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This May, I was honored to represent COEJL at the National Adaptation Forum, in a session with the National Wildlife Federation about their "Sacred Grounds" program (re-wilding congregational lawns both for community-building and climate-resilience). While there, I was interviewed by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communications - and now, the 90-second spot is out there: Maryland rabbi calls on people to be good ancestors to future generations » Yale Climate Connections
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My name is Becca Amdur-Kass, and I have been a COEJL (Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life) policy intern this summer; I’m also a rising sophomore at Alfred University in New York, and a member of Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation in Bethesda MD.
It’s been an honor to attend coalition meetings, reach out to Jewish leaders about policy matters, shape and generate educational materials, and advocate on behalf of a better future for all. One particular highlight was attending the Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL) Summer Conference in June. Here are a few reflections on what I learned – and what we might all learn: We more or less know right from wrong, in general -- and regarding what we're doing to the biosphere, we are mostly clued in. Why then, even when we know better, do we keep making unsustainable, unjust, and ultimately unwise choices? Why the giant gap between our values and our actions?
To be better aligned, we must first “mind the gap” -- notice it, focus on it, even feel bad about it -- then bridge the gap, and ultimately close it. Jewish tradition promotes a structure for this ongoing ethical-spiritual introspection and sustained self-improvement: Mussar. The world as a whole can use this, right now. Polluters should pay – sounds pretty basic, right?! This week, in Annapolis, I had the honor of teaching a little Talmud while testifying on this “polluter pays principle.” And Marylanders, especially those in District 15 (which includes Adat Shalom), can now make their voice heard on this, too.
The RENEW Act -- a bill before the Maryland Senate committee chaired by Montgomery County (District 15)’s Sen. Brian Feldman, and co-chaired by neighboring Sen. Cheryl Kagan (who is already a cosponsor) -- would generate $900 million per year over the coming decade, to help Maryland adapt to the growing ravages of climate change, and limit or ‘mitigate’ its future emissions. As the "New Year of the Trees" arrives again, there are seders to be had, fruits to be symbolically eaten, Four Worlds to be invoked over four cups, and trees to be invoked. Better yet, trees to be planted. But saplings, which take decades to grow, already abound. What do we have ever less of? Mature trees in old growth forests -- which anchor vital habitats, and offer invaluable "ecosystem services." So better still: there are trees to be protected!
In gearing up to solicit comments to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) on its proposed National Forest Plan Amendment to Conserve and Steward Old Growth Forests, I came across a piece about Tu b'Shvat that I'd written and shared on NPR's "Interfaith Voices" program, back in 2008. It's a short primer on this minor festival that brings in Joni Mitchell, roadless rules, redwood rabbis, and being the tree. |
CategoriesAUthorRabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb, an eco-Jewish teacher-writer-organizer for over three decades, is COEJL's new Rabbinic Consultant. Fred serves on the national board of Interfaith Power and Light, and remains active in Jewish and multifaith efforts toward justice and sustainability. Please reach out if he or others at COEJL can work with you in some way, raising eco-Jewish awareness and action. authorIsrael Harris (he/him), a community and advocacy organizer, is COEJL's new Advocacy Director, and NRPE's new Policy Director. As an educator and youth advocate, Israel also supports Reform youth at the URJ, and continues working in support of our Jewish, multifaith, and justice-focus communities striving for equity and sustainability. |
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Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life is a project of a consortium of Jewish agencies, alongside allies, under the umbrella of the National Religious Partnership for the Environment.
In-Person meetings, across from U.S. Capitol: co/ NRPE, 110 Maryland Ave. NE, Su 203 -- Washington DC 20002
Mailings/Checks: c/o NRPE, 2529 Holkham Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901
Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life is a project of a consortium of Jewish agencies, alongside allies, under the umbrella of the National Religious Partnership for the Environment.
In-Person meetings, across from U.S. Capitol: co/ NRPE, 110 Maryland Ave. NE, Su 203 -- Washington DC 20002
Mailings/Checks: c/o NRPE, 2529 Holkham Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901