office and has a solar panel wired to
a wind turbine to supply power to his
congregation became a beacon of light Local Religious Leaders Promote
by serving up hot food and warm-water
showers to the community. Caring for the Environment
Our “Cool Congregation” program
encourages families to compete with each
Many local congregations are taking to
other to have the most energy-efficient
home. We hear stories of kids riding their
heart the strong relationship between
bikes to church and even taking cold religion and the sanctity of our environ-
showers to decrease their energy use.
ment. According to Cantor Sally Neff of
Once people get the message of conser-
vation, they become admirably creative.
Temple Beth Torah in Upper Nyack, “G-d
created and gave us this beautiful world.
How are you building an interfaith
We are in charge of its care and upkeep.”
coalition that cuts across the politi-
cal spectrum?
Rev. Harry C. Green of the First Unitarian
These days, we’re doing a little more
Society of Rockland County in Pomona
advocacy work than we used to, getting
explains that basic to their faith, and one
people to ask their legislators for laws
of their seven principles, is the “belief
that will cut U.S. greenhouse gas emis-
sions. During our lobby day in Wash-
in and respect for the interdependent
ington in May, rabbis, Buddhists and
web of all existence of which we are all a
Catholic priests walk the White House
part.” Both incorporate environmental issues in some of their
halls to talk about these issues.
An unexpected consequence of our
sermons.
work is that people of diverse religions
Temple Beth Torah has made a strong commitment to the Earth
have put their theological differences
by choosing an environmental theme for their religious school each
aside for this common purpose. We de-
liver a similar message to politicians: If
year. This year they are focusing on water, in both Israel and in the lo-
you are a person of faith, then you have
cal community. Additionally, they established a Greening Committee in
a responsibility to care for creation, no
2007. The committee had an energy audit of the building completed,
matter your political affiliation.
held cell phone drives and is working on a way to assist congregants
How can we learn to see living an
in properly recycling their unwanted electronics. As a result of the
eco-friendly life as a spiritual practice?
energy audit, many of the light bulbs have been switched to CFLs and
The first step is to understand the present
situation of environmental degradation.
automatic light switches were installed in all the bathrooms.
People generally want to do the right
While Green admits that they are only at the beginning of mak-
thing. Years ago, I unconsciously be-
ing a real difference, he recognizes that they need to act personally,
haved in ways that harmed our environ-
ment, but now, among other things, I
locally and nationally to adopt practices that address climate change
compost, drive a fuel-efficient car and
and other environmental issues in ways that are just and equitable.
unplug appliances when they’re not in
Cantor Neff encourages congregants to lobby for green issues, in ad-
use.
There is a discipline involved in
dition to taking action in both the synagogue and their homes to help
following any kind of spiritual path. But
care for the Earth.
eventually, it becomes who you are;
By not only acknowledging the role everyone has as stewards to
you’ll find that your heart grows bigger
in the process.
the planet, but by actually being role models in the green movement,
it’s just one more way our religious leaders are uplifting our spirituality.
For more information, visit TheRegen-
erationProject.org.
Cantor Sally Neff at Temple Beth Torah in Upper Nyack can be reached
April Thompson is a Washington,
D.C.-based writer, entrepreneur and
at 358-2248. TempleBethTorah.org. Rev. Harry Green at the First
consultant whose work has appeared in
Unitarian Society of Rockland County in Pomona can be reached at
dozens of books and magazines. Con-
nect at AprilWrites.com.
354-1789. Fusrc.org.
natural awakenings January 2010
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