Coming Soon! The Jewish Response To Climate Change
In Jewish belief, the Creator loved all His creations: Plants, animals and humans. The Bible tells us that the earth is given to man “to use and protect”. In this era of climate change, more and more Jewish communities realise that they must play their part.
Next year is the traditional sabbatical year: “Six years shall you sow your field, and six years shall you prune your vineyard and gather in the produce thereof. But in the seventh year, there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land.”
Keeping our traditions and the upcoming sabbatical year in mind, the EUPJ has put together an exciting panel to discuss climate change and the Jewish response.
Rabbi Daniela Touati, Rabbi of Keren Or, Lyon
Lyon’s Progressive Keren Or synagogue had long neglected its garden. Even when it was sunny, few members ventured outside. When Rabbi Daniela Touati finished her studies and assumed leadership of the community, she formed a group to create an eco-synagogue and invited local Muslim and Christian groups to participate. On 20 June 2021, Keren Or’s garden was inaugurated.
Gidon Bromberg, Founder and Director of EcoPeace, Middle East
In the Middle East, the environment is a subject that Israelis, Palestinians and Jordanians can work on together, even if their national conflict continues to smoulder. The NGO EcoPeace Middle East is proof of this. Its programs to restore the Jordan Valley and share scarce water resources bring together these usually-hostile parties in constructive engagement to confront practical challenges.
Rabbi Sergio Bergman, WUPJ President
Rabbi Bergman is a rabbi, politician, social activist, and climate change activist. He has always been an engaged politically- and socially-active religious leader. In 2011, he became the first rabbi ever elected to public office in Argentina and served as representative of the City of Buenos Aires. In 2015, he was named Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development, a position he held until the end of 2019. During his tenure, he led his country into the Paris Climate Change accord.
Come hear these distinguished panellists discuss Judaism, the environment and climate change.
Register today using this link.
If you need further information, please email Bill Echikson at bill.echikson@eupj.org.
