Green Initiative
The OT Green Initiative works to improve sustainability in the OT community. Get involved in projects both big and small!
On This Page:
Upcoming Projects | Scholar in Residence | What We've Done | Contact
Upcoming Green Initiative Projects
Community Garden Repair, Sunday, April 21. Details coming soon.
Seed and Sapling Sale, Sunday, April 28, 9:00am-12:00pm. Spring is springing and it's time to put seedlings in the ground! Come to OT to pick up plants to start or add to your home garden. We have a wide variety of vegetables and herbs to choose from and donations from the sale will benefit OT's sustainability efforts.
Scholar in Residence: Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin
February 9-11, 2024
The Green Initiative, in partnership with the Adult Education Committee, is proud to welcome Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin as Olam Tikvah's 2024 Scholar in Residence, Friday-Sunday, February 9-11. Click here to see the schedule for the weekend.
Our menus are seasonal and plant-forward, created and prepared by our Culinary Director Rabbi Rebecca Joseph with our dedicated staff and volunteers. You can learn more about the menus below.
Shabbat Dinner (2/9)
Challah Rolls from Sunflower Bakery*
Winter Salad - Baby Greens, Heirloom Oranges, Shaved Fennel, Puffed Quinoa (GF, Vegan)
Stuffed Delicata Squash - Spinach, Chickpeas, Toasted Breadcrumbs (Vegan)
Chicken with Figs - free range chicken from Kol Foods*
Maple Roasted Parsnips (GF, Vegan)
Garlic and Herb Roasted Potatoes (GF, Vegan)
Fruit Compote - Apricots, Dates, Nectarines, Pineapple; Pistachios and Mint on the side (GF, Vegan)
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies from Sunflower Bakery*
Mint Lentils (GF, Vegan)
Shabbat Lunch (2/10)
Assorted Breads and Crackers from Sunflower Bakery*
Multi-Seed Crackers (GF, Vegan)
Raspberry Preserves (GF, Vegan)
Sunflower Butter (GF, Vegan)
Spinach and Carrot Salad - Ginger Miso Dressing, Toasted Cashews on the side (GF, Vegan)
Tuna, White Bean and Celery Salad (GF)
Beet Slaw with Saffron Aioli (GF)
Fresh Fruit (GF, Vegan)
Dried Mango (GF, Vegan)
Sunday Brunch (2/11)
Assorted Bagels (Vegan)
Cream Cheeses – Plain and Lox (Dairy)
Sweet Butter (Dairy)
Baked Eggs with Kale and Cheese (Dairy)
Wild King Salmon - Honey Mustard Dill Sauce on side (GF)
Yellow Beefsteak Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Microgreens (GF, Vegan)
Fresh Fruit Salad (GF, Vegan)
Assorted Muffins - Honey Bun, Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Pumcrumb Muffins
Almond Muffins (GF)
Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread
*Local, values-driven kosher companies
Click here to learn more about some of our ingredients
Greening Olam Tikvah - What We Have Accomplished
Light bulb replacement (in partnership with the Buildings & Grounds Committee) - contracted to replace all bulbs in all 9 pods, Sanctuary, Mosaic Lobby and Social Hall. Will continue to work to replace all bulbs throughout the building.
Fairfax County HomeWise program/light bulb swap (during 2023 Purim Carnival) - HomeWise advised and provided tools to help save energy at home. Handed out approximately 100 energy efficiency kits to congregants.
Community Garden restarted - watch for mint, oregano, dill, and daisies in the spring and summer.
Compost System built and established to support greening of kitchen operations.
Metal & Electronics Recycling (in partnership with Men's Club) - raised $226 dollars and gave people an excuse to clean out their basements, closets, and attics.
Sapling Sale and Seed Swap - raised $127; brightened and enhanced the home gardens for many members.
Scholar in Residence 2024 (in partnership with the Adult Education Committee) - Researched and recommended candidates for OT's 2024 Scholar-in-Residence.
Elul Stream Cleanup, Fall 2023 - Volunteers collected trash and debris (including a car tire!) from Accotink Creek as part of the international Reverse Tashlich project.
Invasive Species Removal and Park Restoration at Oakton Community Park, Spring 2023 - The invasive plant removal and restoration work done by volunteers helps to provide a better habitat for native pollinators and other wildlife, increase biodiversity, and enhance the appearance of the park.
Contact Us
To join the Green Initiative or attend a meeting to learn more, contact Chair Mark Weiner.
