CANTOR'S MESSAGE

“HOW MANY JEWS DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE A LIGHT BULB”?

"God led Adam around all the trees of the Garden of Eden. And God said to
Adam: 'See My works, how good and praiseworthy they are! And all that I have
created, I made for you. [But,] be mindful then that you do not spoil and
destroy My world - for if you spoil it, there is no one after you to repair
it.'" (Midrash Qohelet Rabbah 7:13; ca. 8th Century C.E.)

Did you know that global greenhouse gas emissions are projected to increase
average Earth temperatures by 2.5 to 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit in this century?
 This will result in rising seas, major weather and agricultural disruptions,
environmental refugees, migrating diseases, and other dangers that most harm
the planet’s poor and vulnerable.  

A climate change campaign, “A Light Among the Nations” launched by the
Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL) and the Jewish Council
for Public Affairs (JCPA) began a few years ago.  The purpose of this
campaign is to ask the Jewish community to switch from regular light bulbs to
more energy efficient, cost effective fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.  The
campaign seeks to engage American Jewry in awareness, advocacy, and concrete
action to help stop global warming, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to
conserve energy.

We have the opportunity to work to fulfill one of the greatest tenets of
Judaism – tikkun olam (repairing the world).  Did you know that every U.S.
household changed JUST ONE bulb, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
would be the same as taking 1.3 cars off the road?? The use of fluorescent
light bulbs can save approximately $55 over the lifetime of the bulb and last
up to eight times longer than regular incandescents.  Rabbi Steve Gutow,
executive direction of the Jewish Council for Public affairs says “Climate
change is causing climate injustice around the world. As Jews we cannot stand
idly by as others suffer.”  

Spring is a time of rebirth. With the holidays of Purim and Passover, we
affirm the cycle of life, recognize the value of the most basic and wonderful
gifts of our lives, and recall our struggles of the past.  Let’s all do our
part and work to create a world of peace and promise for future generations.

Cantor Marcy Kadin

Temple Officers join the Cantorial Search Committee in welcoming our new Cantor Marcy Kadin at a party held recently at the home of Eva Turbiner and Ralph Ullman