partner with the Jewish community. Joanna received a bachelors in Economics from Barnard College and a Masters in Public Health from Emory University. After working in project management for Emory Healthcare and Emory University for ten years, she pursued her passion in sustainability through various volunteer roles in the Atlanta Public Schools system and her religious community. When she is not picking out recyclables from trash cans, Joanna can be found baking small batch chocolate baklava (Chaklava) and chasing her two boys and dog around the streets of Morningside.