As world leaders grapple with the response to the climate emergency at COP27, EcoShabbat will focus minds at synagogues throughout the UK this weekend.

Communities of all denominations are taking part with services and events focusing on ways to improve sustainability.

At St Albans United, the community has pledged to buy only UK-grown fruit and vegetables for a week as a template for the future. Barnet United has pledged that plastic bottles and Tetra Paks will now be banned from its premises.

Brighton and Hove Progressive members are bringing plants to make the shul interior greener.

Golders Green US will offer a shul-sponsored vegetarian lunch catered by environmental charity Sadeh. Hendon-based Magen Avot United has committed to publishing a weekly eco-tip in its newsletter and to avoid using disposables going forward.

Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue is highlighting the environmental implications of kiddush food choices and Edinburgh’s Orthodox and Reform shuls are joining forces to work on the Water of Leith conservation project.

Kol Nefesh Masorti (Edgware) will be offering a vegan lunch featuring members’ recipes and made from organic local ingredients.

Muswell Hill United Synagogue will also be bringing an eco theme to its civic Shabbat, which MPs David Lammy and Catherine West are expected to attend.

EcoSynagogue project manager Andrea Passe said: “The work done by our rabbinic team and our communities for EcoShabbat, and all year round, is inspiring.

“It shows that the UK Jewish community is working hard to slow down the climate crisis.”