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What does Social Action mean for Jews?
Tikkun Olam – the Hebrew translates as ‘healing’ or ‘perfecting’ the world and instils a shared responsibility in the welfare of society at large. This can be expressed in a wide variety of personal and creative ways: helping others, looking after our environment, addressing diverse human rights and varied social challenges.
Gemilut Chasadim – the Hebrew phrase means ‘the giving of loving-kindness’ which knows no bounds. It teaches the art of giving without an expectation to receive something material in return. Acts of kindness are engraved in a Jewish way of life, where individuals aspire to give selflessly of their time and of themselves.
Tzedek – the Hebrew translates as ‘righteousness’ and ‘justice’ and amongst other aspects manifests itself through social action and acts of loving-kindness; not because it feels good but because the Jewish faith educates that it is the right thing to do.
EcoJudaism promotes the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment across the Jewish Community in accordance with the principles of our Jewish faith.
The Climate Crisis is not simply a technological problem to be resolved through better science. It is a moral and spiritual crisis in our relationship with the earth.
Judaism considers us to be trustees of God’s creation. We have a primary responsibility to care for the earth and leave it to our children in a state of wholeness and health.
This initiative spans the whole Jewish community with rabbinic leadership from five denominations of Judaism. Rabbi Tanya Sakhnovich is the LJ leader. Currently there are 70 synagogues signed up.
EcoJudaism has seven activity streams, including their online Environmental Audit for Synagogues, giving communities a framework for improving their environmental knowledge, sustainability, and working towards net zero. The Environment Audit looks at 5 areas:
1. Community (Synagogue) Management commitment to this pathway.
2. Prayer & Teaching
3. Lifestyle
4. Land, Buildings &Consumables
5. Community & Global Engagement.
This is an opportunity to assess what we are currently doing, and be given a pathway to take control (with resources continuously being added & ongoing support) to improve our community’s relationship with its environment, as a building, a community, as individuals and as part of a wider conversation on this important topic.
We would love more people to join us to move us forwards in becoming an Eco Synagogue. Please contact us if you’re passionate about climate action, and want to join our Environmental Impact Team. See EcoJudaism - Our Faith In The Planet for more information.
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