This summer we are refocusing attention on Green & Just Celebrations. The guide was published in 2008 and 2009, and since then has been sent
to congregations and individuals across Greater Washington and beyond! Jewish groups in California, Baltimore and England have worked on (and in California, completed) their own versions of Green & Just Celebrations, evidence that this resource speaks clearly to Jewish communal needs and values. Additionally, JUFJ received a small grant to work on curricula for b’nai mitzvah programs to introduce students and their families to the conceptual framework of the guide: that all the decisions you make as you plan your simcha can reflect Jewish values of caring for people and the environment. This curriculum has been piloted at one congregation, and hopefully will be available more broadly in the future.

This summer we are taking the time to step back and evaluate what
we’ve accomplished in putting out Green & Just Celebrations, and where
we want to go with it. This process involves researching how the guide
has been used so far, how well its current usage meets JUFJ's original
goals in putting out the guide, and how we can best promote its
mission moving forward.

Shahar Colt, a rabbinical student working with us this summer, has
been meeting with rabbis, educators, and users of the guide, gathering
feedback and perceptions about the book as a whole, as well as
learning more about how people are actually using it in their simcha
planning. As the summer moves forward she will be working with JUFJ to
strategize about next steps, such as considering whether it makes
sense to develop an interactive online resource, more curricula, or
direct more staff and volunteer time to supporting congregations using
the guide. If you have feedback or ideas about the guide that you want
to share, please be in touch with her at shahar@jufj.org.