Off on offsets
To argue that carbon offsets are not Jewish, as Diane Sussman writes in her column (Nov. 2), reflects a misunderstanding of the many approaches that are needed to fight climate change.
Nations, companies, and individuals will all have to conserve energy, adopt new energy technologies, and make lifestyle changes, if we’re going to make progress in addressing global warming. But even we do these things, most people can’t reduce their carbon footprints to zero. You still need to drive to the kosher market sometimes or fly home for the Jewish holidays.
That’s where carbon offsets can help. They offer a way to balance out the impact of your driving, flying, and home energy use by supporting wind farms and other projects that cut carbon emissions. Offsets are not a new type of Catholic indulgence from the Middle Ages, as Ms. Sussman suggests. They are a practical, cost-effective way to follow the Jewish value of tikkun olam — repairing the Earth.
Adam C. Stern | Berkeley
Genesis said so
I enjoyed the “offsets” column for two reasons: first, its tongue-in-cheek quality; i.e. wouldn’t we all like to have bought “a body mass index offset” from Donald Trump or the Dalai Lama (for his cholesterol management)?
Secondly, and more importantly, I always like to be reminded how ancient Jewish values are so relevant throughout history as well as in today’s world.
Rabbi Judah Dardik notes, essentially, that you cannot do the wrong thing and then atone for that wrongdoing by doing something right in another area.
This concept brings to mind practices of wealthy men who would pay someone to take their place in the army when we were at war, in particular, the Civil War, and most certainly others as well. The payer might offset his sin/tort by convincing himself and others that his “skills” were needed on the homefront.
Regarding the author’s reference to environmental responsibility without offsets, the second chapter of Genesis, as quoted by Rabbi Dardik, precedes Al Gore by many thousands of years. As Jews we are bidden by the Bible to do what we can to save our planet. Ms. Sussman’s contribution of owning a clothesline but no car definitely earns her a taut carbon footprint.
Marilyn Damon Diamond | San Francisco
An appreciation
I want to express my appreciation to Woody Weingarten for all his work as managing editor of j. and its predecessor, the Jewish Bulletin. I’ve read your publication for many years and have always found it informative and interesting. I’m glad you have not shied away from controversial topics and covering problems in the Jewish world. Your publication expresses the heart and pulse of the Jewish community of the Bay Area, and has strengthened and enhanced it. Thank you for all your work, and best wishes for the future.
Lea Delson | Berkeley
Support domestic
violence programs
Thank you for your thoughtful editorial on domestic violence in the Jewish community and the article on Shalom Bayit’s 15th anniversary (“Organization that helps abused women gets a boost,” Oct. 19 j.).
It is heartwarming to see our community join thousands of other voices commemorating National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The article highlighted that Shalom Bayit is a new beneficiary of the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation, stating this would be its only stable funding source. Just to clarify, while JCF will provide the first multi-year funding, we also receive wonderful support from hundreds of dedicated individuals as well as foundations like the Richard & Rhoda Goldman Fund, Hadassah Foundation, and East Bay Federation.
In j.’s Oct. 26 letters, the “Coalition of Free Men” wrote that men can also be victims of abuse. While the overwhelming number of domestic violence survivors are women (despite the writer’s misquoted statistics), those who are male can and should access help. That’s why we encourage readers to support our domestic violence programs, so that we can be here in strength for all who truly need us.
Warm thanks to the j. and all who support our efforts to make every Jewish home a safe home.
Naomi Tucker | Executive Director, Shalom Bayit
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