Over a Decade of Jewish Environmental Activism at Temple Emanuel: a Model for Greening Your Synagogue cont.

Temple Emanuel, Kensington, Maryland
Jewish, Reform Movement

In addition to the solar-powered Ner Tamid, the congregation purchases a portion of its electrical energy in the form of wind power. They have committed to regular energy audits, with the intention of implementing further energy conservation recommendations as feasible.

The Temple has made a commitment to the Chesapeake Bay as an ongoing advocacy project. The Chesapeake is the largest estuary in the United States and is beset by pollution from air, farms, waste treatment plants and urbanization. The Green Shalom committee has added the Temple’s voice to advocacy for waste treatment upgrades, higher pollution standards, and related legislation.

The biblical precepts of Judaism underscore the importance and necessity of the Jewish community’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Temple Emanuel represents one example of this dedication.

Among the basic ingredients for success are informed and dedicated religious and lay leadership, an active and knowledgeable environmental group within the congregation, an action-oriented policy framework for an ongoing program of environmental projects and activities, and coalition building with other faith-based religious institutions, at the local, state and national levels.

An inscription on the ark at Temple Emanuel reads, “Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together with joy” (Psalm 98:8). May we go from strength to strength in preserving the natural wonders of the world for future generations.

Contacts: Rabbi Warren Stone at RabbiStone@templeemanuelmd.org, Al Grant at aagrant@localnet.com or De Herman at deherman@erols.com

Congregation website: www.templeemanuelmd.org