Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue (BHPS) have won a prestigious EcoJudaism Gold Award.

They were presented with the accolade at last week’s EcoJudaism Awards ceremony, which honours the steps being taken by congregations across the Jewish community to move towards an environmentally responsible future.

The award was collected by Mara Pirenack-Marrs of the BHPS Green Team, who received it from Donna Cohen, community engagement lead for EcoJudaism (pictured above).

Benita Matofska – the BHPS Council Member with responsibility for EcoJudaism and Sustainability – said: “This is a very proud moment for our synagogue. I am thrilled that our efforts to lower our carbon footprint, to protect and preserve our planet and become more sustainable have paid off.

“It has been a long journey, with some challenges, so to see our collaborative efforts to do our best for people and planet being recognised in this way makes us all very proud.”

Each year, EcoJudaism presents Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards to Jewish communities and organisations that successfully achieve 40, 60 and 80 per cent respectively in its Environmental Audit.

The EcoJudaism winners and team at the awards ceremony

Other winners, from last year and this year, include Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (Silver), Liverpool Reform Synagogue (Bronze), Maidenhead Synagogue (Silver), Southgate Progressive Synagogue (Bronze) and Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community (Silver).

There are now more than 70 synagogues – of all denominations and all around the UK – signed up to EcoJudaism. The charity’s new CEO, Naomi Verber, said the surge in numbers reflects the community’s desire for a better relationship with the environment.

Speaking after the ceremony, Naomi said: “The 70+ shuls now working with EcoJudasim to reduce their environmental footprint are testament to the fact that Jewish climate action is real and is now happening at pace across the British Jewish community.”

Looking ahead to the rest of the year and how more people can get involved with the work of EcoJudaism, Naomi added: “In September we’ll launching a series of campaigns – from ‘Rivers Rejuvenation’ to ‘Sustainable Food Consumption’ – which anyone, regardless of synagogue affiliation, can participate in to improve their quality of life and the life of the planet.”

Read more in the Jewish Chronicle and Jewish News.