(xposted by Lenny on jspot.org)

Related to thoughts about fruit platters, wedding foods, and such, jspot.org recently highlighted a program in Washington DC called Ethical Smahot.

Ethical Smahot is a project initiated by Rabbi Alana Suskin and Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg as an attempt to control the excesses of some Jewish lifecycle celebrations and infuse them with an ethical, meaningful spirit. The project took inspiration from an earlier statement by some Orthodox rabbis in New York City regarding the necessity to control conspicuous consumption during lifecycle celebrations.

In its current incarnation, Ethical Smachot centers on a statement of seven principled elements that should be reflected in every Jewish lifecycle celebration: Tzniut (modesty), Kavod HaBriot (respect for one’s fellow human beings), Talmud Torah (study and learning), Seudah (festive meal), Tzedakah (charity), Tzedek (righteousness and justice), and Shomrei Adamah (guarding the Earth).

The statement has 10-12 signatories in Washington, DC from all major movements of Judaism. It can be used to begin a conversation and learning in the Jewish communities about principled celebrations. Rabbi Suskin and Rabbi Ginsberg are welcoming rabbis, cantors, and organizations, such as local boards of rabbis, to sign on as well. For more information see the Ethical Smahot website.