We are reversing the tradition of Tashlich and cleansing human trash & debris in a collaborative interfaith environmental cleanup.

The Jewish Council of North Central Florida has partnered up with Current Problems alongside Let's Talk Climate, Temple Shir Shalom, B'nai Israel Congregation and the PJ Library for our 2nd Annual Reverse Tashlich Cleanup of Lake Pithlachocco & Prairie Creek on Sunday, September 10th beginning at 8:30 am. We will meet at Earl P Powers Boat Ramp.

Some information on the practice of Reverse Tashlich:
On Rosh HaShanah, Jews around the world participate in the ancient ritual of Tashlich. We go to a body of water and symbolically cast off the sins of the past year into the water to start the New Year with purity of heart. However, this is not the only time humans cast their “sins” into the sea. Every year, approximately six million tons of human-made trash enter the water, posing health and safety hazards to the animals that call the sea their home. Marine debris is a blatant violation of the fundamental Jewish ethical principle Bal Tashchit. Repair the Sea adds a modern ritual to the Jewish tradition: a local clean-up on the Sunday between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Also known as Reverse Tashlich.

Current Problems has been working to restore Florida waterways and invite Floridians into watershed stewardship since 1993. All supplies will be provided on site including gloves, grabbers, trash bags, and more! The Reverse Tashlich Cleanup is family-friendly and will be based on land and in water. Please bring your own vessel if you have one available. Otherwise, please email [email protected] to reserve a kayak. 

Please bring:
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, long-sleeve shirt + pants)
- Reusable water bottle
- Water shoes or boots
- Bugspray! 

Food will be served post-cleanup at 11:00am from Radha's Kitchen followed by a New Years Meet & Greet by the Jewish Council of North Central Florida. There will also be a storytime session and kid's activities hosted by the PJ Library. Come out to participate in water stewardship alongside interfaith groups from Gainesville and celebrate clean water for all!