Environmental Justice Tour
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In April, a group of women from our section had an opportunity to experience first hand, examples of environmental degradation when they participated in an environmental justice tour of Port Newark, the Ironbound section of Newark and Elizabeth. We visited sites that were filled in with refuse, sites that have been abandoned where contaminants remain on-site, residential areas with truck route designations, and the state's largest incinerator operating within 1/2 mile of two low-income public housing complexes, and much more. The tour led by Rev. Harper and two guides of the Ironbound Community Corporation focused on how we can all, in some way, contribute to positive change and environmental justice for our most vulnerable populations.
Copenhagen Conference on Climate Control
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As an International Council of Jewish Women (ICJW) representative to the United Nations, Fran Butensky attended an important briefing on climate change. This subject and the environment has been the theme for our section’s public affairs and education committee and a closely monitored concern globally as well.
ICJW provides a voice for Jewish women throughout the world working to address the common problems which affect our families, our communities and global society. NCJW is one of 52 women’s organizations in 47 countries represented by ICJW. Through ICJW, Jewish women have the capacity to make themselves heard concerning issues which impact our daily lives.
Climate change is one of these issues. Scientific research shows that the climate is changing more rapidily than expected. Nine out of every ten recorded disasters are now climate related. President Obama and representatives at the highest levels of governments worldwide plan to attend the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Control in December. At least 140 countries also plan to attend. It is a wake-up call but probably unrealistic to expect a deal to be struck in Copenhagen. An effective climate agreement can be reached but more as a long term goal.
What can our section do? Hillary Clinton has urged all Americans to think of Copenhagen as a stepping stone. Although our president has committed to a goal in the reduction of gas emissions, he can not do it alone. There must be climate change bills in both houses. We need to be proactive in influencing Congress. Write or call your representatives and let them know how important this is to you and your families and the future of our planet and URGE THEM TO PARTICIPATE in a GLOBAL AGREEMENT.
NCJWBCS Year of the Environment- Rabbi Lawrence Troster Speaks to NCJWBCS
Environment,
from Generation to Generation-Creating an Environmental Legacy.” Led by our
Public Affairs and Advocacy Vice-Presidents, Bea Podorefsky and Connie
Hochberg, the section is actively engaged in encouraging informed, active
participation in promoting the sustainability of the planet.
Our section was privileged on Thursday, November 19, to have as our study group lecturer, Rabbi Lawrence Troster. Rabbi Troster’s efforts on behalf of the environmental movement are nationally recognized. He served on the Board of the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL) and is currently Rabbinic Scholar with GreenFaith. He also serves on the Interfaith Partnership for the Environment (IPE), an advisory group to the United Nations Environment Program. Rabbi Troster spoke to NCJWBCS about the Ten Teachings of Judaism on the Environment. One of the basic teachings is the restoration of Creation, referred to in Judaism as Tikkun Olam- the healing of the world.
National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Section believes we each have a role in “healing our world.” Inspired by Jewish values, NCJWBCS believes that protecting our environment and leaving a legacy of a healthy planet to our children is also a matter of social justice and is part of our continuing mission to strive for social justice for women, children, and families.
Photo from left to right: Bea Podorefsky of Teaneck, Rabbi Lawrence Troster, Connie Hochberg of Cresskill