Small Green Steps: Temple Beth-El (Charlotte, NC)

When the social justice committee at Temple Beth-El launched their environmental initiative in 2008, they decided to create a CSA program to enable their synagogue community to take a tangible step to go green. Their partnership with a local farm will launch this spring with over a dozen families from the local Jewish community participating in the 16-week season. By helping coordinate the program and organize pick-up at a local park, the professional staff and volunteers at Temple Beth El will become more environmentally sustainable by lowering the carbon footprint associated with their food choices, and encourage more creative and healthy cooking and eating among the congregation and the community. Their CSA is already raising awareness of food and environmental issues among the congregation, led by the newly-formed TEVA kids core, a group of religious school students committed to environmental awareness and action.

As the program grows in future years, Temple Beth-El hopes to incorporate educational programming alongside their CSA including films, speakers, and the Food for Thought curriculum. They are also incorporating broader environmental concerns as they renovate and remodel their building. For more information contact Rabbi Micah Streiffer.