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Torah, Talmud, & Scholars

Below are just a few examples of the internet articles that you can find about Judaism and the environment. Within these sites, you will find discussion topics, inspiration for holiday study, and meditations on spirituality.

Shmitta and the Economy: Shmitta, which occurs every 7 years according to Jewish law, has implications for our environmental and economic health. Hazon scholar, Rabbi Yedidya (Julian) Sinclair, offers insight into preparations for the 2014-2015 Schmitta.

Overview of Judaism and the Environment
COEJL (Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life) provides an excellent discourse on the interrelationship between Jewish spirituality and the environment: http://www.coejl.org/jewviro.php.Scroll down to the bottom of the page, and you will find a link to their 10 year report on our responsibility to protect the environment.

Similarities and differences of Jewish law and environmentalism
Dr. Manfred Gerstenfeld provides a thought provoking article on the similarities and differences between Judaism, ethics, and modern environmentalism. He points out that, while Jewish laws presented one of the most advanced codexes on the environment 200 years ago, its focus was pragmatic. The ideological ideas (worshiping nature) advanced by many modern religious environmental movements would have been considered pagan. This guy covers everything from the Garden of Eden to the Ten Plagues and mankind's relationship to animals. Some great topics for discussion/debate here: http://www.besr.org/library/bachrach.html

Jewish quotes on the environment
You can scroll through Rabbi Daniel Swartz's article for several quotes on Judaism and the environment: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Environment/swartz.html