Thanks to Hanniel Levenson for this guest post.  Hanniel is the Environmental Rabbinic Intern at The Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs. Hanniel majored in Hebrew and Judaic Studies at New York University and was awarded a Master of Science degree in environmental policy at Bard College. A self-described post-denominational Jew, Hanniel sees a strong connection between the environment and Judaism and plans to pursue this avenue in his Rabbinical studies at The Academy for Jewish Religion. He is also a painter, a competitive gymnast, who has competed on the national level, as well as a recently Registered Yoga Teacher.

The Federation for Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC), one of the main pillars of Conservative Judaism, under the direction of its Executive Director, Rabbi Charles Simon, has taken the initiative to realize Conservative Judaism’s denominational- wide commitment to create a sustainable future.  And it begins in the synagogue.

Jewish tradition is filled with environmentally conscious laws, stories, and leaders. Couple this with strong social action and you have Shomrei Ha’aretz –  “Stewards of the Land.”

Shomrei Ha’aretz, an FJMC creation, is supported by the Leadership Council of Conservative Judaism, the Women’s league for Conservative Judaism, The Jewish Theological Seminary, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and the Rabbinical Assembly. It currently has 14 pilot congregations invested in greening their synagogues and is continually expanding. Shomrei Ha’aretz consists of four green initiatives:

Biodegradable and compostable tableware. The FJMC, on behalf of the Conservative Movement, has created joint purchasing agreements with several companies that manufacture biodegradable goods. By establishing an account with any of these companies you will be entitled to a considerable discount on anything you purchase for your institution. These vendors produce non-plastic tableware that can be composted and breaks down easily after its disposal.

Eco-Shabbat Tea Candle. The FJMC has created the first soy wax Eco-Shabbat Tea Candle. This candle is made from a US-grown soybean extract, has no carbon footprint and is made from 100% renewable resources. Today’s Shabbat candles are made from paraffin, which is a kerosene extract and a non-renewable resource.

Carbon Offset Program. FJMC has partnered with the Jewish National Fund to help reduce the human imprint on Earth. A carbon offset is a financial instrument that enables individuals and industries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Forests are Carbon sinks that absorb greenhouse gases like Carbon Dioxide.  Planting new trees ultimately helps to offset pollution emissions that are a byproduct of daily human activity.  Through its partnership with JNF, the FJMC hopes to not only protect the Earth, but also seeks to support Israel, as well.

Solar Ner Tamid (Eternal Light). Every Synagogue has a light that remains lit at all times. It is a constant reminder of a presence greater than our own.  It sparks our awareness of our place as stewards of this land that has been given to us.  The Solar Ner Tamid does not rely on electricity generated by foreign oil to stay lit. Rather, it draws on one of the strongest renewable sources available to us – the Sun.  It is a true sign of appreciation for this earth to have the Ner Tamid powered by a true eternal light.

In the summer of 2008, all of the pilot congregations began to incorporate these new greening initiatives into their daily communal practice.  Biodegradable/ Compostable tableware is being used for holidays, special events, and in some communities as a main source for tableware. Ten of the fourteen pilot synagogues are selling the soy-based candles to their members, and are attracting the attention of schools as well as other communities not affiliated with Conservative Judaism.  The Solar Ner Tamid initiative has not taken off in all of the pilot congregations in 2008.

However April 8th, 2009, Erev Pesach, marks the celebration of the creation of the sun in Judaism. This celebration happens once every 28 years when the Sun passes the same space in the sky where it was created.  This celebration is an opportunity to truly honor the Sun and its potential for renewable energy.

While these four initiatives are only the beginning of the Shomrei Ha’aretz environmental plan, many of the pilot programs have taken initiative to take this sustainable venture further. Beth David of Saratoga, California is in the process of converting the entire synagogue to run on solar energy. Town & Village Synagogue of New York City has implemented a recycling program and diminished its use of bottled water. Other communities have undergone energy audits, installed energy efficient appliances, as well as developed educational programs to supplement the green initiatives.

2009 proves to be a promising year where Shomrei Ha’aretz will expand to incorporate more communities as it seeks to green the entire Conservative Movement. FJMC strives to educate its communities to till and protect this land to ensure a sustainable future.

For more information about the Federation for Jewish Men’s Clubs and Shomrei Ha’aretz please visit http://www.fjmc.org/ShomreiHaaretz.html.