A Pledge to Green for Massachusetts Synagogues

Boston, MA

Boston COEJL, coordinated by Susie Davidson and Amelia Geggel, began a statewide “Pledge to Green" synagogues in Massachusetts. The Pledge, a nonbinding promise to practice more environmentally-conscious measures, is viewable on BostonCOEJL.org, which will post progress reports of individual synagogues.  Over 15 Boston-area synagogues have signed on to the pledge.

Boston COEJL members, who are available for consultations and Basics of Greening talks for children and adults, have also posted a Green Guide for Massachusetts Synagogues, with information on lowering energy bills, obtaining state energy company rebates, cutting down on waste, purchasing energy-efficient products, green cleaners and landscaping items, and on conducting “green” events and educational programs. 

While many state synagogues have already been promoting and practicing green efforts, Davidson says that this pledge represents a unified, environmentally-conscious statement from the local Jewish community along the lines of alliances such as the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment and the Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) of Northeastern States.

“Boston COEJL believes it is ethically imperative for Jews to work toward lessening our environmental impact and thus uphold the Jewish ideals of tikkun olam, tzedek (justice), and bal tashchit,” says Geggel.

Boston COEJL has been working on the following initiatives:

1) The Statewide Pledge to Green - this is an effort to unify to green all Massachusetts synagogues. COEJL's suggestions are nonbinding - synagogues can just sign and pledge to commit to practice more green methods.

2) The Green Guide for Massachusetts Synagogues - The Green Guide is a comprehensive guidebook with suggestions for "greening" various aspects of synagogue operation.

3) Basics of Greening talks (with props) COEJL affiliates speak to either adults or kids at Massachusetts synagogues and organizations.  Boston COEJL members are also available for on-site consultations.

Boston COEJL has also joined with the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis (MBR) and Synagogue Council of Massachusetts in their environmental efforts.  In June 2008, the MBR unanimously endorsed a “Statement on the Environment," while Boston COEJL, listed on the MBR and the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts websites, has been signing Massachusetts synagogues on to their statewide “Pledge to Green.”

The MBR statement was proposed by the Public Policy Committee of the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis, a group of seven appointed Rabbis who study social issues and submit proposals to the Executive Committee and the membership.