About The Festival

As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr said in 1963, “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history there ‘is’ such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action." 

A collective of Seattle Jewish communal organizations and leaders have collaborated this year to create The Urgency of Now: Seattle’s Jewish Climate Festival -- a series of events over several weeks to inspire, educate and energize. 

Our goals are threefold:

1. To put climate issues at the top of the Jewish communal agenda in Seattle. Our Jewish values and human values mandate we act. Tu BiShvat presented a unique opportunity to pair our Jewish values and human values.

2. To bring the Seattle area Jewish community together to collaborate on something larger than any of our individual organizations might do alone, and to create entry points for everyone who wants to participate in the Jewish community, regardless of organizational affiliation.

3. To create momentum in support of local political and social action on climate in Seattle. Given that cities generate about 70% of carbon, cities must be a leader of the solutions. Seattle, with our culture and economy, is uniquely positioned to lead the way. We must demonstrate to other cities around our country and around the world how change can be made.

This first Jewish Climate Festival is a modest test of our community’s ability to collaborate to achieve these goals. Thanks to the following organizations and leaders for their dedication to making this a reality. Want to get involved or stay up to date on future activities around climate and environmental justice? Sign up below.

This Year’s Collaborators