22 | APRIL 18 • 2024
continued from page 20
advocacy initiatives relating to
certain pieces of legislation.
“We’ve also seen solar instal-
lations, a lot of composting and
recycling actions,
and energy-ef-
ficiency work,
”
Cohen added,
“things like switch-
ing out incan-
descent for LED
light bulbs, looking at different
pieces of technology that are
emerging, and just finding that
low-hanging fruit so we can
come in and really make energy
savings, which will also mean
monetary savings for these
institutions.
”
A benefit for local insti-
tutions joining the coalition
is they’re able to tap into
Adamah’s larger network of
resources, events and program-
ming, as well get more one-on-
one consulting that goes into
putting some of these projects
together from ideation through
implementation.
Only 18 months in and so
soon after the first round of
climate action plans, the institu-
tions are currently in the imple-
mentation phase.
“We’ve heard back from a
lot of coalition members here
in the Detroit region who have
seen great benefit from this as
a space where folks can come
together and talk about these
issues to alleviate climate anxi-
ety,
” Cohen said.
One coalition member from
Congregation Beth Israel stat-
ed the congregation’s climate
action activities have helped its
members explore the Jewish
tradition of protecting the
earth.
“Our accomplishments
include a synagogue-wide
energy audit, a whole-system
design for energy-efficient elec-
trification of our HVAC and
kitchen equipment, motivating
our teens to write a ‘Psalm for
the Earth,
’ 100% compostable
weekly Kiddush and a commu-
nity garden,
” they said.
“
Adamah has provided criti-
cal insight and direction, start-
up funds and access to other
like-minded organizations.
We wholeheartedly encourage
other congregations to join us
in our work to save the planet
for future generations.
”
For institutions wanting
to join the coalition, Cohen
says it’s quite simple. It’s a free
program to join and three
main things are required: sign
the initial founding statement,
attend a virtual welcome
orientation session and, lastly,
publish their annual climate
action plan on the first Tu
b’Shevat after joining.
Cohen says the climate con-
versation being started at each
of these respective institutions
is incredibly impactful, and
he’s happy to see them charting
the path forward for what they
want to see in terms of the envi-
ronmental sustainability of their
institution.
“
As a young Jewish profes-
sional, it is really inspiring and
uplifting to see that there are a
collection of Jewish individuals,
organizations and institutions
who have stated that the envi-
ronment is a priority to them,
and they are putting the action
behind those words,
” Cohen
said.
Nationally and in Detroit, the
coalition is looking to grow its
numbers. For local institutions
interested in learning more and
possibly joining, reach out to
Cohen at ari.cohen@adamah.
org or Detroit@adamah.org.
Ari Cohen
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cap&gown
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AIDAN WARREN
Bloomfield
Hills High
School
National
Honor Society,
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graduate,
Varsity
Wrestling.
Michigan State University
BRITNEY
WASSERMAN
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Summa cum
laude, National
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DANIELLA WEIL
Farber Hebrew
Day School
Student
Council
President,
StandWithUs
intern,
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Regional Board Vice President,
Bnei Akiva Mazkira, National
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Yeshiva University
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Berkley High
School
Graduating
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honors,
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Founder of
Investment Club, First cellist
Detroit Metropolitan Youth
Symphony, Tri-M Music
Honor Society, Metro Detroit
Youth Clubs volunteer, Henry
Ford Karmanos and Sheridan
assisted living volunteer pia-
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JOSH WEINGARDEN
North
Farmington
High School
Varsity Tennis,
Track, DECA,
BPA, Student
Senate
Secretary.
University of Michigan
MATTHEW
WEINSTEIN
Groves High
School
Varsity
Bowling,
Varsity Track,
School
Ambassador,
DECA,
Investment Club, Friendship
Circle.
Purdue University
MAX FRIEDMAN
To Our Max — Dream on.
Work hard. Play smart. And
continue to be the best version
of yourself. The world is waiting.
And you make us so proud!
We love you,
Bubbie Sandy and Zayde Lenny
Mazel Tov!
Kate
Michaels
We are so proud of
you today and look
forward to such a
bright future.
On Wisconsin!
We love you so much.
Love,
Mommy, Daddy, Ryan,
Bodhi and Harlow
Congrats!
Joel Van Loon
Dear Joel,
We wish you a future filled with good health &
happiness! You are our shining star!!
Love,
Mimi & Papa
Congratulations!
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