On Wednesday, November 20 senior Jewish and Christian leaders met with auto executives to demand increases in fuel economy standards. Average fuel economy is now at the lowest level since 1980! Raising it is the single most effective thing we can do to help address global warming and reduce U.S. reliance on imported oil. The "Driven By Values Clean Car Campaign" is organized in conjunction with the Interfaith Climate and Energy Campaign.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Send your own automatic fax to the CEOs of the big 3 automobile companies -- click here to take action using COEJL's fast and easy state-of-the-art electronic advocacy network.

Hanukkah starts on Friday November 29th! COEJL's Hanukkah web site has suggestions for families, synagogues, and schools to celebrate Hanukkah in the spirit of "Let There Be (Renewable) Light" - our effort to make a connection between the miracle of a little bit of oil going a long way in the days of the Temple with the need for energy conservation and renewable energy today.

It's not too early to start thinking about Tu B'shvat! The "Jewish Earth Day" falls on Shabbat this year - January 17/18, 2003. Jewish families and educators can find lots of ideas for celebrating on COEJL's Tu B'Shvat web site.

Energy conservation is an age-old practice in the Jewish community. Consider this from the Talmud: Rav Zutra said, "Whoever covers an oil lamp or uncovers a naphtha lamp transgresses the law of Bal Tashchit (the Biblical commandment forbidding needless wasting)" (Talmud Bavli, Shabbat 67b). What happens when covering an oil lamp, or uncovering a naphtha lamp? The fuel burns less efficiently and is therefore wasted. This is about energy conservation!

If Rav Zutra were alive today, what might he say about choosing light bulbs, appliances, and cars? Does following the Bal Tashchit commandment mean choosing the ones that use energy most efficiently? And given that burning excessive fuel is not just wasteful but causes needless pollution, including global warming, do the commandments to prevent harm to our neighbors and preserve the diversity of life also call on us to conserve energy?

As winter comes, save energy and save money! Keep your thermostat 3 degrees lower than usual. For every 3 degrees you lower your thermostat, you will reduce energy use - and therefore energy costs - about 10 percent. You'll hardly notice - and you'll be helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. This is one of the "8 days, 8 actions" COEJL recommends for Hanukkah. Click here for more energy conservation tips from the EPA.

Greater Boston COEJL held its second annual Jewish Environmental Institute, "Connecting Judaism and the Environment," at Temple Israel in Boston on October 20th. More than 100 people participated in workshops on the connections between Judaism and the environment, how individuals and institutions can make a difference, and ways in which the Boston community can effect change. Sessions were followed by a vegetarian, kosher dinner and dancing to klezmer music.and a great time was had by all! To learn about upcoming events organized by Greater Boston COEJL, click here.