The Way into Judaism and the Environment

An accessible introduction to the Jewish understanding of the natural world and the key concepts central to Jewish environmentalism.

At a time of growing concern about environmental issues, this book explores the relationship Jews have with the natural world and the ways in which Judaism contributes to contemporary social/environmental issues. It also shows readers the extent to which Judaism is part of the problem and how it can be part of the solution.

Offering both an environmental interpretation of Judaism and a Jewish approach to environmentalism, this book examines:

• What environmentalism is.
• What the creation stories can teach us about who we are and what nature is.
• The relevance of Torah and traditional sources.

Jeremy Benstein, PhD, a founder and associate director of the Heschel Center for Environmental Learning and Leadership, lectures frequently on environmental ethics, consumer culture and religion, and the environment. He has published numerous articles on Judaism, Israel and environmentalism, including regular contributions to the Jerusalem Report. He is the author of The Way Into Judaism and the Environment (Jewish Lights).