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

OUR COMMUNITY

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FOR MORE INFO!

LISTING DEADLINE: MAY 13, 2024 
ISSUE DATE: MAY 23, 2024

WANT TO GIVE 
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HIGH SCHOOL OR 
COLLEGE SENIOR A 
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2024

94 | MAY 19 • 2022 

continued on page 96

cap&gown
2022
continued from page 92

AIDAN WARREN 

Bloomfield 
Hills High 
School 
National 
Honor Society, 
Dale Carnegie 
graduate, 
Varsity 
Wrestling. 
Michigan State University 

BRITNEY 
WASSERMAN 

Bloomfield 
Hills High 
School 
Summa cum 
laude, National 
Honor Society, 
Temple Israel 
Youth Group 
Board. 
Michigan State University 

DANIELLA WEIL 

Farber Hebrew 
Day School 
Student 
Council 
President, 
StandWithUs 
intern, 
National 
Council of Synagogue Youth 
Regional Board Vice President, 
Bnei Akiva Mazkira, National 
Honor Society. 
Yeshiva University

JONAH WEINBAUM 
Berkley High 
School 
Graduating 
junior with 
honors, 
National 
Honor Society, 
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-
nist. 
University of Michigan 

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!

Congratulations!

Mazel Tov!
College Already??? From a beautiful 
baby to a beautiful young lady.
MSU awaits Emma Cutler! Go Green!

We love you, Baba & Zay

Purchase a congratulatory 
ad to be included in the 
Cap & Gown issue.

