The Central Conference of American Rabbis
Resolution on
Protecting Ancient Forest Ecosystems
adopted by the 111th Convention
March, 2000
[excerpts]
In a brief moment in the life of our planet, we have destroyed all but a remnant of Earth's ancient forests.... The majestic ancient forests that once covered our continent have been reduced to a small remnant. The United States has already lost a stunning 96% of its old growth forests. Worldwide, 80% of old growth forests have been destroyed....
As a result, thousands of creatures are at risk of extinction. Worldwide, 25% of mammals, 20% of reptiles, 25% of amphibians, and 34% of fish are in danger of extinction. Destruction of forests is a leading cause. Water around the world is polluted with the soil that washes off bare mountains. The biological inheritance of humankind is being forever diminished, reducing potential sources of medicines, foods, and fibers. ...
Wild forests also serve as refuges for the human spirit, places where we can witness the Creator's majesty, reflect upon the mystery of life, and hear the small, still voice within. Tragically, few alive today have ever stood in an ancient forest.
Judaism teaches that we have a sacred obligation to the Creator, to Creation, and to future generations to safeguard and protect Earth's ecosystems. ... Our heritage calls on us to serve as protectors and defenders of God's magnificent creations, ensuring safe passage of all creatures from one era to the next by protecting their habitats. It is our dutyas people of faith, and citizens of our nation, to safeguard and weave together the patchwork of remnant forests as best we can.
Therefore, the Central Conference of American Rabbis calls upon all Reform households, schools, synagogues, and camps to:
- recycle waste paper and buy only those paper products that are made with a high percentage of postconsumer content recycled paper;
- use only wood certified as sustainably harvested by the Certified Forest Products Council for all construction purposes;
- divest from corporations whose activities contribute to the destruction of forests...
- dedicate one Shabbat or holiday (such as Tu B'Shevat or Sukkot) to learning about environmental issues and Jewish environmental ethics.
Furthermore, the CCAR calls upon the federal government to:
- protect roadless areas in National Forests in a manner that protects all roadless areas over 1,000 acres, including those in Alaska, from all logging, mining, and other commercial use;
- manage all public lands in a such manner that preserves and restores biological diversity; and,
- end all subsidies for logging and mining on public lands and immediately suspend all such activities in all oldgrowth forests and other
threatened habitats on public lands.
