Draft:ReJews

ReJews, also known as ReJews Recycling & Solar, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

ReJews focuses on informing communities about what they can do to reduce their carbon footprint within communities by implementing environmental action initiatives across homes, schools, synagogues, offices, restaurants, and community centers. In 2018, ReJews took a significant step toward integrating sustainability into everyday family life by launching a renewable energy education initiative, designed to empower homeowners with knowledge about solar energy programs.

In English, "ReJews" rhymes with "reuse", which connects with its mission of promoting sustainability.

History

ReJews grew into an organization after initially beginning as a recycling program in an Aish HaTorah residence hall in the Jerusalem neighborhood of the Old City (Jerusalem).

In 2012, Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Naomi Tsur, who held the environmental and urban planning portfolio, and was a past director of the Jerusalem branch of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, "commended the Aish HaTorah initiative and urged other residents to follow their example."

In an interview with Shira Feder for The Forward, Jacob in the Torah is referenced. In Vayishlach, before the story of Jacob wrestling with the angel occurred, Jacob had been going back across a river to fetch a few tiny jugs that were left behind. Highlighting Bal tashchit, the Biblical directive to not waste, this principal has served as a guide for the organization's promoting sustainable living practices.

In 2015, the White House featured a sustainably made, steam-punk designed Hanukkah menorah to highlight the balance between industry and environmentalism, and highlight the ReJews work efforts promoting sustainability and social entrepreneurship. That same year, as reported in the Philadelphia Jewish Voice, Israeli-American Jewish rapper Kosha Dillz was using the menorah at a Hoodies for Hannukah clothing drive fundraiser concert.

When Mishpacha covered the organization in their 10 Questions segment, it was revealed that Blue Moon (beer), Google, and Walgreens have participated as sponsors and supporters for the "Chosen Organizations" program.

Recognized on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals platform for its efforts connecting with schools to better serve communities around the world to achieve sustainability goals, the ReJews SDG partnership campaign has been tasked with promoting awareness locally, and increasing support globally. Matched with Sustainable Development Goal 11, which focuses on creating inclusive, safe, and resilient cities with a balance of social, economic and environmental sustainability, Sustainable Development Goal 12, which aims to ensure responsible consumption and production patterns, including the improvement of energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, as well as the creation of green and decent jobs, and Sustainable Development Goal 17, for the overarching goal partnership to create new multi-stakeholder public-private partnerships to share knowledge and expertise, ReJews has held relationships with the Lemba people and Igbo Jews.

Responding to calls from sponsors for new ways to get involved, the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle reported on plans to design, manufacture, and provide custom recycling bins to community organizations and businesses.

In 2023, it was revealed that ReJews has also received support from Microsoft through its Ads For Social Impact program.