(Q) How can UJA help organizations send more kids to summer camp? 

(A) By inspiring them to be more energy efficient, so they can save the money that pays for 26 camp scholarships! 

Launched in 2022, UJA’s greening initiative is enabling a growing number of local agencies to increase their energy efficiency. An equally big win: they can use the money they save for more mission-consistent projects, like camp scholarships.

In greening terms, instead of a drive to the gourmet market for an apple every day, we’re planting a tree right in our own backyard that will bear fruit for years to come. 

“This is not only about reducing the carbon footprint of Jewish infrastructure,” says Abby Knopp, managing director of UJA’s Network Department. “It is also rooted in the Jewish tradition’s ancient and abiding values that call on us to be stewards of the earth and protectors of our natural environment.”

A Greening Effort Flowers in Brooklyn

The Sephardic Community Center in Flatbush, one of 17 Jewish community centers awarded funding in the first phase of this initiative, had already begun its own greening effort. But as Associate Executive Director Norman Mandel puts it, UJA’s support “catapulted us to do a major transformation.” By replacing two hot water heaters with a tankless system, the center reduced its energy costs by 15%, saving thousands of dollars — enough to continue a Parkinson’s support program on the brink of closing.

“We were ecstatic to save that money,” Mandel says. The windfall also funded camp scholarships for the aforementioned 26 children.  

Big Savings. Bigger Impact on Staten Island 

JCC Staten Island, another UJA partner, also reaped considerable rewards. By upgrading its HVAC and other systems, it achieved a 10% energy reduction and, in just one year, saved nearly $190,000 — savings it expects to repeat annually. This enabled the JCC to hire its first shaliach, or emissary, through the Jewish Agency, another UJA grantee, expanding Israeli programming at a time when it’s needed most.

As of February 2024, UJA invested more than $2 million in energy efficiency projects, including upgrades.

Removing Roadblocks to Energy Efficiency

Beyond funding upgrades, UJA is investing in training. Through a partnership with the Urban Green Council, 75 facility directors from 22 agencies have participated in a 12-hour course on increasing energy efficiency. “It’s a small price to do these trainings, but an incredible outcome,” says Lindsey Fortin, a UJA Planning and Grants associate and member of UJA’s “Green Team.” 

The initiative is now expanding to approximately 600 synagogues and 300 day schools throughout the eight-county New York metro area. To be considered for one of these grants, agencies must be a member of the Jewish Climate Coalition, created by Adamah, the largest Jewish environmental organization in North America, whose vision is to cultivate vibrant Jewish life in deep connection with the earth. 

“Adamah is the expert on Jewish environmental education and action,” says Annette Powers, UJA Green Team member and director of synagogue strategy.

For many smaller agencies, navigating local energy laws is a major challenge. UJA is stepping in to provide guidance, helping them understand regulations and avoid costly fines.  

“We’re not tackling the flashiest part of climate change,” says Powers. “We aren’t talking about oceans and trees. We are talking about boilers and light bulbs. They may not be as pretty, but they really make a difference when you’re talking about large institutions.” 

With each upgrade, Jewish institutions are reducing costs, protecting the environment, and redirecting funds to the programs that matter most — ensuring a stronger, more resilient community for years to come.