Environmental Responsibility
At Isabella Freedman, we believe that environmental stewardship is a primary ethical obligation. With our planet's ability to support life diminishing, a great change in our stewardship of the earth is required more now than ever before. Yet in the face of overwhelming need, we often feel
As an active reminder that our actions matter, we offer programs that give participants the knowledge, skills and confidence to be active agents for tikkun olam (healing the world) inside and outside the Jewish community. All of our environmental programs are deeply rooted in Judaism, a tradition intricately connected to nature's rhythms and grounded in the value that all life is sacred.
"It is not upon you to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it."
—Pirkei Avot (Ethics of Our Ancestors) 2:21
At Isabella Freedman, we understand that environmental stewardship is a primary ethical obligation. With our planet's ability to support life diminishing, a great change in our stewardship of the earth is required more now than ever before. Yet in the face of overwhelming need, we often feel helpless to make a difference. At Isabella Freedman we offer experiences and tools to engage our visitors and partner organizations in embracing environmental responsibility within our grounds and beyond.
As an active reminder that our actions matter, we offer programs that give participants the knowledge, skills and confidence to be active agents for tikkun olam (healing the world) inside and outside the Jewish community. All of our environmental programs are deeply rooted in Judaism, a tradition intricately connected to nature's rhythms and grounded in the value that all life is sacred.
We offer hands-on opportunities at our forested campus for participants of all ages to learn about everything from how to grow your own food, to how to make your home healthy and energy efficient. Click here to learn more about our environmental commitment, including the ways in which we conserve energy and water, limit the use of toxic chemicals, reduce waste, and prepare and serve food with the environment and human health in mind.
We have long- and short-term programs that train environmental leaders. Young adults in their 20s can apply to be part of the Adamah Fellowship, a three-month leadership training program that integrates organic farming, sustainable living, Jewish learning, community building, and contemplative spiritual practice. And every fall, our campus is home to the Teva Learning Alliance's outdoor educational program for Jewish dayschool students.
Isabella Freedman also runs the Jewish Greening Fellowship, an innovative 18-month program that makes environmental stewardship a priority in Jewish camps, day schools, JCCs, human service organizations, and synagogues in the New York area. Generously sponsored by UJA-Federation of New York, the Jewish Greening Fellowship trains Jewish communal professionals to be environmental change leaders in their organizations and communities.
