Hazon - History

History

Founded in 1999, Hazon is committed to programs that are rooted in Jewish tradition but committed to the present and the Jewish future. Hazon’s first project was the Cross-USA Jewish Environmental Bike Ride. In the summer of 2000, a diverse Jewish group cycled over 3000 miles, from Seattle to Washington, D.C., to raise environmental awareness in the Jewish community, to raise money for Jewish environmental projects and to be positive role models for people they met along the way, especially young people. Participants in the Cross-USA Ride taught in 47 different Jewish communities during the ride, and ended at the White House, where they won a national award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency

Hazon's first New York ride took place in 2001. It began in Kingston and ended at the Jewish Theological Seminary. There were 40 riders and $32,000 was raised.

Hazon held its first Israel ride in 2003. There were 44 riders who ranged from 15-60 years old. The ride was over 300 miles long and took place over a five-day period. This first ride raised $136,000.

Hazon's first Food Conference was held in December 2006. It ran from December 14-17 at the Isabella Freedman Retreat Center in Falls Village, Connecticut.

Hazon’s California office opened in December 2009 in the Bay Area.

The first Hazon California ride was held in 2010. It was a 2-day bike ride and Shabbat retreat in the Redwoods of Sonoma County, It included kosher food, yoga, workshops, hikes, scenic views through redwood and eucalyptus groves, and along the Pacific coast.

In 2011, Hazon received a grant from Rose Community Foundation, 18 Pomegranates, and the Oreg Foundation with the purpose of building the Jewish food & environmental movement in Denver and Boulder. Hazon has since hired local staff in the Denver area to expand its presence and contribution in the state.