EcoShabbat: ‘An opportunity for our communities to showcase wonderfully diverse environmental events across the UK’

Last weekend’s EcoShabbat – timed to coincide with COP28 – saw EcoJudaism communities from across the UK, and of all denominations, reflect on the environment, take positive steps towards greater sustainability and enjoy some fun and meaningful environmentally friendly activities.

EcoJudaism community liaison manager Donna Cohen said: “EcoShabbat was a fantastic opportunity for our communities to showcase wonderfully diverse environmental events across the UK.”

Here we highlight a few of them.

Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS) held an uplifting service, led by the Shirah Band and featuring readings about nature, followed by a bring and share plant-based dinner. There was also a celebration to honour EHRS member and new EcoJudaism trustee Julie Tucker, recognised as Social Impact Leader of the Year at the prestigious Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards.

Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation put on a delicious and creative vegetarian kiddush, devised especially for EcoShabbat. Edinburgh EcoTeam lead Lesley Danzig said: “Our aim was to let people see that vegetarian parev food can be interesting and easy to prepare.”

Kol Chai Hatch End Reform Jewish Community invited members of Harrow Council talk environmental policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions in order to reach net zero by 2030. Martin Brownstone, who hosted the Q&A, said: “Both members of Kol Chai and our visitors found the exchange of ideas and concerns extremely valuable.”

Barnet United Synagogue centred on the theme of ‘War and Waste’. Rabbi Dr Samuel Landau delivered a special sermon on war and the environment. This was followed by an impactful and inspirational presentation by Clive Nathan, UK Ambassador to Leket Israel on the work of the National Food Bank at this challenging time

West London Synagogue had an exhibition of artwork by members and their children inspired by the environment. There was also a bring-and-share supper after their Erev Shabbat Shira service, where members were encouraged to bring vegan dishes and recipes to share.

Southport & District Reform Synagogue heard a special d’var Torah focusing on the Eco Shabbat themes of food waste and ethical investing, delivered by EcoTeam lead Susan Fox. The community also chose two alternative passages for the Aleinu in the Reform Judaism siddur about our stewardship of the universe.

Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community joined forces with the Springhill Cohousing Community in Stroud. More than 30 guests enjoyed an EcoShabbat sermon from Rabbi Anna Gerrard and tikkun olam presentation by upcoming barmitzvah boy Isaac, who gave am engaging talk about his adventures in accessible eco-activism, before kiddush and a vegetarian lunch.

The community’s EcoTeam’s Joel Levy said: “This EcoShabbat was a fascinating and convivial experience for us all.”