South Orange’s Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel (TSTI) was one of eight synagogues selected to launch the Greening Reform Judaism Pilot Program.
Since 2005, TSTI has been integrating environmental awareness and activities throughout the synagogue’s physical plant, education programs, worship and rituals and community involvement. The comprehensive Certification Program helps houses of worship across North America become environmental leaders through initiatives in facilities management, religious education and worship, and environmental justice.
The other congregations participating in the Pilot Program are Temple Shalom (Aberdeen), Temple Emanu-El (Edison), Barnert Temple (Franklin Lakes), Temple Shaari Emeth (Manalapan), Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple (New Brunswick),Temple Shalom (Succasunna), and Temple Sinai (Tenafly).
TSTI is taking part in a wide variety of activities as part of the two-year Certification Program. Upon completion, TSTI will become certified as a GreenFaith Sanctuary and will be looked to as leaders in the Reform Movement’s greening efforts.
Some future projects for TSTI are to continue to green the facilities’ operations, conduct environmental justice education and advocacy, offer environmentally-themed worship services and education programs for all ages, Take on the additional responsibility of serving as mentors to other Reform Jewish communities nationwide seeking to deepen their engagement with environmentalism and send congregational leaders to social action programs at the Union for Reform Judaism to share their experiences with the Reform Movement.
That’s the Synagogue that we attend, I am the 3rd generation to be a member there. I have outlived 3 Rabbis. At one time I was Veep of their Young adults program. (Geeez, feels like a different lifetime – so so long ago.)
Does this mean the eternal flame will begin to use biofuel?
I think it’s electric.!! It’s a Reform Congregation, ‘ya know…..