GREEN JUDAISM – TORAH AND ECOLOGY – Rabbi Michael Skobac – Jews for Judaism

Concern for the environment is a cause that has been passionately embraced by people, especially young people, across the world. Long before this current interest, Judaism had profound teachings about the importance of maintaining the ecological health of our planet.

The Torah, dating back 3,300 years, taught that the first humans were given the responsibility to both work the earth and guard (protect) it (Genesis 2:15). The Hebrew scriptures contain numerous teachings about caring for the environment, including the requirement of placing “green belts” around cities (Numbers 35) and the general prohibition of needlessly wasting or destroying anything of use (Deuteronomy 20:19).

This lecture traces these Biblical principles as well as numerous teachings from the sages of the Talmud, medieval rabbis and contemporary authorities dealing with this vital issue of ecological responsibility.

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