Congregation Bonai Shalom Awarded 2016 Hazon Seal of Sustainability

Congregation Bonai Shalom participated in the Hazon Seal of Sustainability pilot, where 23 organizations across the country took measurable steps towards greater sustainability. This recognition from Hazon, America’s largest faith based environmental organization, required the implementation of three major sustainability projects, completion of a sustainability audit, and continued education and tracking of progress.

The congregation has also continued its commitment to sustainability undertaking new projects, including moving towards zero waste, improving building insulation, and acquiring and caring for a chicken flock. Currently, all Bonai Shalom events are zero waste, its community supports and participates in urban farming initiatives, and it supplements its Kiddush and Shabbat dinners with food grown from its own six raised garden beds.

“Sustainability has always been one of our congregation’s key core values and priorities, and we’re so excited to share how we’re working to protect the environment every day,” says Rabbi Marc Soloway.

Rabbi Soloway was also one of twelve faith leaders honored as a 2015 White House Champion of Change for his efforts in protecting the environment and communities from the effects of climate change. He was recognized for his central role in the formation of Tuv Ha’Aretz, an interfaith Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in Boulder, that supports small, local and sustainable organic farms.

“We hope that this program not only continues to motivate us as a Jewish community, but also shows other organizations how meaningful it is to commit to greater sustainability,” says Rabbi Soloway.

Rabbi Soloway was recently recognized by the Times of Israel for being one of the 12 leading Jews in the Green Movement.