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Jewish Environmental Initiative (JEI)
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Check out JEI's new blog "Planet Jewish"
http://www.jewishinstlouis.org/blog.aspx ?id=345
Teen Initiative
JEI Teen Campers Learn About Ecosystem Restoration
During the week of July 19, a group of Jewish teens participated in JEI’s Teen Environmental Camp at Litzsinger Road Ecology Center in Ladue. Campers toured the facility and engaged in hands-on projects focused on restoring the natural ecosystems of our region. Campers engaged in plant identification and stream cleanup and put together a guide for Jewish organizations on how to create a native garden. Campers also met with Rabbis Randy Fleisher and Brad Horwitz and discussed the connection between Judaism and the environment.
Photos are:
Left -- Hannah Cropf helps release a snow sparrow banded and measured by volunteers as part of a study of migratory bird patterns
Right -- campers set up a stream table to study water erosion issues. From left to right: Miranda Siwak, staff member Eddie Jones, Ezra Amacher, Jonah Lieberman, Hannah Cropf
Bottom -- Miranda Siwak, Hannah Cropf and Alex Jacks collect water specimens from Deer Creek
JEI Teen Group On The Move
The Jewish Environmental Initiative is excited to introduce it's newest program--a group for teens interested in environmental issues.The JEI Teen group is for any Jewish teen (10th grade and above)who would like to explore the connections between Judaism and caring for the Earth. The group meets every other month and plans activities and projects of all kinds--from researching environmental topics to doing presentations for youth groups to taking nature hikes. If interested in learning more about the JEI Teen group, contact Gail Wechsler at gwechsler@jcrcstl.org or 314-442-3894.
The JEI Teen Group has begun its presentations to area Jewish congregations about ways to go Green. On Sunday March 14, Teen Group members Hannah Cropf and Jenny Koshner presented the group's PowerPoint presentation "Greening Your Synagogue" to the Social Action Committee at Congregation BSKI. If your organization would like to hear the Teen's presentation, please contact Gail Wechsler at gwechsler@jcrcstl.org or 314-442-3894.
(left to right) JEI Teen Group members Hannah Cropf and Jenny Koshner
How to Bicycle in Saint Louis
On May 4, JEI presented the second in its series of "How To" workshops: "How to Bicycle in Saint Louis." Those attending learned about how to select the best bike and accessories for their needs from Chris Fellet of Big Shark Bicycle Co. Bob Foster gave an overview on biking safely in traffic and Karen Karabell reviewed how to teach your kids to bike safely. The workshop was co-sponsored by the Saint Louis Regional Bicycle Federation and Big Shark.
Left: Bob Foster discussing bike safety in traffic Right: Chris Fellet describes the different types of bikes available for commuting, comfort and distance.
JEI KICKS OFF SECOND YEAR OF COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE PROGRAM
On May 2, 50 people attended the kick off event for the second year of Tuv Ha'Aretz-HAZON CSA, the Jewish Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program. The event took place at R Pizza Farm in Dow, Illinois, the organic, family-owned farm that provides the produce for the CSA. Those attending took a tour of the farm and picked their own asparagus, sage and radishes. JEI is a sponsoring agency of Tuv Ha'Aretz.
Above pictures: 1) The JCC's Rabbi Brad Horwitz welcomes the group 2) Picking sage at R Pizza Farm
3) Participants learn more about the early spring crop before picking their own asparagus
PROJECT NOAH WEEK 2010:
Join JEI during the week of October 3-10, 2010 as we promote Project Noah: A Week for the Environment. Project Noah provides an opportunity to raise awareness of environmental issues and engage individuals of all ages in educational activities focused on the environment.
JEI will sponsor several community events in and around Project Noah week, including:
- A fall trip to R Farm near Alton, Illinois, Sunday October 10, 1:30 to 3:30 PM—tour an organic farm and pick fresh produce; learn the importance of growing food organically and buying locally
- Jewish community tree planting at King Park, Sunday October 17, 1:00 PM—more details here (link to tree planting page)
- St. Louis Votes Green: A Candidate Forum on Energy, Jobs and the Environment
Tuesday, October 5 from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The Ethical Society of St. Louis; 9001 Clayton Road; 63117
Moderated by Don Marsh of KWMU
Candidates for statewide offices from throughout the St. Louis region will answer your questions on
environmental issues. Co-sponsored by: JEI, Missouri Coalition for the Environment, Missouri Votes
Conservation Education Fund, Sierra Club, the Ethical Action Committee of the St. Louis Ethical
Society, and Parkway Noth Envirothon.
To RSVP for any of these events or for assistance planning your own events for Project Noah, contact Gail Wechsler at gwechsler@jcrcstl.org or 314-442-3894.
Jean Ponzi, host of "Earthworms" radio show
on KDHX, moderates 2008 candidate forum
on the environment co-sponsored by JEI
Community Resources for Project Noah—There are many ways that synagogues, day schools and others in the Jewish community can do more to protect the environment. Below are materials that offer a variety of ways you can increase your awareness and act to better protect the planet:
Eco-Friendly Educational Ideas for All Ages
Green Tsuvah Survey for Teens
Tips for an Eco-Friendly Simcha
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