Fairtrade in the Jewish Community

Fairtrade is not so much about the traditional charity of giving handouts but more about justice, equality, sustainability and the opportunity for workers in the developing world to earn a decent living from their work for themselves, their families and their own communities. Buying products with the Fairtrade Mark means that producers receive an agreed and stable price for their products, as well as a supplement to invest into community projects such as schools and electricity supplies.

The Fairtrade system provides opportunities for farmers and workers in poor countries to escape from poverty. It also provides us as consumers with the opportunity to fulfil our responsibilities to our neighbours in our efforts of Tikkun Olam (healing the world). Fairtrade focuses mainly on tropical agricultural products such as tea, coffee, sugar and bananas that can not be grown locally in the UK.

A group of Jewish communal organisations (Board of Deputies, UJIA, The Pears Foundation, JCC and Tzedek) are working closely with the Fairtrade Foundation on a joint educational resource entitled ‘A Jewish Guide to Fairtrade’ which will be launched in Fairtrade Fortnight (23 Feb - 8 March 2009). We are proud to be part of this campaign.

The guide will encourage the community to support Fairtrade and contains in depth background information, case studies, Jewish sources, information on how to purchase fairtrade products and ideas for actions that can be taken to spread the benefits of using Fairtrade products to your family, friends and community.

The Really Jewish Food Guide 2009 highlights Fairtrade products which are also kosher.

For further details please contact Poppy Berelowitz or to read or download the Synagogue Action Guide brocure on this topic click here.

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