By: Michael S. Simon for Beth Israel Congregation
Have you wondered how you can create a more environmentally friendly Jewish holiday experience? Already inclusive in many of our holiday traditions are fresh, home-grown, or locally produced vegetables and fruits. Also, consideration is now commonly focused on serving meals with ample vegetarian or vegan options, and at least consider treating meat or fish as a side dish.
We all know there should be no or little food waste, and what is left over can be used or composted later. What about the atmosphere, and the air around your tables, air which you breathe in during the meal, and the air you breathe when you sit in your synagogue?
It is critically important for us to know that the petroleum-based paraffin candles that the Jewish community has used for generations also leave us with a legacy of toxins, including soot and black smoke, products of burning fossil-based fuel. Toxins, especially those that can be respiratory irritants, also have the potential to impact the health of ourselves, our families, and friends.
Beeswax candles are now available both for Shabbat and Holidays, including Chanukah candles, and are actually toxin-free. Shoresh is a company that supplies beeswax for Shabbat and Chanukah, as well as other honey products (Shoreshshuk.ca). Many other websites listed online using a search of “beeswax candles” have a variety of candle products available.
According to Shoresh, beeswax candles emit negative ions, which pull pollutants, including dust, other toxins, and molds, out of the air. These candles also reportedly burn brighter and longer than regular paraffin candles. Made by homegrown honey, Shoresh candles are an excellent way for us to light up our holiday and help the Jewish community become more sustainable for future generations.
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.