Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue (BHPS) kicked off a series of special events for the community’s 90th anniversary with an eco-lunch to mark the shul’s incredible EcoJudaism achievements.

Event host Benita Matofska (centre)

The day featured live Klezmer music, a quiz, guest speakers and a plant-based feast catered by The Real Junk Food Project Brighton (pictured above), a local charity who intercept food waste destined for landfill and use it to feed people who need it on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis.

The event was hosted by BHPS member, public speaker, writer and sustainability expert Benita Matofska. Benita explained how she started a Green Team at the synagogue in 2018, and the incredible work they have done since to become one of only three synagogues to win an EcoJudaism Gold Award.

She said: “We switched to eco-friendly products, eliminated single-use plastics, employed eco cleaners, bought recycled stationery, reduced energy consumption, tackled waste and introduced Who Gives a Crap toilet paper, supporting the building of toilets in the global South. We ran clothes swaps, EcoShabbat services and plant-based chavurah Friday night suppers.”

EcoJudaism’s Naomi Verber and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg addressed the event

Benita added: “We’re here to celebrate and be proud of BHPS, reaching 90 and also making a difference in the world. I’m proud to say, as we look to the future… go Brighton!”

Speakers included Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky, the synagogue’s Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber and EcoJudaism’s Founder Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg OBE and CEO Naomi Verber.

Naomi said: “BHPS has blazed a trail, showing how communities can transform into beacons of Jewish environmental responsibility. We’re so proud BHPS chose to celebrate their amazing work with EcoJudaism as part of their 90th birthday celebration.”

In his address, Rabbi Gabriel discussed the many milestones and landmark moments BHPS has achieved since its founding in 1935.

Speaking about the event itself, he added: “Last year we became the first shul outside London to be awarded EcoJudaism’s coveted Gold Award. And, of course, at this moment of celebration, we chose not to have a gala dinner or a black-tie do, but instead an ecologically-sound lunch using food saved from landfill.”