Jewish Ethics and the Environment
Is there a link between Judaism and the environment?
As Jews, what is our role as global citizens?
Should Jewish people consume with a social and ecological conscience?
Judaism has a history and rich heritage of respect for our surroundings and nature, there have been many articles and books written on this subject. The Big Green Jewish Website is in the process of collating its own selection of Jewish sources for this website which will give meaning and answers to some of these questions.
In the meantime we recommend you see these websites and articles.
Food for Thought
Published by the American Jewish environmental movement, Hazon, Food for Thought is a 130-page sourcebook that draws on a range of texts from within and beyond Jewish traditions to explore a variety of topics relating to Jews and food. It is designed to encourage participants to think critically about the food that they eat and the ways their food choices affect the health of their community and the planet. With thanks to Hazon click here to download two chapters from this book:
Click here to purchase a hardcopy of Food for Thought: Hazon's Sourcebook on Jews, Food, and Contemporary Life
On1foot
On1foot is an online, open source database of Jewish social justice texts. It allows users to:
• Search and browse hundreds of biblical, rabbinic and contemporary Jewish texts about social justice
• Upload new texts
• Comment on existing texts
• Create custom source sheets using the texts and suggested discussion questions
http://www.on1foot.org/
Canfei Nesharim
Connecting traditional Torah texts with contemporary scientific findings, Canfei Nesharim educates and empowers Jewish individuals, organizations and communities to take an active role in protecting the environment, in order to build a more sustainable world.
http://www.canfeinesharim.org/
Coalition of the Environmental & Jewish Life
COEJL is the leading Jewish environmental organization in the United States. Since its founding in 1993, COEJL has helped tens of thousands of Jews mae a connection between Judaism and the environment.
http://www.coejl.org/
Hazon
Hazon works to create a healthier and more sustainable Jewish community and a healthier and more sustainable world for all. Hazon aims to effect change in three ways:
• Through the direct human impact of its programs.
• Through thought-leadership (writing, speaking, teaching, campaigning).
• By supporting American and British Jewish environmental leaders and organizations, and by supporting the Israeli environmental movement
http://www.hazon.org/
Jewish Climate Initiative
Jewish Climate Initiative is a not for profit organization created for the purposes of Tikkun Olam - literally "Repairing the World" in Hebrew - by providing a Jewish response to the climate change crisis that threatens the ecosystems of our planet during our lifetimes and the lives of our children.
http://www.jewishclimateinitiative.org/
Sviva Israel
Sviva Israel is an educational start-up developing and implementing environmental literacy programs that create lasting partnerships between the people of Israel and our friends abroad to guarantee Israel as a sustainable home for the Jewish people
http://www.svivaisrael.org
The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies
The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES) is a regional centre for environmental leadership. By encouraging environmental cooperation between peoples, the Arava Institute is working towards peace and sustainable development on a regional and global scale.
http://www.arava.org
The Heschel Center for Environmental Learning and Leadership
The Heschel Center is dedicated to building a sustainable future for Israeli society - environmentally, socially and economically - through education and reflective activism.
http://www.heschel.org.il/eng/