Leading our clubs as stewards of the Earth

FJMC’s Shomrei Ha’Aretz Initiative

By Norwin Merens, Dr. Steven Mandel and Bob Watts

For nearly 20 years, FJMC International-affiliated clubs have been leading the charge as Shomrei Ha’aretz – “Guardians of the Land.”

We’ve been cleaning the beaches, composting waste into natural fertilizer, visiting parks with their families and friends, and growing fruits and vegetables for donations to community food banks. We have been teaching environmental lessons from the Torah, and trying to live them every day. And FJMC’s online store markets soy-based Shabbat candles, solar powered Ner Tamids, biodegradable consumer products and other natural products.

But there is so much more we can do, and we are now trying to reinvigorate our efforts. This Shomrei Ha’aretz affinity group webpage has many examples of Men’s Clubs organizing, planning, marketing and presenting successful diverse environmental programs that involve the congregation, young families, men and women. Many programs have received Torch awards.

Our mission: Educate, Action, Advocate 

Here’s how you, your club, congregation and community can become engaged in environmental programs and projects:

• Join the FJMC Shomrei Ha’aretz Committee
• Become familiar with the Masorti Environmental Sustainability Initiative
• Join in your professions or your company’s efforts to do their part in saving the planet
• Support the diverse efforts of our local, state, national and regional governments to improve our shared

Together, we can protect the world around us, and save it for future generations.

Norwin Merens is chair of FJMC’s Shomrei Ha’aretz (Environment) Committee, and a HaD’Var contributor. Dr. Steven Mandel is one of FJMC’s U.N. representatives. Bob Watts is FJMC International VP for Programming for Men’s Needs

Contact Norwin at if you would like to join the Committee or for more information.