Report on ECO-JUDAISM TEAMS MEET 29 MAY, from 8th August Newsletter

Your Eco-Team was represented at a recent, very well attended, national Eco Teams Zoom meeting. The main theme was the creation and maintenance of eco gardens. There were very inspiring presentations by Juliette of Potters Bar & Brookmans Park Synagogue and from Lesley of the Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation.
Juliette took us on a virtual tour of the Potters Bar wild garden – lots of areas seemingly left to their own devices and wildlife encouraged with bee ‘hotel’ and bird feeders. Also, fruit, veg and water butts. The Synagogue has links with the RSPB and has received Council grants to support their vision. Juliette stressed the importance of a committed and enthusiastic eco-team!
The Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation is committed to minimising the impact of their Synagogue on the environment by seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
To achieve this aim EHC has formed a ‘Green Team’ to fulfil the maxim of ‘Caring for the Environment’. In her presentation their representative showed photos of their fascinating Biblical Garden. All the edible plants they are growing are mentioned in the Torah, the Mishna or the Talmud. One of the many examples was broad beans, apparently a key ingredient of Ezekiel bread – who knew?
Clearly we are at somewhat of a disadvantage without our own building or grounds. Nevertheless Donna from Eco-Judaism gave very positive feedback for the 3CLJC Eco-Team, calling us ‘one of her star groups’ and praising us for our enthusiasm! Although we don’t have our own grounds we do live in a most beautiful and rural part of the country. Many of us will also have our own gardens. We must be able to take advantage of this in committing to care for the environment. More of this in due course.
Andrea, Eco-Judaism’s director of operations rounded up the session by reminding us about the Eco-Judaism awards ceremonies coming up in London and Edinburgh. She really tried to encourage people to attend the ceremonies, especially if they are likely to receive an award – and that means us! The session ended with a short presentation by Naomi the new Chief Executive Officer of Eco-Judaism who has great plans for the movement.
Martin