1. Continued the Adath/Easybean/ICA Foodshelf partnership for a second year, which provided Adath families an opportunity to purchase farm shares from Easybean Farm as well as donate farm shares directly to ICA Foodshelf in Minnetonka. Approximately 50 families purchased farm shares this year. The ICA Foodshelf received $1,050 and 2,020 pounds of fresh produce from Adath CSA members this season.
2. Co-sponsored the March Synaplex: Jews, Food and Planet Earth with guest speaker Nigel Savage, Founder and Director of Hazon. Activities included Friday night dinner, Eco Judaism and the Art of Bicycle Maintenance, a panel discussion on rain gardens, composting, and solar energy; and Lunch and Learn, Environmental Issues for Environmental Skeptics.
3. Sponsored an Outdoor Kabbalat Shabbat service and picnic for Adath families. Approximately 40 people attended the outdoor service and picnic.
4. Co-sponsored a cooking demonstration with the Adult Learning Committee titled, “From Farm to Fork” taught by Jenny Breen. Jenny Breen is an active part of the Twin Cities sustainable food movement. From 1996-2001 she was chef and co-owner of Good Life Cafe and since then has co-run Good Life Catering. The session was well attended.
5. Sponsored the congregational Oneg Shabbat on Tu B'Shevat . Provided fruits and nuts associated with Israel and the observance of holiday.
6. Etz Chayim committee members worked with Adath staff to eliminate the use of plastics and other disposables at food-related events. Work continued to increase recycling efforts throughout the synagogue.
