EcoShabbat 2021 will take place on November 5/6. It will present a fantastic opportunity for us, the family of Liberal communities, to show our support for the COP 26 conference. It will let us celebrate our achievements in becoming an eco-friendly and sustainable movement, while examining the next steps we must now take to combat climate change.

EcoShabbat is an EcoSynagogue initiative, which brings together the four main denominations of Judaism (Orthodox, Reform, Liberal and Masorti).

This unique intra-faith cooperation manifests the importance and urgency of the current climate crisis.

Liberal Judaism’s CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky said: “EcoShabbat is an excellent initiative. As a movement we value the principle of bal tashchit (do not destroy) and are committed to living harmoniously with the world around us.

“We are supporting and encouraging our communities to join EcoSynagogue and its projects. It is an important step towards the reduction of our impact on climate change and a great initiative that brings the entire Jewish community together.”

Rabbi Tanya Sakhnovich of The Liberal Synagogue Elstree represents Liberal Judaism on the EcoSynagogue Steering Group. She added: “Climate change, pollution and the death of natural habitats – to mention just a few – have started having a direct effect on our being, if not on our conscience.

“When I listen to my conscience it tells me to do my best to preserve the beauty and health of the trees, grass, animals and the air around me so that the silver birch tree outside my balcony can bring joy to and be used as a football post by local children for many more generations to come.

“I know I can’t change the world on my own but together we can.”

To find out more about EcoShabbat and sign your community up, please email team@ecosynagogue.org.