Understanding climate change is a “spiritual issue” and one the Jewish community must get to grips with, according to Rabbi Jeffrey Newman.
The emeritus rabbi of Finchley Reform Synagogue is one of 20 community leaders, academics, and lay people behind a new group set up to manage the Jewish response to the issue.
He said: “Until now there has been no co-ordinated effort on behalf of the Jewish community to respond to the issue and it is important our voice is heard.”
The as-yet unnamed group will work alongside organisations from other faiths to lobby government, and develop initiatives within the community to help combat the effects of climate change on society.
“Society has lost its way and we have not been relating to each other or the planet properly,” Rabbi Newman said. “Climate change is a fundamental moral issue facing all of humanity. One, as Jews, we can’t shut our eyes to.”
Rabbi Newman said the group — launched at a meeting last week — would aim to represent all sections of the community.
“We have Reform, Liberal and Masorti movements involved and we are actively hoping that we find a United synagogue that wants to get involved.
“I believe 99 per cent of people realise what is happening, so there is no point involving ourselves with people who are not recognising it,” he said.
“It is going to affect the developed world but it is already affecting the developing world. We have seen it in Syria where after years of drought people moved into the cities and it has played a part in the current situation there.”
Natasha Lever, who is a student and volunteer project co-ordinator for the group, said her generation would be key to tackling climate change.
She said: “The Jewish community has sustained itself for so long and in order to do that you need to have good health and clean air.
“It might not be something that older people have considered before but it is very much on the minds of young people.
“We know it will impact how we live in the future.”