IN THIS ISSUE:

TAKE ACTION: International Climate Conference
SPOTLIGHT ON THE FIELD: Reporting Live From Montreal
CELEBRATE: Thinking of Miracles
LEARN: Global Warming: Why Jews Should Care
GO GREEN: Wrap It Up

International Climate Change Conference 
Barbara Lerman-Golomb, COEJL’s Communications Director, is part of an interfaith delegation attending the U.N. climate talks now underway in Montreal. The ecumenical team is monitoring the international negotiations on global warming and meeting with scientists and government officials from many countries to discuss ethical and moral responses to this urgent environmental problem.

At the conference, the Climate Crisis Coalition drafted a letter to be sent to Congressional representatives as well as local press.  Please feel free to personalize this letter by speaking from the Jewish tradition of our concern for the effects of global warming on all of creation. In particular we need to consider the impact on those most vulnerable in our society: people of color, indigenous peoples, and low-income communities. 

On Dec. 3, conference organizers held a workshop on Climate Justice  with a focus on youth and young adults. In parallel with rallies around the globe, activists participated in a Time is Running Out march through downtown Montreal demanding action on climate change. On Dec. 4, a multi-media event brought together First Nations, people of all faiths and beliefs, and children. The program emphasized the impact of climate change on peoples and ecosystems that are particularly vulnerable including developing nations and the poor. Click here for more updates from Barbara.

Even if you’re not in Montreal, you can get involved in local activities honoring the important work of this conference.  Let the climate change conference be an inspiration to talk about energy issues and conservation in your home and synagogue.  COEJL's climate change resources can help educate and enlighten your congregation.  

Think of the miracle of Hanukkah – how a small band of people, led by the tenacious Judah the Maccabee (“The Hammer”), was able, more than 2,000 years ago, to defeat the oppressive Syrian emperor, Antiochus, in a fight for religious freedom. Think of how we can change the way energy is produced in this country.  Think of how we can break our dependence on foreign oil.

COEJL is focused year-round on global climate change issues, but particularly so during Hanukkah. When better to think about energy and light than during the winter when the darkest days of the year are upon us?

Click here for more on the Hanukkah/Energy link.
 
Click here for COEJL’s “Let There Be (Renewable) Light:  A New Look at Hanukkah.

Click here to read more on Judaism and Global Warming.

Wrap It Up
It’s holiday time again and this year, COEJL focuses on waste-free wrapping ideas.

1. Sunday comics – a tried and true, fun and festive wrapping paper.  Peanuts for the kids, Doonesbury for your liberal friends!
2. Gift bags – use and reuse, and reuse, and reuse, and reuse...
3. Holiday Catalogs – hate them when they come in the mail?  Use them to wrap stuff you bought already!
4. Scarves – both a wrapper and a gift all in one!
5. COEJL's Organic Cotton Tote Bag – your gift when you donate $100 or more this 2005 season.  Place gift in bag and serve!