Source: JNF GoNeutral Shabbat
On March 27-29, 2009 the Jewish National Fund will mark the second annual JNF GoNeutral Shabbat. Synagogues, schools and communities across the USA will be celebrating Shabbat in an eco-friendly, learning about the connection between Judaism, Israel and the environment. Schools, synagogues and communities who register for the event will receive a JNF GoNeutral Kit with resources to help them plan and experience the event.
The JNF GoNeutral Shabbat provides a chance to pause and think about relationships with family, friends, the planet and God. Incorporating traditional Shabbat rituals, which stress togetherness and spirituality, with environmentally conscious issues and projects will enable the participants to pause in their work week and reconnect to important environmental and spiritual causes.
Registered participants will receive a JNF GoNeutral Kit, including a re-usable tote-bag, JNF Blue Boxes, an environmental DVD, flyers, maps of Israel, a downloadable educational resource guide with specific programming for students, families and congregations and much more.
The program guide was created to bring the ideals of environmentalism and Shabbat together, forming a comprehensive program for day schools, Sunday schools, synagogue youth groups and communities.
The values of water conservation, ecology, recycling, energy saving, fuel reducing and over-all concern for the environment are expressed together through the different activities that can be found in the guide.
The guide includes program planning tips, ideas for hands-on environmental activities including a “green” Shabbat dinner, and ways to reduce energy consumption and water use on Shabbat and every day of the week. The guide also contains sermons, suggestions for studying Jewish texts that promote environmental awareness, and a list of available environmental speakers.