Shomrei Haaretz: Stewards of the Land
One of the greatest challenges facing the Conservative/Masorti movement in the 21st century is how to define who we are and what is the nature of our message. If we can succeed in doing this, people will be attracted to our synagogues and our movement. The FJMC contends that one small step in this process is our ability to reclaim the biblical mandate of being shomrei haaretz, guardians of the land. A commitment to using renewable resources in our synagogues and homes is a logical step for a people that has inherited the responsibility to be “a light unto the nations.”
Despite almost daily media reports about global warming and the problems associated with the continued use of fossil fuels, and the potential for using renewable resources for our energy needs, there is a gap between what we know and what we do on a local, household-to-household basis. The Jewish community must step forward to bridge this gap, not just because it is the right thing to do but because it is part of our religious mandate. This is the type of programming that will attract and involve existing members as well as the unaffiliated and the next generation.
The FJMC has developed a new programmatic initiative that can unite 21st century needs with traditional Jewish values. This effort begins with our understanding the symbolism of the eternal light, the ner tamid. Every synagogue has at least one ner tamid, a symbol of God’s eternal presence. Some synagogues have two or three. Ironically, a significant percentage of the power needed to maintain this symbol is derived from oil that originates in the Middle East. Wouldn’t it be more appropriate if this symbol were powered by the sun?
The FJMC’s new effort highlights the importance of using renewable resources in connection with an ancient and littleknown Jewish observance called the Blessing of the Sun or Birkhat HaChamah, which occurs once every 28 years. The next Birkhat HaChamah will occur on April 8, 2009. This would be an ideal opportunity for the Jewish community to demonstrate its commitment to these ideals by converting each ner tamid into something truly eternal, one that is solar.
Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods often are taken for granted. Yet they continue to provide camaraderie and value to our communities. Men’s Clubs build sukkot, run Purim carnivals, and perform all sorts of tasks for our synagogues. Men’s Club/Brotherhood activities often extend beyond the walls of the synagogue into the larger Jewish and secular communities. For many of us, Men’s Clubs can make a difference.
The Blessing of the Sun ceremony could demonstrate how Conservative/Masorti Jews should live in the 21st century. This initiative can encourage members to reduce their energy usage, and at the same time assist those in our communities who live at the near-poverty level in reducing their energy costs.
Be a light unto the nations and you can begin to show what it means to be a Conservative Jew in the 21st century, modeling the role that Jews can play in making the whole world a better place for everyone. If you are interested in becoming part of this conversation write to us at International@fjmc.org.
Rabbi Charles E. Simon is executive director of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs.
