Reconstructionist Rabbinical College

The Hebrew word Olam means both the world and eternity.  The most widely used term in Judaism for work for social justice is Tikkun Olam, healing the world. While there is broad engagement in the Jewish community in acts of Tikkun Olam, such work is often undertaken without deep knowledge about either the physical world or the depths of time, including understandings of the science behind climate change in general and specific scientific topics of greatest concern to a community engaged in ending a variety of social disparities.

We will offer a class for rabbinical students that will address these lacunae in knowledge, empowering future rabbis to be fully engaged with the science behind climate work and to effectively communicate about that science as they work to address climate change. The course will bring in a variety of guest speakers from fields such as climate science, climate policy, and faith-based activism.  Topics to be covered will include the current state of climate science, dealing with disinformation, science communication, resources for teaching adults and children, preaching and liturgy, case studies in dealing with climate conflicts, multifaith efforts to address climate change, frontline communities, and community-based solutions.

Due to RRC’s commitment to justice and social change, climate science dealing with disparate impacts will be emphasized. Students will then plan and implement educational programs in the communities where they serve as interns and work together to create a learning event for the local community.