Israel Adapting New Environmental & Green Technology Policies

by: BarbRider

Fri Oct 30, 2009 at 14:03:10 PM EDT

This call to Take Action is no longer active.

The American Jewish Committee has praised the Israeli Cabinet’s efforts toward new energy sustainability, independence and the adaption of green technology policies.

Kudos to First Green-Certified Synagogue

by: Lenny

Wed Feb 11, 2009 at 17:35:18 PM EST

Back in early 2007, we highlighted an interesting project - the construction of the very first certified first certified "green" synagogue in the nation.

Nearly two years later the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation of Evanston, IL reached its goal. In late 2008 the synagogue "went platinum." For those like myself who are not experts on green building certification, going platinum means achieving LEED Platinum-level rating from the US Green Building Council (USGBC), making it the highest green-rated house of worship in the world. I recommend taking a look at the virtual tour on the congregation's website.

For its pioneering work, the JRC recently won the JTA's "Green Beanie Award", tied with the UJA-Federation of New York. Kudos to both organizations for moving the ball down the court in a smart, practical way that engaged and educated the membership and produced a tangible result.

Jewish Community and the Green New Deal

by: Lenny

Mon Dec 08, 2008 at 17:32:29 PM EST

Since I first wrote about the Apollo Project a couple of years ago, much has advanced. Just this past weekend, President Elect Barack Obama pledged a public works project on a vast scale that would emphasize green investment to achieve economic recovery. Indeed, the progress from vision to reality is truly impressive.

The announcement comes amid a growing consensus that to overcome the country’s economic crisis in a manner that is sustainable and forward thinking, the government needs embark on a "Green New Deal" investing in initiatives to repair infrastructure, increase the production and consumption of renewable energy, encourage energy efficiency, and upgrade the electricity grid. This sentiment has been echoed by leaders across the political spectrum, as well as abroad.

Of course, the Jewish community was a critical part of the original New Deal coalition, the grouping of voting blocs that supported the New Deal and voted for FDR who faced a right-wing backlash. That coalition not only proved to be a lasting political alignment that survived well into the late 1960s but also supported his economic recovery policy agenda.

Now that there is buzz of a "Green New Deal" it seems natural to ask what today's coalition will look like and assess in what way the Jewish community will be involved in these momentous changes.