By Bill Lange
The Shema is the basic Hebrew prayer cited by Jesus of Nazareth in the synoptic Gospels. It is a self-evident prayer for all.
"שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ יְיָ אֶחָד"
(Sh'ma Yisra'eil Adonai Eloheinu Adonai echad)
Hear, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One. -Deuteronomy 6:4
Love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. -Leviticus 19:18
Would we have the tragedies in Gaza if the Shema were remembered, understood, and felt?
Milwaukee is currently celebrating a unique and complex position, holding the top spot in two
very different and significant areas. On the one hand, the city is basking in the glory of its
beloved baseball team, the Milwaukee Brewers, who have achieved an outstanding record and
stand in first place in their division, a testament to their hard work and skill. On the other hand,
Milwaukee is also experiencing a less desirable "first place" ranking: having some of the worst
air quality in the world.
The Milwaukee Brewers have been a source of pride for the city, with a phenomenal season that
places them at the top of their division. Their success has brought a sense of community and
excitement to the area, with fans eagerly following every game. Their record is not just a
divisional best, but an achievement that puts them among the elite teams in all of baseball. This
is a moment to celebrate the dedication of the players, coaches, and the unwavering support of
their fans.
However, a stark contrast to this positive news has enveloped the city in a literal sense. A heavy
blanket of smoke from Canadian wildfires has descended upon Milwaukee, pushing the Air
Quality Index (AQI) into the "Very Unhealthy" range. As the smoke has settled, Milwaukee has
found itself with air quality levels that have been, at times, among the worst in the entire world.
This is a far less welcome distinction, and one that poses a serious health risk to all residents,
especially those with pre-existing conditions.
This air quality crisis is not a local phenomenon; it's a direct consequence of a larger, global
issue. The Canadian wildfires that are producing this smoke are themselves a symptom of
climate change. Scientists and meteorologists attribute the increased frequency and intensity of
these fires to a combination of factors, including warmer temperatures, extended droughts, and
less significant winter snows. These conditions create the perfect environment for fires to ignite
and spread. Even "zombie fires"—wildfires that smolder underground all winter long—are being
cited as a factor, as they can reignite on the surface with the onset of dry spring and summer
conditions.
While the smoke may eventually clear and be carried away by the wind to affect other regions,
the underlying cause remains. The excessive use of fossil fuels and the resulting climate change
are creating a world where such extreme weather events become more common. This dual
reality—celebrating a championship-caliber baseball team while simultaneously facing a public
health crisis caused by climate change—presents Milwaukee with a critical opportunity. It's a
chance to acknowledge the interconnectedness of our actions and their consequences.
The first step in addressing this issue is understanding it. The smoke in our air is not just a
temporary inconvenience; it is a clear and present signal that we must take action on climate
change. As we cheer for our team's success, we must also recognize the urgency of a different
kind of challenge, one that requires a collective effort to secure a healthier, more breathable
future for our city and beyond.
