Jewish National Fund and Areyvut Present Make a Difference Day

JNF GoNeutral Shabbat

Contact: Michelle Beller • 212-879-9305 ext. 269 • mbeller@jnf.org / Debra Scher • 212-879-9305 ext. 298 • dscher@jnf.org

February 11, 2008 -- New York, NY -- This year, Areyvut’s Make a Difference Day is going green, with a little help from Jewish National Fund (JNF). 

On April 4-6, 2008, synagogues, schools, community organizations, and families across the country will mark the first annual JNF GoNeutral Shabbat and Make a Difference Day by celebrating Shabbat in an eco-friendly way and learning about the connection between Judaism, Israel, and the environment.

Make a Difference Day is a day dedicated to helping others and actively making the world a better place. The 2008 program theme is “Preserving the Environment,” and activities will extend through the weekend as Jewish communities around the country celebrate JNF GoNeutral Shabbat.

JNF, an organization that has been greening the land of Israel for more than 100 years, has launched JNF GoNeutral, a campaign that educates individuals about their personal impact on the environment and empowers them to take steps to protect the Earth. At www.jnf.org/goneutral, visitors can calculate the average amount of carbon dioxide they emit each year and help offset their negative impact on the environment by planting trees in Israel or supporting other projects such as research and development of alternative energy. GoNeutral offers tips for incorporating environmentally friendly practices into everyday life and provides educational resources for middle school, high school, and college students as well as synagogues.

Once registered for JNF GoNeutral Shabbat and Make a Difference Day, participants will have access to an online educational resource guide with program planning tips, ideas for hands-on environmental activities including a "green" Shabbat dinner, and ways to reduce energy consumption and water use on Shabbat and every day of the week. The guide also contains sermons, suggestions for studying Jewish texts that promote environmental awareness, and a list of available environmental speakers. Participants will receive a JNF GoNeutral tote bag, an educational DVD about climate change and protecting the environment, and a certificate of recognition.

Visit www.jnf.org/makeadifferenceday to register and download the educational resource guide. For more information, email education@jnf.org. 

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JEWISH NATIONAL FUND (JNF) began in 1901 as a dream and vision to reestablish a homeland in Israel for Jewish people everywhere. Jews the world over collected coins in iconic JNF Blue Boxes, purchasing land and planting trees until ultimately, their dream of a Jewish homeland was a reality. JNF gives all generations of Jews a unique voice in building a prosperous future for the land of Israel and its people.

JNF embodies both heart and action; our work is varied in scope but singular in benefit. We strive to bring an enhanced quality of life to all of Israel’s residents, and translate these advancements to the world beyond. JNF is greening the desert with millions of trees, building thousands of parks, creating new communities and cities for generations of Israelis to call home, bolstering Israel’s water supply, helping develop innovative arid-agriculture techniques, and educating both young and old about the founding and importance of Israel and Zionism.

JNF is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and United Nations NGO, which continuously earns top ratings from charity overseers.

For more information on JNF, call 888-JNF-0099 or visit www.jnf.org.