This Tu B’Shvat, We Can All Take Steps for Climate Action
by Sam Sobel
Hello, reader! In case you missed the previous Baltimore Environmental Sustainability Network blogs, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sam Sobel, and I’m the Baltimore climate action coordinator for Adamah.
The BESN is a collection of Jewish organizations and individuals working to promote a more sustainable Jewish Baltimore. This network is a partnership between The Associated and Adamah, initiated by Mark Smolarz and guided by the leadership of Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin.
While the BESN focuses on community collaboration, I also work with local Jewish organizations on their own climate efforts through Adamah’s national Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition. Open to any Jewish nonprofit at no cost, the Coalition is made up of community organizations that recognize the existential threat and moral urgency of climate change.
There is only one requirement for Coalition members — to submit a Climate Action Plan once a year in time for Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish new year of trees that starts this year at sundown on Wednesday, Feb. 12
An organization’s CAP details actions taken over the past year while setting goals for the coming year. More than 400 organizations internationally — primarily based in the United States and Canada — have joined the Coalition since its inception in September of 2022. Last Tu B’Shevat, there were eight Coalition members in Baltimore. By Tu B’Shevat this year, Baltimore can proudly claim 21 Coalition members.
The Coalition Climate Action Plan is broken down into a variety of categories focused on expanding impact and the path toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. While members are asked to share their progress in all categories, organizations often excel in one category more than the others. These strengths are apparent in our own community and are worthy of being spotlighted.
Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency section of the CAP asks, “What steps have you taken and/or are you going to take to reduce energy use at your facilities?”
To begin to answer this question, an energy audit is often a useful first step. Several Coalition members in our community have gone through this process in the past year, including Baltimore Hebrew Congregation. The audit assessed the age and condition of all mechanical and other systems, and provided a list of energy conservation measure recommendations, which BHC plans to prioritize for implementation.
Having all-electric efficient equipment is a cornerstone for becoming a net-zero emissions building, a fact reflected in the opportunities of Adamah’s Climate Action Fund. One of these opportunities is the North American Climate Grant Fund, which has provided matching grants for projects that involve sourcing clean electricity, going electric and energy efficiency.
The Edward A. Myerberg Center in Northwest Baltimore was recognized for its climate goals with a grant award to replace its nearly four-decade-old refrigerator with a new and efficient model. When hearing about the Myerberg Center receiving this grant, one community member was inspired to donate a new freezer to complete the efficient set.
The Myerberg Center kitchen is far from complete however, as they plan to replace their ice machine and gas oven as well with efficient electric models, and share their experiences and the climate impact of their actions.
Fuel Switching to Electric Appliances
The goal of all-electric efficient appliances often requires switching over from fossil fuel-powered appliances to electric powered appliances. The Associated is engaging with this process by conducting a comprehensive inventory of fossil fuel-dependent equipment and infrastructure across their 19 buildings.
By carefully mapping out the natural replacement cycles of appliances, equipment, and vehicles, The Associated is creating a strategic roadmap for transitioning to electric alternatives. This methodical approach ensures both environmental and financial sustainability, setting an example for how organizations can make systematic progress toward climate goals.
Food We Serve
There are many intentional food choices that can be made to reflect a more sustainable way of eating. For Chizuk Amuno Congregation in Pikesville, a new grant from the Center for Jewish Food Ethics will allow them to model sustainable food choices for their community.
The synagogue and school will move toward more plant-based foods, starting with school lunches. To start, each Friday the meal is plant-based, with no meat or dairy. A caring committee of teachers, parents and synagogue members is brainstorming ways to help bring more plant-based options to other parts of programming, whether it’s the kiddush after services, meals and treats for the faculty and Shabbat/community dinners.
Food We Waste
As highlighted in a previous Jmore blog, food donation is a meaningful method of limiting food waste while also benefiting the community. When possible, the Towson University Hillel works with “The Hub,” the campus food resource organization. Through this partnership, Towson University Hillel aims to ensure that students in need have access to their food surplus, whether or not they are a part of the Hillel community.
Nature-Based Solutions
Nature-based solutions encompass climate action in natural spaces, such as lawns, forests, waterways and more. With 180 acres of land at the Pearlstone campus in Reisterstown, nature-based solutions are a priority.
This past year alone, 70 very rare Giant River Canen Arundinaria Gigantea — which used to be a major part of Maryland’s ecosystems but now are entirely gone — were planted onsite. Fourteen were also donated to other nurseries in the community to restore the species’ presence in the state.
But an organization doesn’t need to have a sprawling campus to make a difference with nature-based solutions. At Pikesville’s Beth Tfiloh Congregation, a stream restoration project in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency began in 2019.
The restoration of the Moores Branch runoff adjacent to Beth Tfiloh’s property has focused largely on future resiliency, installing components to protect from future erosion. In addition, a new footpath through the area was built so that anyone using the path as a shortcut for services would be gently steered onto a trail rather than disturbing the natural vegetation.
Education & Nature Connection
A central focus for many organizations is engaging communities through programming, celebrations and learning moments connecting people to the Earth, educating them about climate change and inspiring collective action
The Owings Mills Jewish Community Center exemplifies this approach with its pending grant proposal to create an educational nature trail featuring artwork highlighting native species. The project has actively sought community input throughout its development.
While this initiative represents a permanent installation, impactful environmental education can also occur through special events. One example is Chevrei Tzedek Synagogue’s upcoming “Green Mitzvathon” at The Myerberg Center (3101 Fallstaff Road).
This weekend-long event on May 2-4 will explore the Jewish principle of Earth stewardship (shmirat ha-adamah) while offering practical guidance for environmental action. Activities will include nature walks, services, plant-based meals and an environmental fair featuring educational demonstrations and eco-friendly vendors.
The 21 current Coalition members in Baltimore are deeply connected to our community, and the impact of their actions resonates far and wide. This is work to be proud of, and it’s only just beginning. Let us keep this important work up, growing and learning in our community climate solutions.
May we have peace on a healthy Earth. And go Orioles!
(Provided photo)
Feel free to reach out to Sam Sobel and the BESN at besn@associated.org. For questions about the Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition, reach out to Sam at sam.sobel@adamah.org
The next BESN event, which will be open to all, will be on food waste prevention. Learn how to help the climate, your budget and the goal of greater sustainability at our food waste prevention gathering on Tuesday, Mar. 25 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Myerberg Center, 3101 Fallstaff Road. Register here.