Environmental Education

Ecology and Judaism / Environmental Communities / Environmental Dialogue/     Environmental Leadership/ Community Initiatives

Shomera’s educational programs connect ecology and Jewish tradition in diverse and exciting ways. The activities inspire an appreciation of nature and the desire to take responsibility for others and the environment, while imparting practical tools for individual and group action.

Programs take place in a wide variety of settings, as part of formal and informal education, in kindergartens and schools, after-school and enrichment programs, teacher trainings, communal activities and happenings for the general public. The courses and events are conducted on site at educational
institutions, community centers or the Shomera Educational Center, located in the Jerusalem Forest.

Shomera educational programs present, through experience and experimentation, the connection between ecology, nature and Jewish tradition. The educational programs convey the value of nature preservation and of the individual's responsibility to the environment while imparting practical tools for individual and group action. The activities are conducted  within the framework of kindergartens and schools,  after-school classes, enrichment programs and teacher seminars. The programs are conducted at the site of the educational institution or, alternatively, at the Shomera educational centre located in the Jerusalem Forest.

Ecology and Judaism – education with practical results

This array of programs addresses environmental issues encountered in modern life and combines conventional, ecological concepts with Torah and Halachic thought about the natural and agricultural world, land use and interpersonal responsibility. Participants are stimulated with multi-sensory learning experiences and hands-on activities that take place both indoors and in nature. During the course of the programs, we discuss man’s impact on the environment and pursue ways to improve the individual’s relationship to his/her surroundings.
Target audiences: grades 1-6 in state, state-religious and independent schools, youth leader seminars and teacher training programs
To Top off Page

Environmental Communities – building communities that care

This program aims to increase communal involvement by encouraging initiatives by the stronger segments of the population on behalf of and with the weaker ones. Participants work together to preserve and cultivate neglected public spaces near sectors such as the elderly and the economically disadvantaged. Aside from providing new open, green spaces for gathering and socializing, these projects add vitality and beauty to neighborhoods.
Target audience: Groups from the community at large, identified in co-operation with community centers, synagogues and senior citizens groups

To Top off Page

Environmental Dialogue –  diverse groups that work together

This program encourages different groups to work together to solve a common, local, environmental problem that is of concern to them. This shared focus provides an opportunity for the participants – be they new immigrants, veteran Israelis, well-off, indigent, religious, secular, etc. - to learn concepts and gain practical skills that forge a new way of thinking and establish a common vocabulary and experience. It opens the door for working together to solve other, mutual concerns.
Target audience: Youth groups, youth movements and community centers

To Top off Page

Environmental Leadership – personal empowerment which benefits others

This course trains youth in social action by providing knowledge, tools and practical experience to develop and lead environmental programs within their communities. This program creates a new, excited group of young people who want to contribute to society. They gain experience in working within a group framework and are prepared to take on challenges independently.
Target audience: Youth (including youth-at-risk) and college students

To Top off Page

Community Initiatives – clean public spaces, resource recycling
This program increases awareness and offers simple ways for communities to make a big impact on the neighborhoods in which they live. Lectures and public discussions are offered on topics that include urban nature, healthy living, the psychological impact of open spaces, cleanliness as an educational stepping stone and more.
To facilitate the maintenance and cleanliness of public and private spaces, recycling and garbage bins are placed in strategic locations. Activities such as street fairs, communal clean-ups and competitions are utilized as a means to motivate and encourage awareness and to stimulate pride in the surroundings.
Target audience: Residents of Jerusalem

To Top off Page