The Temple Sinai Shomrei Adamah: Environmental Awareness Committee announces the 2024 Eco Challenge!
Each month throughout 2024, the EAAC will issue a new challenge for the Temple Sinai congregation.
The monthly challenges will highlight an area of environmental awareness and provide actionable tasks and educational resources everyone can do.
Participate each month and learn how to make being green part of being Jewish. Complete all twelve challenges and become a Shomrei Adamah - Guardian of the Earth! Email ShomreiAdamah@templesianiatlanta.org with questions.
JULY - PLASTIC-FREE PICNICS
How does a plastic-free picnic align with Jewish values?
By now, we who are participating in the Eco Challenge realize that environmentally friendly practices align with Jewish values. A plastic-free picnic adheres to the same principles.
Environmental Stewardship: Jewish teachings emphasize the importance of caring for the environment, known as "shomrei adamah" (Guardians of the Earth). By reducing plastic usage, which often contributes to pollution and harm to wildlife, individuals are actively fulfilling their duty to preserve and protect the Earth as stewards.
- Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World): Tikkun Olam is a core Jewish concept that encourages individuals to engage in acts of repairing and improving the world. Choosing a plastic-free picnic is a practical way to participate in tikkun olam by reducing one's ecological footprint and contributing to the overall health of the planet.
- Bal Tashchit (Do Not Destroy): Bal Tashchit is the prohibition against unnecessary waste or destruction. By avoiding single-use plastics at a picnic, individuals are adhering to this principle by minimizing waste and preventing harm to the environment.
- Community and Togetherness: Picnics often involve communal gatherings and shared meals, which are significant aspects of Jewish tradition. By organizing a plastic-free picnic, participants can promote community engagement while also fostering discussions about sustainability and environmental responsibility within the Jewish community.
Overall, a plastic-free picnic reflects Jewish values of environmental stewardship, Tikkun Olam, respect for nature, and community building, making it a meaningful and aligned choice for those seeking to live out these principles in their daily lives.
AUGUST - WATER CONSERVATION
SEPTEMBER - CLOTHING SWAP
OCTOBER - ECO-FRIENDLY SUKKOT
NOVEMBER - FOOD DONATIONS
DECEMBER - THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE
Previous Month's Challenges
JANUARY - GIVE A TREE, PLANT A TREE
FEBRUARY - REDUCE SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
MARCH - SUSTAINABLE SHABBAT
APRIL - EARTH DAY
MAY - COMPOSTING
JUNE - ENERGY EFFICIENCY
