By Michael S. Simon for the A2J CC
The Ann Arbor Jewish Climate Circle (A2J CC) is a Washtenaw County Jewish organizations coalition under the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) umbrella. Its goal is to coalesce our community to push back against the onslaught of climate change. To date, we have developed a rich network of community partners and, since February 2025, have published articles on what Judaism has to say about climate action.
Simone Yehuda (in blue), Carol Milstein (hidden), Bob Milstein, Ed Nadler, Eileen Nadler (hidden), Wendy Uhlmann, Michael Simon, and Ellen Abramson
To meet the goal of “coalescing” the community, the group has initiated quarterly community Friday night Shabbat dinners, the first of which was on June 27, 2025, at Temple Beth Emeth (TBE). The TBE Climate Action Shabbat Service followed this. The potluck was restricted to vegan options to make the activity as “climate-friendly” as possible, and with the thought of inclusivity regarding Kashrut. Overall, the atmosphere was uplifting. The potluck provided a welcoming environment for people to connect across various communities. Discussion included positive climate actions taken within the past year, which were shared with the entire group.
The temple service was equally uplifting. Just before Shabbat, we were all provided the opportunity to connect to a link on our cell phones, which allowed us to send climate-related emails to our elected officials. Bill Parkus (TBE member), who planned the service, recognized and included individuals from all synagogue affiliates present. Under the direction of Cantor Emma, we learned and sang in unison a Jewish climate action song called “The Tide is Rising”. The service uniquely combined traditional aspects of liturgy with the notion that the community needs to take urgent and direct action to prevent the destruction of the world as we know it. Rabbi Josh Whinston very aptly summarized this notion in his dvar Torah. He minced no words in describing his greatest fear regarding climate change. As he put it, it was not so much fear for himself, but a rising concern about the impact of climate change on his family, his children, and the community’s future. These words were inspiring for all who attended and should serve as a model for the entire Jewish community to rise up against the tyranny of what could happen to our future.
Yes, the “Tide is Rising” and as specifically outlined in Jewish tradition, we must take action now. As written in the sayings of our fathers (Pirke Avot), if not now, when?
Please join Beth Israel Congregation at the 2nd A2J CC Potluck on November 7, 2025. The community calendar will provide more information.
About the Ann Arbor Jewish Climate Circle (A2J CC)
Most Jews in the Ann Arbor area believe that climate change is an important issue—perhaps the most significant challenge of our generation. Most of us also understand that Jewish tradition calls us to improve the world for future generations.
The A2J Climate Circle is designed to bring our community together in climate action and create momentum and support.
Started by the JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Committee) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, with Annie Wolock (Federation) as the leader, the A2J Climate Circle Planning Committee currently includes Ellen Abramson (Jewish Family Services), Rena Basch (Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation), Mike Shriberg (Temple Beth Emeth), and Michael Simon (Beth Israel Congregation). The Planning Committee contacted local Jewish organizations to partner with A2J CC on this initiative.
All area Jewish organizations and groups, large and small, are encouraged to join us.