Jewish Organizations Across Northeast Ohio Join Together to Promote Sustainability
“Go Green in February.” That’s the rallying cry of a consortium of Jewish organizations in Greater Cleveland. Tu B’Shevat is the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat, also known as the New Year for Trees. Several synagogues, schools and Jewish organizations are partnering, taking the opportunity during this nature-focused holiday to launch several green initiatives in addition to holiday celebrations.
The American Jewish Committee convened a community meeting early last fall to discuss issues surrounding energy independence, the environment and sustainability. The response from the meeting was tremendous. Jewish organizations across the country are becoming more involved in issues related to protecting the environment and reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign energy sources. And Cleveland is no exception. Many of our local synagogues and organizations had already begun to work on these issues.
A Go Green in February subcommittee was formed with the mission of creating environmental awareness and educational programming throughout the month, hosted by synagogues and Jewish organizations. “We’ve been thrilled by the excitement and energy surrounding this initiative. The Tu B’Shevat programs in February are designed to inspire both adults and children to get involved on a daily basis to protect our environment.” said Co-Chair Adrienne Goldberg.
Co-Chair Chris Fox added, “This is a springboard for future and longstanding initiatives surrounding energy and sustainability issues. We’re excited by the number of organizations participating and the breadth of programming being offered.”
For more information, contact Adrienne Goldberg at amg5656@gmail.com or 216 -831-1962 and visit www.GoGreeninFeb.org for a complete list of activities.
Please consider attending the following events:
• Feb. 1 and 8 from 10 a.m. - Noon: “You Are What You Eat” presented by Amalia Haas at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes in Shaker Heights.
• Feb. 1 and 8 at 6 p.m.: “It’s Not as Hard to be Green as You Think” presented by Rabbi Rona Shapiro of Congregation Bethaynu at Joseph Beth Booksellers at Legacy Village in Lyndhurst.
• Feb 4 at 7 p.m.: “The Jewish Tradition and the Environment: Is Green a Jewish Color? presented by Professor Ronald Brauner at Siegal College in Beachwood.
• Feb 4 at 10:30 a.m.: Tu B’Shevat Seder in Miller Boardroom at Menorah Park in Beachwood.
• Feb 6 at 1:30 p.m.: Stefanie Spear, executive director EarthWatch Ohio, will speak with Cleveland Hillel students at Case Western Reserve University about sustainable lifestyles and energy efficiency.
• Feb 8 from 2 - 4 p.m.: JNF Tu B’Shevat Celebration for kids, family & friends at Park Synagogue East in Beachwood.
• Feb 9 at 6:30 p.m.: Fairmount Temple hosts Alvidas Jasin, ADM for Al Gore’s Climate Project at Fairmount Temple in Beachwood.
• Feb. 15 at 1 p.m.: Stefanie Spear, executive director EarthWatch Ohio, will read The Lorax to children at Joseph Beth Booksellers at Legacy Village in Beachwood.
• Feb 22 from 1 - 4 p.m.: Go Green Family Day with films and activities at the Maltz Museum in Beachwood.
• Feb. 22 at 12:15 p.m.: “Pass of the Plastic Bag” by Kathleen Rocko of Cuyahoga Waste Management Authority at Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood.
• Feb. 26 at 6:45 p.m.: AJC-Cleveland and Park Synagogue present Reducing Dependence on Foreign Energy Supplies. A panel discussion at Park Synagogue East in Beachwood. Moderator: Richard Stuebi, BP Fellow for Energy and Environmental Advancement, The Cleveland Foundation. Panelists: Matt Zone, Cleveland City Council, Chair, Public Utilities Committee; Rhonda Reda, Executive Director, Ohio Oil & Gas Foundation’s Energy Education Program; and Sam Spofforth, Executive Director, Clean Fuels Ohio.