GREENING SYNAGOGUES RESOURCES

Program Bank

If you’re looking for classroom or informal education resources, the COEJL Program Bank is the best place to start. Here you will find literally hundreds of useful resources, most of which are geared toward school-aged children. A few age-specific breakdowns are available there when you “search by category,” and then “by target audience”: ages 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14-17, and 18-21, along with adults, seniors, and families. You will find scores of programs and activities for each age group.

A few favorite activities, most of which work across various ages, include these:

Build a Tree
Players act out the various parts of a tree: the taproot, lateral roots, heartwood, sapwood, phloem/cambium, and bark. In large groups, more than one player can take each role.

Earth Midrash
Use this text-based program to stimulate intellectual growth

Environmental Beit Din
A large group re-enactment of a town hall meeting based on an environmental question.

Garden Project
"Grow! Grow!" say the angels to each blade of grass. Experience nature by being directly involved in the process of growing things. Tips for growing herbs, flowers, and fruits.

Global Climate Change and Hard-Boiled Eggs
A hands-on activity to teach young children (Kindergarten-4th grade) about the concept of Global Climate Change

Habitat - Lesson One - Oh Bear !!
Active game -- concluding with a discussion.

Habitat - Lesson Three - Web of Life
The object here is to demonstrate the importance of every member of an ecosystem and community. This is an active game - ending in a facilitated group discussion.

Hug a Tree
Objectives: 1)To develop tactile senses 2)To introduce the symbol of the tree as a Jewish metaphor 3)To begin to help campers "look" closely at the uniqueness of trees 4)To foster the development of a personal relationship with a tree

The Jewish Calendar and the Rhythms of Nature
Through studying the Jewish calendar, participants will learn how Jewish holidays are tied to the changing seasons and agricultural cycles of the Land of Israel.

Jewish Quotes Discussion
To consider in depth ancient Jewish teachings on Tsaar Baalei Chayim. To enable children to respond within an authentically Jewish formula by creating their own 'talmudic' commentaries.

The Lorax - by Dr. Seuss
It is never too early and never too late to learn about ecology. The book The Lorax by Dr. Seuss is a great tool to use for all age groups.

A Nature Treasure Hunt
Help people take a closer look at some of the parts of nature around them by searching for specific parts of nature discussed in the Bible and other traditional Jewish texts.

Roots and Branches: A Jewish Study and Ecoteam Workbook
An introduction to the 6 part series. What can we do, as Jews, to protect the environment? How does our Jewish faith affect our relationship with the natural world? (The six parts are: Dumping on Garbage, Wasting Water, Saving Energy, Ticket to Ride, Good Buys are Forever, and You Make the Difference).

Seeing the Special in the “Ordinary”
To enhance appreciation of the majesty of the everyday and to acquaint people with traditional blessings connected with nature.

Sh'ma - Becoming an 'Observing' Jew
To learn the important of paying close attention to the world around us through new insights into the "sh'ma" prayer.

Wisdom of the Forest
Get every student out of their seat with this interactive classroom program to teach the Jewish perspective that the forest is a perfect model of nature in balance.

Write your own prayer of Thanksgiving
Use the inspiration of Hanukkah to write your own prayer