Aryah Levin
Dec 22, 2024
Explore how modern Jewish families are blending the traditions of Shabbat with sustainable living. This feature highlights Ari’s connection to his roots and how Kenari reflects values of rest, mindfulness, and care for the environment.
To align Jewish Shabbat observance with environmental sustainability, many families are adopting practices that reduce energy consumption and waste, extending eco-friendly habits beyond the day of rest.
Key strategies include replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient fluorescent lighting and using Shabbat timers to control electrical usage, preventing unnecessary energy expenditure automatically. Additionally, relying on natural daylight during the day and minimizing artificial lighting at night further conserves electricity.
Families opt for crock pots or hot plates to maintain warm meals without excessive energy use instead of leaving ovens on for extended periods. Regarding dining ware, choosing paper and plastic products made from high percentages of post-consumer recycled materials over non-biodegradable options like Styrofoam reduces waste. Alternatively, using washable fabric napkins and tablecloths decreases disposable waste.
I am running a few minutes late; my previous meeting is over.
Encouraging walking instead of driving during Shabbat adheres to traditional observance and reduces carbon emissions. Moreover, purchasing local and organic produce and cultivating personal gardens supports sustainable agriculture and decreases the environmental impact of long-distance food transportation.
These practices resonate with the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world, demonstrating that integrating environmental consciousness into religious observance can foster a more sustainable lifestyle throughout the week.