Bethesda Green's First Thursday happy hours are always a time to have fun, meet new people and learn more about green initiatives in the Bethesda area. 

December's happy hour, held on Dec. 2 at Redwood and featuring Greater Washington Interfaith Power & Light, was true to form – warm, collegial and with the added benefit of celebrating the second night of Hanukkah.

The evening highlighted the work of Greater Washington Interfaith Power & Light -- which supports local congregations in their efforts to go green -- and recognized leaders of local congregations that are leading the way towards protecting the environment.

Redwood provided a generous spread of vegetarian appetizers – cheese, vegetables, crackers, dips and toasts – and drinks were available at the bar.  Dave Feldman, executive director of Bethesda Green and communications director Dave Heffernan greeted everyone as they arrived.   Attendees had a chance to mingle and meet the team from Greater Washington Power & Light, which helps religious congregations save energy, go green and educate their congregation about climate change. 

One of 30 Interfaith Power & Light groups engaging more than 10,000 religious congregations across the counry, Greater Washington Interfaith Power & Light is actively working with 200 congregations since its beginning six years ago. 

Joelle Novey, the group's director, spoke about recent activities for the organization as well as plans for 2011.  "This past Saturday we gathered at the White House to ask President Obama to keep his commitment to climate change," Novey said.  "In 2011 we will reach out to more congregations and hope to double the number of congregations we actively work with.  We will launch a new website in 2011.  The project I'm most excited about is our support for solar panels for houses of worship.  Some in the area have identified funding and we want to share that with other congregations."

Dec. 2 was the second night of Hanukkah, and the lighting of the menorah was part of the evening.  As Novey prepared to light the Hanukkah candles, she spoke about the commonalities between congregations from varied religions and welcomed members of Greater Washington Interfaith Power & Light congregations to light the second candle of the menorah together. 

"We help people green their congregations.  In finding each other all share ideas and also share traditions.  People hear differently in their congregation.  Outside their congregation a green issue might sound political, but inside their congregation it's about what kind of world they want and doing the right thing," Novey said.

Rabbi Fred Dobb, whose Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation has been part of Greater Washington Interfaith Power & Light for five years, also emphasized unity. Dobb was recently recognized by Bethesda Green as a "Green Champion." His congregation aims to "walk lightly on the earth" and incorporates green elements into its building, including using recycled material, utilizing natural light and ventilation to reduce heating and cooling use, and maintaining a vegetable garden.

 "Most of our traditions are monotheistic so there is an underlying principal of unity which drives home the essential oneness of existence," said Dobb, for whom the evening brought together many interests and connections.  "Some of the Bethesda Green founders are in my congregation.  Our synagogue is in Bethesda and is recognized as a green institution, and I recently received a Green Champion award from Bethesda Green.  For those three reasons I'm glad to be here tonight – and had to be here tonight."

The lighting of the Hanukkah candles added a special note to the evening as we begin a season of many holidays in Bethesda, and was a very appropriate way to conclude Bethesda Green's First Thursday happy hour 2010 series.   We look forward to more First Thursdays in 2011 – more restaurants, more friends, more green initiatives!  For information about either Greater Washington Interfaith Power & Light or Bethesda Green, please go to their websites.  Both are filled with information and opportunities to learn about green solutions and environmental issues.  Enjoy!