Big Green Jewish - A Website
Behind modern buzz words like “green”, “sustainability” and “eco-conscious” are living concepts essential for the future of our planet. Whether or not you put faith behind the “greenhouse effect” or “climate change”, the charge to take care of the earth is a Jewish duty found within words of Torah. Our responsibility to tikkun olam, making the world a better place, applies to people, animals and the world we live in.
Recently launched anew, Big Green Jewish is a product of the Jewish Social Action Forum in the UK. If you are just beginning your entry into thinking “green”, Big Green Jewish is a great place to start. Their website is packed full of information regarding climate change, action steps for helping to protect the environment, and the requirements for “green living” found within Judaism.
Once you’re finished reading through all of the information and articles found on the Big Green Jewish website, you can move on to their list of links. There are nearly sixty resources spotlighting Judaism, Israel, and faith and their connection to the environment. In addition, there are specific suggestions for schools, youth movements, and synagogues that are taking steps toward lowering their carbon footprints.
In a world when our different expressions of Judaism often feel tumultuous and in conflict, an initiative like Big Green Jewish is attractive on many levels. First of all, our individual part in helping to protect this planet is so essential to the survival of future generations. Second, a generic issue like “going green” can bring together Jewish people from all different denominations and allow us to work together rather than against each other. Third, to share such important information in an easy to read and succinct manner will encourage more people to take action. And, finally, the connection to resources and campaigns – in the UK, the US, and around the world – creates a web across the world of like-minded people who can make a tremendous difference.
They are BIG. They are GREEN. And, they are JEWISH. The Big Green Jewish website makes it easy for you to begin now! Take the How Green Are You? quiz and find out what type of Green Superhero you are. Make a Green Promise such as turning the water off while you are brushing your teeth or biking to work once a week. Sign up to receive the Big Green Jewish newsletter and pass it on to family, friends, schools and synagogues.
Anne Frank told us: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Big Green Jewish makes it easy by providing information, offering suggestions, and connecting its viewers to additional resources and ideas!
Lisa Pinkus, BellaOnline's Judaism Editor