New York Jews to Gather for Jewish Climate Summit Led by RAC-NY, Central Synagogue, Dayenu, and Adamah
When: Sunday, April 7, 1-4pm ET
Where: Central Synagogue, 123 East 55th St, New York, NY
Jews from across New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County will come together to learn about the challenges posed by climate change to New York State, determine a path to win a just, livable future, and take action together.
The Jewish Climate Summit is co-sponsored by New York Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism (RAC-NY), Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action, Adamah-NY, and host congregation, Central Synagogue.
Mainstage speakers include Donnel Baird (CEO of BlocPower and TIME Magazine’s 2022 “Dreamer of the Year”), Josh Burstein (Emmy Award-winning video journalist, climate activist, comedian, and Dayenu Advisory Board Member). Breakout session speakers include Council Member Julie Menin – District 5, Council Member Eric Dinowitz – District 11, and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. A full schedule is provided below.
The Summit comes on the eve of an important decision-point in New York: State lawmakers are set to vote on the overdue budget and its climate provisions this week. At stake are funds critical to transitioning off polluting fossil fuels and realizing the environmental and economic benefits of the historic Climate and Community Investment Act (2002). Meanwhile, institutions in New York City are actively working to comply with Local Law 97, aimed at reducing the climate pollution produced by the city’s largest buildings.
Schedule of Events
1:00 – 1:30 Introduction: Why is Climate a Jewish Issue and Why Are We Here?
1:30 – 2:05 Keynote Speaker: Donnel Baird, CEO, BlocPower
2:30 – 3:20 Breakout Sessions
#1: Navigating Climate Anxiety and Building Resilience: Turning to Judaism for Wisdom
#2: Climate Justice Campaign for New Laws in New York State
#3: Building a Healthier and More Sustainable New York for All New Yorkers
Moderated by Central Synague’s Rabbi Hilly Haber, featuring:
- Elizabeth Zeldin, Enterprise New York
- Nella Pineda-Marcon, NYS Nurses Association
- Curtis Probst, NYC Energy Efficiency Corporation
#4: Building Climate Organizing Skills 101
#5: Decarbonizing NYC: A Dialogue Between the Jewish Community and Elected Officials
Moderated by Adamah’s Dr. Shahar Sadeh, featuring:
- Council Member Julie Menin – District 5 and Central Synagogue Member
- Council Member Eric Dinowitz – District 11, Chair of the Jewish Caucus
- Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine.
#6: Cultivating Spiritual Courage and Confronting the Climate Crisis
- Dayenu’s Rabbi Laura Bellows
3:30 – 4:00 Closing Speaker & Action Steps
- Josh Burstein, video journalist, climate activist, comedian
Additional partners include: Base UWS, Hebrew Tabernacle of Washington Heights, Jewish Community Project, Temple Shaaray Tefilah