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September 4, 2010 | 25th Elul 5770
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Greening Reform Judaism

Greening Reform Judaism

One generation goes and another generation comes;
but the Earth remains forever.
(Kohelet 1:4)

Greening Reform Judaism endeavors to promote an awareness of environmental considerations and environmentally responsible acts by integrating Jewish values, learning and actions that promote sh'mirat ha-adamah - protection and renewal of the world.

Green News
  • Celebrate Shabbat Noah
    On October 8-9, 2010, Jews around the world will read Parashat Noah, the Torah story about the flood, the Ark and the Rainbow of the Covenant. This year, celebrate an environmental Shabbat Noah with our resources for worship, study and action on the Gulf oil spill. Visit rac.org for more information!
  • Greening the URJ Camps
    We're proud that our thirteen camps are already so deeply engaged in environmental education and programming, and we're delighted to highlight a number of the environmental projects that are taking place around our camps and in our Israel programs this summer. Read on to learn about the Camps Greening Initiative.
  • Showing the Benefits of "Green" Retrofits
    This New York Times articles reports on a study is currently underway in New York City to determine the benefits of retrofitting buildings. It also focuses on the economic impact of green technology.
  • Community Supported Agriculture 101: Webinar Materials
    Resources from the recent Community Supported Agriculture 101 webinar are now available in the Union's webinar archive. This webinar is listed under both the Going Green and Social Action categories, and features a recording of the session as well as the PowerPoint Presentation.
  • Green Products for the Home
    Making changes to your home or congregation this summer? The NY Times recently went shopping with LEED certified architect Tony Daniels to find out just how easy green renovations are.
  • Energy Covenant Campaign Pledge
    The Union is working with COEJL to bring Jews across North American together to work toward a better future, focusing on the common goals of a healthy environment, green jobs and a secure energy future through action, education and a personal pledge that we urge you to take.
  • JNF/ARZA GoNeutral Synagogue Affiliate Program
    Join the Affiliate Program today to help the environment and support Israel. JNF and ARZA will provide your congregation with ample material to help you offset carbon emissions.
  • Some Buildings Not Living Up to Green Label
    Buildings covet a green certification, but many building do not save as much energy as their designs predicted. (NY Times)
  • Action Alert: Comprehensive Climate Change Legislation Now!
    It is time for our nation to lead the global transition to a clean energy future. Urge your Senators to support climate and energy legislation when they return to Washington in September.
  • Action Alert! Protect Our Nation's Waters
    Keep our nation's water clean by urging your Senator to co-sponsor and support the Clean Water Restoration Act (S.787). (RAC Action Alert)

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Upcoming Webinars Get Sustainable with Our Virtual Beit Midrash, a 5-part Greening Series
  • September 21, 2010 - Sharing your Harvest with Others: Sukkot and Social Justice
    Join us as we learn about two successful congregational food justice programs: An edible garden that is helping attract new synagogue members and build stronger interfaith relations and an educational program that focuses on food, Judaism and sustainability.
  • November 3, 2010 - Chanukah: Sustaining the Light with Social Justice
    What does the story of Chanukah teach us about energy usage? How does a congregation conduct an energy audit and what do you do once it's complete? Find out from Union staff, energy experts and congregational leaders who have conducted successful audits and efficiency programs that save money and our environment.
  • January 25, 2011 - Community Supported Agriculture 102
    This session will delve into how to start and maintain a successful Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, building off the work our congregations are already doing in this area. We will hear about different CSA programs and other approaches to food justice that Reform congregations are embracing as part of our Green Table, Just Table ethical eating initiative. This Webinar will be offered at both 2 & 8 pm EST.
  • March 22, 2011 - Earth Day & the Gulf Oil Spill at One Year
    April 22, 2011 marks the 41st annual Earth Day and the first anniversary of the BP oil spill. As we prepare for those anniversaries, we will hear from sustainability experts and congregational representatives who will share their tried-and-true methods for greening synagogue programming, facilities and worship experience.
  • May 18, 2011 - Just Food Book Club Discussion
    In Food Matters, Mark Bittman suggests making small, relatively easy changes to our diet to improve our personal, economic and environmental health. Discuss Bittman's approach to food justice, and hear from leading food scholars, as part of our Green Table, Just Table ethical eating initiative.
Responding to the Oil Disaster

The Union and the RAC have several resources to help you and your congregation respond to the recent Gulf oil disaster. Take action now on our No New Drilling Campaign page where you can also offer support to residents, families and friends in the affected region with our new prayer resource for the Gulf.

Just Table, Green Table

At the Toronto Biennial, Rabbi Yoffie called for a commitment to ethical eating, asking synagogue leaders to "carefully, thoughtfully, Jewishly" formulate new eating guidelines for their communities. Download resources and program guides for developing new food policies, planting community gardens, and educating membership about righteous, healthy eating. More

For great programming ideas, visit the brand new Green Table, Just Table program bank today!

To learn more about the Jewish perspective on food, read Eilu v'Eilu's Food Issue.

Support a Jewish vision of
stewardship and sustainability today!

Give to the Environmental
Sustainability Fund.
Support carbon reduction and offsetting in your own communities and in Israel by contributing to a clean future fueled by green jobs and sustainable products and practices.

Donate Now

Greening RJ
Subscribe to our listserv to discuss environmental & greening issues and ideas!

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Greening 101
All the basics of greening, background information on the climate crisis and tips that are just for you.

Judaism & the Environment
Incorporate environmental issues into adult study and religious school curriculum.

Programs
Learn about congregational best practices, funding information, and making your holiday experiences greener.

Greening Your Building
Make your house of worship and your house of living energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Advocacy
Use these primers, tools and resources to take action.

About Us

Learn more about Greening Reform Judaism and why environmental responsibility is a Jewish imperative.

For more information about Greening Reform Judaism, please contact us:

Union for Reform Judaism
Attn: Greening Reform Judaism
633 Third Avenue, New York, NY  10017
greening@urj.org

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