Social Action
CBI practices Tikkun Olam, and in today’s world the environment is an important element. The following is our resolution to be a Green congregation.
Introduction: As committed, aware and concerned Jews we acknowledge that the social and ethical mitzvoth of Judaism demand that we be concerned about our relationship to and effect on the creation that we call earth. The Earth, its atmosphere, its water and the food that we harvest sustain our lives and it must be preserved to sustain the lives of our children, grandchildren and many generations to come.
Background: Over the past half century many have observed and decried mankind’s abuse of our environment, and in large part their concerns have gone unheeded by governments, religious institutions and the public in general. In recent years there has been a growth in environmental consciousness, and now is the time for CBI to step forward, along with other congregations that have stepped up, and assert environmental values and practices.
What we should do to become a Green Congregation:
1. Proclamation - Develop a policy statement that goes to all existing members and new members declaring that we encourage environmental; awareness and positive practices both at CBI and in our daily lives.
2. Education – (1) Assure that the Religious School is supported in developing and utilizing materials that promote environmental awareness and practices. (2) Provide information to members about current environmental challenges and what we should do as individuals and as a congregation.
3. Recycling – (1) To the maximum degree possible we should recycle. Items that can recycled include, office paper, print cartridges, plastic water bottles. (2) Have recycling containers readily available at social functions. However, we must qualify our focus on recycling to recognize that the conservation, reuse and use of renewable resources are preferable to recycling.
4. Avoid products that do not biodegrade easily – When plastic products must be used, note the numbering system which identifies the relative cost of recycling.
5. View Carbon Emissions as a Cost - When we can avoid or reduce carbon emissions it costs less. Specific activities: (1) encourage car pooling to services, religious school, and CBI social events, (2) Install a Bike Rack and encourage those who can to ride a bike to the temple, (3) Develop a CBI program like the Friends “Dime-a-Gallon program, in which people tax themselves on carbon consumption and donate the money to causes that promote, peace, justice and environmental improvement. (One thought is that these contributions could support Religious School activities relating to environmental understanding and practices.) (4) Whenever we purchase appliances or in any way modify the building, make energy efficiency a high priority.
6. Choice of Foods - Through the Social Action Committee, provide members with information on Eco Kashrut. This concept which has been adopted by many congregations integrates: (1) ethical factors, such as the use of poorly paid workers, (2) health factors, such as effects of pesticides and other chemicals in our foods, and (3) environmental concerns in food choices.
7. Use of biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning and garden products – Most cleaning and garden products contain ingredients that pollute our drinking water as well as waterways that are necessary for sea life. There are alternatives, and we can be a nonpolluting congregation.
8. Over time, reduce paper-based communications and use digital options. At this time, many members do not have e-mail access and others strongly prefer paper-based communications.
Religious School Service June 6
June 6 , 2008
Our annual Religious School Service takes place on Friday, June 6, 5:45 PM, which is our final Mishpachah (Family Style) Shabbat of the school year. Read More...
Eve of Shavuot June 8
June 8, 2008
Sunday, June 8, at 7:00 PM is our Shavuot and Confirmation Service. Members of the teen Confirmation class will lead the service and read the 10 Commandments in Hebrew from the Torah. Read More...
Summer Shabbat Schedule
Summer 2008
Summer in Chico is always relaxed and in the slower lane. Our Summer Shabbat Schedule begins June 21. Read More...
