It's funny how one thing leads to another. At the recent Oxford Shabbaton, one of the speakers was Elsbeth Mendes da Costa, Liberal Judaism Hon Officer for Social Action. She spoke about Liberal Judaism's contributions to the "Make Poverty History" and I had the chance to mention our recent "mitzvah day" exploits to Honeypot Wood and Winterton Dunes. Last month, Fairtrade Fortnight saw the launch of Fairtrade Synagogues, with Elsbeth's shul – Birmingham Progressive Synagogue – and Birmingham Central Synagogue being the first to receive certificates

This, in turn, has prompted the PJC to submit an application to become a Fairtrade Synagogue. Conditions are not particularly onerous, simply involving a commitment to use Fairtrade tea and coffee for all meetings for which the synagogue has responsibility, move forward on using other Fairtrade products such as sugar, fruit and juice, and to promote Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight, and through other activities where possible

In the Liberal Judaism in Practice leaflet entitled "Ethical Eating", Rabbi Janet Burden writes: "Market economics prioritise efficiency over ethics, but should we? An increasing number of Jews from across the religious spectrum are saying no, and are seeking out food products bearing the Fairtrade label. This mark guarantees a better deal for the producers and their communities who are often struggling to survive. Through buying these goods, we are also attaining the highest of Maimonides' Eight Degrees of Tzedakah," helping a poor person by strengthening his hand."

What we as individuals or even PJC as a community can do might not seem like much, but every little bit helps.