Committees » Green

Shomer Ha'aretz (Guard the Earth)

The Green Committee's goal is to better understand the global climate crisis, our impact on it and the actions we can take individually and collectively to turn the tide. You are invited to join our quest to weave together study and action to address this critical challenge in a Jewish context.

Committee activities include:

• Study of global climate change facts and exploration of Jewish values in response.
• Analysis of our congregation's energy (and other resource use) in our facilities.
• Plan, budget for and implement facilities improvements that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy and reduce expenses. Secure grants and rebates.
• Compile tools and resources to reduce energy and resource use in our homes, and at work. Calculate your CO2 production footprint.
• Reach out to other congregations and communities of faith to share learning and take action.

We accomplish these goals through special events, communication (newsletter, bulletin board and website) and practical action. Everyone is welcome to participate. We meet once a month, with additional meetings, as necessary.

On Sunday March 18th, the committee organized a symposium at KE on how Jewish tradition informs our response to the challenge of global climate change. The panel of distinguished rabbis and educators included Rabbis Daniel Steinberg and Dov Greenberg and Kehillah Jewish Studies Department Head Renee Ghert-Zand and Amy Lansky, Ph.D. Finally, after reflection and discussion facilitated by Dr. Michael Hahn, teen members of our congregation presented action steps that we can take individually and collectively, to make a real difference.

Join the KE-Green email list ke-green-subscribe@yahoogroups.com For more information, contact Marianna Grossman Keller, Marianna@kellers.org.