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Rededicating Your Synagogue This Hanukkah

On Hanukkah, we celebrate the rededication of the Temple and the miracle of a limited resource lasting a long time. What better way to observe the tradition of the holiday than to rededicate your synagogue to be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly?

For a complete guide to a multitude of environmental projects your shul can accomplish, see COEJL's Greening Synagogues Resources. Over 80 pages of information and advice from construction materials to group activities are contained in this valuable online tool.

Become an ENERGY STAR CONGREGATION
Energy Star is a U.S. program run jointly by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. In addition to labeling energy efficient products for homes and businesses, Energy Star has created a program to help religious institutions become more energy efficient, reducing operating costs while helping to protect the environment. They can provide all of the information and technical assistance you need to become an energy-friendly building. Call them at 1-888-STAR-YES or visit their Web site.

Install a Solar Ner Tamid
A new and meaningful way to rededicate your synagogue is by installing a Solar Ner Tamid. The concept is a simple one: to power this holy light with clean, renewable energy by installing a solar panel. Although this is a relatively new idea, several congregations across North America are already using them.

Conduct an Energy Conservation Evaluation
Most synagogues, schools, community centers and other buildings use far more energy than necessary, providing numerous opportunities to both reduce carbon emissions and save money. The first step is to conduct a thorough energy evaluation, measuring the amount of energy and money wasted by your building and researching how much you can save by retrofitting the lighting, heating, insulation, etc. See "Conducting an Institutional Environmental Audit" in COEJL's Program Bank.

Your local energy company probably provides assistance to customers trying to reduce their use of electricity and gas. You can download audit forms for a do-it-yourself audit at Solar Utilities Network.

Visit the Department of Energy's Web site, for information on how to conduct an energy audit. This site provides a thorough description of everything you should look for in an audit, what you can expect from a professional auditor, and how to find one.

Also helpful is The Green Shalom Guide: A How-To Manual for Greening Local Synagogues, Schools, and Offices produced by Shomrei Adamah of Greater Washington.

Create an Environmental Policy for your Synagogue
Many national Jewish organizations have adapted policies calling for environmental protection and energy conservation. And over the last several years, many synagogues have begun to create such agendas for themselves. Even a small group of environmentally minded congregants is enough to plan a synagogue policy for your community. Check out resolutions written by Central Conference of American Rabbis and Rabbinical Assembly.

Incorporate the Environment in your Holiday Calendar
Plan an environmental field trip or activity to supplement your congregation's ritual observance for each holiday. Temple Emanuel of Greater Washington gleans at a farm every Sukkot, and climbs a local mountain during Shavuot. In addition to planting trees on Tu B'shvat, you may want to have a regular spring planting project for Passover. Likewise, Sukkot is not the only time we can appreciate the night sky. Have Friday night services outside one night, and enjoy the sunset as you welcome Shabbat.

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