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EBULLETIN ARCHIVE
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February 18, 2004 |
COEJL Community e-bulletin #14 |
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Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life
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IN THIS ISSUE:
TAKE ACTION: Reduce Mercury Pollution!
CELEBRATE: It's a Mitzvah
LEARN: Sustainable Purim
GO GREEN: Keep the Fire Burning...
SPOTLIGHT ON THE FIELD: COEJL SC Turns Over a New Leaf
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TAKE ACTION
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Tell EPA to Reduce Mercury Pollution Now!
One of the core beliefs that empowers COEJL, and all people of faith who are concerned with protecting creation, is the call for intergenerational equity. Simply stated, we believe that the gifts of God's creation are to be conserved over time for God's children. Genesis (9:12) reads: "This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations".
Now is the time for you to remind the Bush Administration of this deeply held tenet of our Jewish faith by contacting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Leavitt and telling him that EPA's new proposal on mercury is both too little and too late. More than 600,000 newborns are at risk of brain damage and learning disabilities every year because their mothers have been exposed to mercury pollution. Instead of using already existing technology to reduce mercury emissions by as much as 90%, as is required by the Clean Air Act, the new plan would postpone any significant controls for mercury until 2018, and in doing so would unnecessarily endanger the lives of an entire generation of children. Take one minute of your day to tell EPA that you care about children and that the agency should too!
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CELEBRATE
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Eat, Drink, and Be Merry...and Share the Wealth
Purim (March 7, 2004) is a holiday filled with tremendous joy and
hidden depth. The basis for the mitzvot and traditions of Purim is
found in a verse from the book of Esther: "...the Jews are to observe them as days of feasting and merrymaking and as an occasion for sending gifts to one another and presents to the poor." (Esther 9:22) Purim is the only holiday with an actual requirement to give gifts to friends and family (specifically of at least two prepared foods, to at least two different people) and to give to those in need. It is a mitzvah, a requirement, to celebrate on Purim--and in the midst of our celebration, to remember that all is not right with the world. Click here for an informative article on socialaction.com and more ideas for giving Purim tzedakah.
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LEARN
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A Jewish Perspective on Sustainable Development, by Rabbi Lawrence Troster
Moderation implies a self limitation on our consumption. We learn moderation from the rabbinic concept of Bal Tashchit. Our tradition teaches us not to commit wanton destruction -- to be careful about what we consume, not to consume more than we need, and not to waste what we have without regard for other people or other life. Yet moderation is not only expressed as a prohibition but also as positive value that can enhance our appreciation of life.
"When God created the first human beings, God led them around the garden of Eden and said: "Look at my works! See how beautiful they are -- how excellent! For your sake I created them all. See to it you do not spoil and destroy My world; for if you do, there will be no one else to repair it." -- Kohelet R. 7:13
To read the complete article click here
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GO GREEN
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Light One Candle
How could something so basic and relaxing have a negative effect? Unfortunately, a seemingly harmless candle could be filling the air in your home with carcinogenic soot and lead emissions. Forty percent of candles on the market contain lead wires inside their wicks. Aromatherapy candles made of paraffin - a petroleum by-product, release soot when burned. Make sure that when you buy new candles, look for a "lead -free" label or rub the wick on a piece of paper - if it leaves a gray mark, there's lead in there! Or buy natural beeswax candles with cotton wicks. For environmentally happy candles, check out:
Aromaland, Inc. - www.aromaland.com
CandleWorks - www.candleworks.org
Soulshine Beeswax Candles - www.esoulshine.com
Way Out Wax - www.wayoutwax.com
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SPOTLIGHT ON THE FIELD
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COEJL of Southern California Branches Out with Tu B'Shvat Activities!
COEJL SC invited residents of the Los Angeles area to "Turn Over a New Leaf" by bringing their families to celebrate Tu B'Shvat week. Events ranged from the traditional to the creative! There were family friendly services and festivals, as well as Shabbat seders and luncheons. Tree plantings took place all week long, in conjunction with TreePeople, the Children's Museum, B'nai B'rith, and Hadassah. There was even a moonlight hike and a Tu B'Shvat origami event!! Yasher Koach to COEJL SC for bringing such a great range of activities to their neighborhood. For more information on COEJL SC, go to www.coejlsc.com
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