FORE: Religion-Judaism-EP-Noah Project

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Jewish Engaged Projects

The Noah Project
Abstract	A Jewish environmental non-profit organization in the United Kingdom (UK), the Noah Project works to promote ecological awareness and action in the Jewish community through education, practical action, and religious celebration. Drawing on Jewish teachings that promote respect for the environment, the Noah Project seeks to mobilize Jews to address ecological issues and to join with other secular and religious environmental groups in protecting the earth. It organizes educational events, such as panel discussions and lectures, publishes regular articles in Jewish newspapers, and is working on the production of a “Greening Synagogue Guide.” The Noah Project also organizes and promotes environmental celebrations on the Jewish holidays of Tu B’Shevat (New Year of the Trees), the harvest festival of Sukkot and Hoshana Rabbah, and Shavuot, which celebrates Revelation. By emphasizing the environmental dimensions of these and other Jewish holidays, the Noah Project aims to foster an ethic of caring for the environment rooted in Jewish tradition, belief, and practice. In addition to its education and celebration projects, the Noah Project engages in hands-on conservation and habitat restoration work with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and the River Thames Clean Up project. It also distributes a quarterly newsletter and donates approximately ten percent of its annual proceeds to environmental projects as tzedakah (charity donation).
Religion	Judaism
Geographic Location	United Kingdom
Duration of Project	1998–Present
History	The Noah Project grew out of an idea conceived in March of 1996, at an inter-religious service held during a protest against the Newbury Bypass to create a Jewish environmental group. Within six months, the newly formed working committee had created an Education Resource Pack for synagogues, schools, and individuals wishing to access information on Judaism and the environment. The Noah Project was officially launched in London in January of 1998.
Mission Statement	“The Noah Project is a UK-based environmental organisation committed to raising awareness of environmental issues throughout the Jewish community through education, celebration of Jewish festivals, and practical action projects.”
Partner Organizations	British Trust for Conservation Volunteers Friends of the Earth Global Action Plan The Council of Reform and Liberal Rabbis The United Synagogue The River Thames Clean Up Project
Long-Term Goals	None Listed
Bibliography	None Listed
Additional Research Resources	None Listed
Contact Information	The Noah Project P.O. Box 1828 London W10 5RT Ph: +44 020 8747 9518 Email: info@noahproject.org.uk

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Last Updated: 12/14/05

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