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Faith Based Environmental Initiatives in Canada

Joanne Moyer: The King's University 

Jewish Federations of Canada, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, UJA Federation, Canadian Council for Reform Judaism, Union for Reform Judaism, Religious Action Centre of Reform Judaism

Research Note:  I was unable to interview people from any of these organizations, and therefore have incomplete information. There is an active Jewish environmental movement, but it seems to get most of its leadership from organizations in the United States (which were not included in this study). There is, however, evidence of environmental consciousness within the Canadian Jewish community, and stewardship activities are taking place at the local community level. The most active Jewish environmental initiative is Shoresh, which is profiled separately.

 

About: For more information about these organizations, see their websites:

                 Jewish Federations of Canada (UJA): https://www.jewishcanada.org/

                Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs: https://cija.ca/

                Canadian Council for Reform Judaism: https://ccrj.ca/

                Union for Reform Judaism: https://urj.org/

                Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism: https://rac.org/

 

Environmental Activities:

  • Congregations of the Canadian Council of Reform Judaism have taken steps to reduce their footprint, by replacing light bulbs, avoiding disposables, etc.
  • Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto hosts a community shared agriculture project with Shoresh.
  • UJA’s Joseph & Wolf Lebovic Jewish Community Campus in Vaughn partners with Shoresh’s Kavanah Garden.

 

Partnerships:


SHORESH

About: Shoresh was established in 2009 to empower people to care for and be stewards of the earth. Initiatives taken to connect people with the land and Jewish tradition includes education, worship, networking, theological development and providing nature experiences.

 

Environmental Activities:

  • Kavanah Garden (located beside UJA’s Joseph & Wolf Lebovic Jewish Community Campus in Vaughn): a half-acre garden where children and adults participate in experiential programs.
  • Bela Farm (Hillsburgh, ON): experiential, land-based Jewish learning and living through raising fruit, vegetables, forestry and bees
  • Maxie’s Garden: downtown community garden, in partnership with Jewish Family & Child Services
  • Educational programs:
    • Annual food conference.
    • Seeds, Sprouts, and Scripture with Khaleafa and the University of Toronto Multi-Faith Centre
    • School programs,  camps, and nature-based workshops
    • Field trips with community organizations
    • Shoresh Outdoor School

 

Partnerships:

 

 

On This Page:

Shoresh

Jewish Federations of Canada, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, UJA Federation, Canadian Council for Reformed Judaism, Union for Reform Judaism, Religious Action Centre of Reform Judaism