Judaism and Ecology (World Religions and Ecology Series) [Paperback]

Aubrey Rose (Editor)

Product Details

• Paperback: 142 pages
• Publisher: Cassell (October 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0304323780
• ISBN-13: 978-0304323784
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,174,126 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Ecologically Jewish, April 3, 2001

By 

Mr. J. Wineberg "Jonny W" (Manchester, England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Judaism and Ecology (World Religions and Ecology Series) (Paperback)

"If you are in the midst of planting and word reaches you that the Messiah has arrived, do not interrupt your work; first finish your planting, and only then go out to welcome the Messiah," Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai.

This quotation shows just how important ecological issues are within the Jewish religion and thus why Aubrey Rose has found so much material for his book. It is also a timely publication, with the environment such a prominent issue on the world stage, and is a must for any Jewish worker trying to tackle the issues. Rose and his contributors have produced the definitive guide to Judaism and Ecology.

The book takes us through Jewish teaching and tradition, Israel's ecological importance and action that has been and can be taken. The beauty of the book is its simplicity, which makes it a perfect resource for developing programmes. It contains quotes, references, poems, cartoons and even a short piece with prayers written by the Fourth Temple Fortune Brownie Pack.

The first section is largely taken up by Norman Solomon's piece on 'Judaism and the Environment' in which he quotes from the five books, the psalms and the rabbis in showing us our ecological heritage. One theme, repeated throughout the book, is that of 'bal tashchit' - thou shalt not destroy. This rabbinical teaching promoting recycling is the basis of the Jewish commitment to safeguarding the earth.

The second section explores Israel's well known environmental story and places the issue firmly in the present. The importance of Israel's position as a climatic transition zone, the north being Mediterranean, the south, desert, is explained by Uriel N. Safriel, formerly Chief Scientist with the Israel Nature Reserves Authority, and makes one wonder at Israel's environmental success.

The third section contains an excellent exposition by Vicky Joseph of RSGB on practical action for individuals, business, local government, synagogues and other Jewish organisations. Whilst dealing with individuals she refers to us as householders, travellers, consumers, gardeners, good neighbours, investors, responsible citizens and parents, within each giving many examples of ways to help the environment. She also quotes the instruction from the Shema to 'teach our children diligently', a place where youth workers have an important role.

As part of a series of books on world religions and ecology, this book shows Judaism in a most positive light. As a resource on ecological issues it should have many users.