Vote Green On Nov. 2nd for the Future Generations
Top of the Crop
As we spoke about last week, Election Day is this Tuesday, November 2nd and your vote really does make a difference – even more so in these mid-term elections. I know – you may be feeling frustrated by the current state of affairs in our government. Your expectations of progress have been dashed. You’re tired of partisanship inhibiting action. The economy around you is struggling, jobs are few and far between, and corporate money has even more power than before to steer government. But just remember this….one thing is still more powerful than all those things combined – people, and specifically people who vote! We, as citizens of this country, have the privilege to speak our voice and decide how we want our government to be run. Not all countries – yes, even today – allow their citizens the ability to vote. So everyone able to vote needs to make their voice heard.
This year many important elections are extremely close between candidates who support progressive environmental efforts and those who oppose them. As we have seen in other races in recent years, every vote counts. Just ask Senator Al Franken of Minnesota. He won his seat by only 225 votes! COEJL seeks to move the Jewish community forward on matters of energy efficiency, security, independence, and sustainability through our Jewish Energy Covenant Campaign. And having representatives on our side who support effective environmental and energy policy is imperative for us to succeed. So go vote on Tuesday, and please consider the environment and energy first when casting your ballot for any candidate from any party. Ask yourself the question – even in the voting booth, “Will this candidate help the environmental cause, push for a new energy efficient economy and jobs, and consider the planet ahead of profits for the future generations?” If so, vote for them wholeheartedly. But if the answer is no, steer clear, stay far away, and choose one who will fit the profile better. As Jews, we understand the importance of speaking up and being heard – for silence leads to apathy, and apathy leads to disaster. As I said last week, “Jewish Energy moves me to think this way for my children. Let us all be moved to do the same for the future generations.”
By: COEJL Program Director, David L. Marks
Word on the Hill
Vote Green Next Week. As Election Day approaches, you may want to know your candidate’s position on energy and climate. Check here to see whether they are endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters. Also check out JCPA’s “Jewish Values in Action” – 2010 Election Resource Guide and the RAC’s “Get Out The Vote 2010 Guide” to view a Jewish perspective on voting. The stakes are higher than ever as things continue heating up. Zambia just became the 18th country to set a new extreme heat record this year. Plus, a new study based on current projections of greenhouse gas emissions estimates that across the globe droughts will increase in 30 years and that by the end of the century they will reach a scale rarely, if ever, observed.
The US is First to Build World’s Largest Solar Farm. The Department of the Interior gave final approval to a proposed 1 gigawatt solar project planned for Blythe, California on October 25th, 2010 making the US the first nation to build a solar farm of this size and capacity. Though South Africa may soon develop an even larger solar farm, the US is helping to lead globally in the expansion of renewable solar resources. The 7,000 acre project backed by German solar firm Solar Millennium, is expected to ultimately provide energy for up to 750,000 homes. US Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar hailed the project as a “major milestone” in the development of America’s renewable energy economy, adding that it provided further evidence that the US government will support the emerging low-carbon sector. COEJL supports joint industry and governmental coordinated efforts to push forward with renewable energy and sustainable projects and continues to advocate for policy to further these measures on a broader national and international scale. (Businessgreen.com)
Community News and Views
Sisterhood B’nai Jacob Oneg with Presenter Sybil Sanchez on Nov, 5th. COEJL Director, Sybil Sanchez will be presenting at B’nai Jacob synagogue located at Starr and Manavon Streets in Phoenixville, PA, 19460, on Friday, November 5th, 2010 at 7:30PM. She will be speaking on the topic of Jewish environmentalism today, mobilizing the Jewish community to be more energy aware and green in everyday life, and answering the question, “Why is Judaism inherently a ‘green’ religion?“
Lunch and Learn with guest speaker COEJL Director, Sybil Sanchez on Nov, 6th. COEJL Director, Sybil Sanchez, will be presenting at Beth Sholom Congregation located at 8231 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027 Shabbat morning, November 6th, at 12:15 PM. She will be speaking on the topic of Jewish environmentalism today, mobilizing the Jewish community to be more energy aware and green in everyday life, and answering the question, “Why is Judaism inherently a ‘green’ religion?” Sponsored by the Social Action/Mitzvot B’Yahad Committee.
COEJL Can Help You with Your Earth Day Greening Events. Next year, Earth Day falls close to Passover, offering the possibility of linking it with themes of cleansing, renewal, and freedom. On Wednesday, October 27, 2010, 9:00 a.m. a panel of experts, including COEJL representatives, spoke at the UJA-Federation of New York providing tips on how to engage parents, kids, employees, and neighbors in education, advocacy, and hands-on projects. COEJL is available to assist communities and organizations in planning for program activities and events around Earth Day. Contact COEJL Program Director David L. Marks at: dmarks@coejl.org or 212-532-7436 to learn more.
After the Spill: Interfaith Community Launches Long-Term Gulf Restoration Project. The six-month anniversary of the BP oil disaster passed last week and the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism launched After the Spill: Religious Communities Restoring the Gulf, an online project of faith communities in the Gulf and across North America committed to long-term Gulf restoration following the BP oil spill disaster. Director of the Religious Action Center Rabbi David Saperstein said, “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. Go to Afterthespill.com and check out this recent Huffington Post article by RAC Sustainability Program Coordinator Rachel Cohen for more information.
Jewish National Fund and Greenfaith present: Judaism and the Environment Webinar Series starting Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010. Judaism and the Environment is a unique series of webinars designed to educate and equip Jewish leaders for environmental action. Join JNF for a unique and practical educational experience that will strengthen the Jewish community’s environmental leadership, help synagogues attract new, younger members, and reduce synagogue and other community institutions’ operating expenses. Registration is available at http://www.jnf.org/greenfaith. For more information, contact JNF at: education@jnf.org or 212-879-9305 x-263.
