L to r: Rafi Addlestone, Rabbi Jeremy Wieder, Naomi Verber, LSJS CEO Joanne Greenaway, LSJS Dean Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum
LSJS was thrilled to host a symposium on climate change yesterday, just ahead of COP28 next week, bringing a world-class modern orthodox teacher and scholar to the UK for the event.
Rabbi Jeremy Wieder, a Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva University, spoke at the important event entitled Climate Change and Halacha: Theory to practice, where 40 orthodox rabbinical leaders and educators came together with the goal to inspire a change of approach in UK mainstream orthodoxy whereby climate change is framed within the language of halacha.
Yesterday’s symposium began with a talk by Dr Emily Farnworth from Cambridge University, an expert on climate change and public policy. It also included meaningful discussions held on how to protect the environment and human life by tackling climate change in our communities. Following the event, LSJS will outline key implications and suggested changes for wider distribution in the community.
The symposium was spearheaded by Rafi Addlestone, graduate of LSJS’s one-year Rabbi Sacks Learning Fellowship course for engaged, inquisitive and aspirational young professionals and was a partnership between LSJS, the United Synagogue’s Dorot programme, and the Senior Rabbi’s Office of the S&P Sephardi Community.
Rafi said: “LSJS is the place to explore how we can apply tradition to today’s modern challenges and there is no bigger challenge than climate change. We certainly moved with that conversation today.”
Naomi Verber from Dorot, the United Synagogue’s environmental initiative, commented: “Today’s excellent programme has enabled us to think about how we can use halacha and the influence of our rabbis and rebbetzens to drive real environmental change in our communities.”
Rabbi Wieder began his visit to the UK giving a highly inspiring lecture entitled ‘Does Jewish Law Demand a Response to Climate Change?’ on Sunday night. A recording is available via the LSJS Shop.
