Jewish Energy Moves Me
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As an open minded person, there are many things that have the ability to change my thought process and make me think differently than I had before. Sometimes it is listening to a thought-provoking sermon by a rabbinic leader such as Rabbi Saul Berman (Listen to our webinar from October 7th) or a mind-blowing speech from an industry thought leader such as best-selling author Seth Godin. And sometimes it is simply a powerful photo on the cover of The New York Times that somehow reaches me inside and creates a big “ahah” epiphany moment.
But very often what gets me really moving is witnessing the energy of inspired people who are taking action on a cause and working together to get something done. I have always been cause-oriented. Most often, my cause has been the protection of our environment. But no matter what the cause, whether it is fighting against the ‘Dirty Energy’ Proposition 23 in California, or saving energy and money through the Jewish Greening Fellowships and the UJA, or seeing Jews working together on Fighting Poverty with Faith, we as a people can and do make a big impact for the betterment of this world.
That is why COEJL is working to build Jewish Energy. To push for environmental and energy related policy, and coordinate the broader Jewish community to protect Creation for the generations. So here’s what I ask of you. Take a look at what Jewish Energy action is happening below in this week’s COEJL blog. Tell your friends and family about COEJL and what we’re up to. And on election day this November 2nd, please consider the environment first when casting your ballot for any candidate. Jewish Energy moves me to think this way for my children. Let us all be moved to do the same for the future generations.
– David L. Marks, COEJL Program Director
Jewish Groups Oppose Ban on Greenhouse Gas Regulations in California. JCPA, COEJL and 53 other Jewish organizations and individuals issued a public statement against proposed legislation in California that would freeze the state’s landmark clean air legislation until the state’s unemployment rate drops below five percent. Initiated by the Northern California, Los Angeles and Orange County chapters of the American Jewish Committee, the letter went to Jewish and secular press, and federations and synagogues in California. It states, “As Jews who care deeply about California’s future, we urge you to join us in voting ‘No’ on Proposition 23: the ‘Dirty Energy’ Proposition. Your support will ensure: California continues to lead the clean energy economy of the future; we decrease our dependence on foreign oil; we promote both the US’ and Israel’s economic and national security; and we actualize the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).” Working toward similar goals at the national level, the JCPA’s Energy and the Environment Committee is considering questions about Open Fuel Standard legislation and is investigating environmental, social, and economic factors related to different biofuel sources.
Community News and Views
Jewish Greening Fellows – Saving Energy, Money and Energizing their Communities. The Jewish Greening Fellowships – a project of the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center and funded by UJA-Federation of New York – just graduated its first class of fellows from 19 different agencies in the New York Metropolitan area. Through their 18-month program, fellows created programs within their agencies, helped communities save energy and money, and collectively raised more than $850,000 in new funding for their organizations to conduct energy audits, energy-efficiency measures, and other projects. Rachel Jacoby Rosenfield, a new member of COEJL’s Governance Committee, is the fellowship director. Read more about it.
After the Spill: Interfaith Community Launches Long-Term Gulf Restoration Project As the six-month anniversary of the BP oil disaster approaches, the Religious Action Center is launching After the Spill: Religious Communities Restoring the Gulf, a project of faith communities in the Gulf and across North America committed to long-term Gulf restoration following the BP oil spill disaster. Quoting Rabbi Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center, “Five years after Hurricane Katrina and six months after the Deepwater Horizon explosion, people of faith remain committed to restoring the Gulf Coast.” After the Spill is sponsored by the Religious Action Center, COEJL, and over 15 other Jewish and Christian partner groups. Learn more here: Afterthespill.com. Check out the recent Huffington Post article.
Earth Day Greening Seminar: Wednesday, October 27, 2010, 9:00 a.m. This year Earth Day falls close to Passover, offering the possibility of linking it with themes of cleansing, renewal, and freedom. Join a panel of experts and resources, including COEJL representatives, at the UJA-Federation of New York and get tips on how to engage parents, kids, employees, and neighbors in education, advocacy, and hands-on projects. Learn more and register here.
