We are geared toward action: engaging all generations to make climate-friendly changes at Mount Zion and to connect with Jewish and interfaith climate groups doing congregational work and working for change in the broader community. The group meets once a month on Sundays via Zoom. While brainstorming during their first few months together about what we could do as a congregation and at home regarding climate and the environment, the participants of Mount Zion’s Climate Small Group learned that MZ has already made significant changes and researched others. Read this article about their discoveries.
BACKGROUND
It’s easy to feel hopeless and alone when thinking about climate change. It’s also true that we as Jews are obligated to take action. We learn in Genesis, the first book in the Torah, that we humans are responsible for tilling and tending God’s creation.
Torah also teaches that none of us can do it alone, though, hence this group! We may not be doing much “tilling” now that winter is upon us but the opportunities for “tending” are abundant.
Upcoming Group Events
There are currently no events scheduled. Please check back for updates.Past Group Events
- Recycling
- Understanding plastic recycling
- How to use less plastic
- Composting
- Electronics recycling
Caring for Creation: A Jewish Call to Hope and Action for the Climate small group
An enthusiastic and energized group kicked off the first meeting on Jan. 30 with practical ideas on how Mount Zion can do its part, as a congregation, in our building and grounds, and by joining forces with Jewish and interfaith climate groups. Each person left the meeting with a specific (and not too cumbersome) assignment for the next meeting to help the group move forward. We are looking into solar, rain gardens, native plantings, opportunities to engage our youth and more. Congregants of all ages are encouraged to attend.
Continuing the buzz: choosing our focus-“Becoming a Climate Justice Congregation”
“Becoming a Climate Justice Congregation”
We welcome Buff Grace from Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, who will tell us how to complete Mount Zion’s application to become a Climate Justice Congregation and the benefits involved. To be followed by Q&A. (MZ’s prior involvement with MNIPL checks some of the boxes for becoming a Climate Justice Congregation.) Our second half hour will be an update on our individual “assignments” from our last meeting.
We’re A Climate Justice Congregation! join us to learn more!
On the heels of our Earth Day Shabbat with guest speaker Julia Nerbonne from Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, we learned that Mount Zion has fulfilled all the obligations of officially being a Climate Justice Congregation. Join us to learn more about what this means, the specific issues we’re working on, and the small steps you can take (even if you feel stuck or depressed or uncertain about the future. We must persist, as did our ancestors!).
Experiencing climate anxiety? Check this out. From our partner, Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light.
https://www.mnipl.org/event/the-psychology-of-climate-action/
Climate Action small group- What’s next!
We will review what the group has been involved in so far, and discuss ideas, projects, and plans for the coming year.
On Zoom; contact Leslie Martin if interested.
Being an Earth Steward: Learn the Most Current Ways to Compost and Recycle
Presented by the Climate Action MZ Small Group.
Begins with a brief program followed by opportunities to engage at four booths. Representatives from Ramsey County will be available to answer questions about their recycling program. There will also be information about recycling in Washington, Dakota, and Hennepin counties, and experts in electronics recycling and home composting. Learn about:
Bring your small electronics to recycle on this day!
Interested in joining this group? Contact the Group Leader.
Write to group leader Leslie Martin to ask questions, get involved, join the group, suggest an event, or something else!
