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Judaism and Global Survival

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JUDAISM AND GLOBAL SURVIVAL by Richard H. Schwartz Ph.D.

Readers familiar with the classic volume "Judaism and Vegetarianism" by Professor Richard H Schwartz will be delighted to learn that its sequel, "Judaism and Global Survival," has recently been revised and updated.

The publication of this new edition could hardly be more timely, seeking as it does to explore the vital issue of protecting the earth from the many threats it faces. The solution, according to Professor Schwartz, is not necessarily to be found in current technology, but rather by applying Jewish mandates related to protecting our imperiled planet. He reminds us that as
Jews, not only are we obligated to carry out the mandate of Tikkun Olam (to repair the world), but also that we should pursue peace and justice, feed the hungry, conserve resources, and love our neighbors as ourselves. The book's message however is not only for Jews but for people of all faiths, discussing as it does the practical measures that can help reduce global warming, world hunger and rapid population growth.

The book is divided up into sections addressing many important themes, such as energy, social justice, and human rights. Each section is illustrated with appropriate Biblical quotations and examples of Jewish teachings. As Professor Schwartz points out, however, it is not enough simply to know about these Jewish values. In order to achieve a beneficial and necessary change,
we must apply them. To this end, he provides us with an appendix listing some effective and practical ways that we can help improve the environment: for example, by writing letters, displaying bumper stickers, and organizing events on the theme of global sustainability.

One of the most important sections is the one which argues that a shift toward vegetarianism is an essential factor in improving theenvironment. Indeed Professor Schwartz points out that both vegetarians and environmentalists have similar goals: "The aims of vegetarians and environmental activists are similar: simplify our lifestyles, have regard for the earth and all forms of life, and apply the knowledge that the earth is not ours to do with as we wish. In view of the many negative effects of animal-based agriculture on the earth's environment, resources, and climate, it is becoming increasingly clear that a shift toward vegetarian diets is a planetary imperative."

"Judaism and Global Survival" is an important book for anyone who cares about the environment and who would like to learn the appropriate Jewish values which could make all the difference to the future of our planet.

This book is not just for Jews. People of all faiths who want to know how the Hebrew scriptures address the crucial issues of our times will find it invaluable. It can be a common ground for those of us who want the kind of dialogue that will create the world that ought to be.

Do you remember those wonderful 1950s science fiction movies? There was always a terrifying monster threatening humanity! Great minds would come up with a new high tech gizmo they claimed would be able to destroy the awesome threat! Somehow, in the final reel, it was always the courage and heroism of an ordinary individual that would beat back the evil force and save the world.

Lets flash forward to the present day where we are faced with many, seemingly insurmountable problems. Once again, we look to high tech to cure what ails us. We expect great minds to present us with solutions for global warming, overpopulation, world hunger and myriad other evils. Dr. Schwartz shows us in his book, Judaism and Global Survival, that great minds already delivered a solution and the hero for survival is us. By employing the basic tenets of Judaism, we can help correct much of what is threatening our planet and its inhabitants.

Tikun Olum  is the Jewish concept of restoring and redeeming the earth. Each of us, as Jews has the responsibility to make our world a better place. Dr. Schwartz emphasizes the idea of individual responsibility. When we see a wrong, we must protest it and take action to correct it. It is up to us as individuals to sound the alarm and motivate society to help itself.

Many of us expend enormous amounts of energy in areas over which we have little control. For example, have you ever listened to a show biz or sports fan rattle off every single statistic imaginable about their favourite celebrity or team? These kinds of issues have their place, but lets face it, they are third party concerns at best. Nothing is going to change and no one is going to benefit from the energy we spend on those discussions. By using just a fraction of that time and energy in the goal of changing things about ourselves, we can have tremendous influence on the overall condition of the world.
To me, the essence of Dr. Schwartzs message is KISS- Keep It Simple Stupid. Lets not always look for the most complicated and high tech solutions to our problems when so often good old common sense will do the job. Science and technology present us with tools to identify and expedite possible solutions, but it is up to us to determine what needs to be done. We must then motivate ourselves and those around us to take the necessary action.

This book helped me to understand how looking towards Jewish teaching and ancient wisdom can bring about a greater sense of social justice and compassion. I wholeheartedly recommend Judaism and Global Survival, as a source of spiritual and social motivation and as an instruction manual as to how we, as Jews, can Keep It Simple and accomplish enduring good.

Richard Schwartz's book reflects a generous and human spirit. It is filled with examples of Judaism as a living guide to contemporary life. It says that Jews need only look into their faith (religious and secular) and history to discover that all people, not only Jews, are worthy of our concern. The book is a worthy addition to the ethical and moral tradition that makes many Jews distinctive. An important book, especially in these troubled times.

The book includes passages from the whole range of Jewish tradition on many different aspects of tikkun olam : the need for protest, protection of the earth, seeking social justice, pursuing peace, limiting population, eating vegetarianly, etc etc.

It is a valuable book for renewing energy and inspiring thoughtful action when the world seems hopeless and useless.

His book is endorsed by people ranging from Rabbi Saul Berman to Rabbi Harold Schulweis to Rabbi David Saperstein to Susannah Heschel.

I have had the pleasure of reading prior books by the same author. This book goes far beyond the excellence of his earlier works. With all the curiousity of Muslims and the Koran, people should be equally curious about Jewish people and their Religious principles. Does anyone truly live up to their religion on this planet? Dr. Schwartz provides timely, important information about the true beliefs of Judaism, calling out to not only Jewish people, but people of all kinds who are interested in stopping the Armageddon scenario on the planet today. Exceptional book, a must read. ...

This book will save lives! Especially with wars in the Middle East and elsewhere, and with the increasing pace of environmental destruction everywhere, the new edition of this important book is more vital than ever. Judaism and Global Survival is a global imperative...if we want to save the planet and ourselves, while cherishing and promoting our highest values. It's up to us.

This thought-provoking book is of interest not only to Jewish people seeking to manifest their faith in a progressive manner but also to anyone looking for concrete ways to live a more ethical life. Schwartz is not afraid to go ahead and say that global survival hangs in the balance between the options which face each of us every day. Will we choose actions which are consistent not only with ethical considerations such as humane treatment of animals but also with pragmatic issues such as the importance of preserving scarce resources for future generations? Or, will we turn our backs on our fellow beings and, in so doing, condemn ourselves as well? In his treatment of urgent issues such as world hunger and environmental crisis, Schwartz provides key facts along with persuasive arguments. Read this book if you're striving for a more ethical and satisfying life. Or, if you're already in synch with the ideas Schwartz promotes, read this book for facts and arguments you can use in discussions with friends and family members. Or, just read this book to come along for the ride as a learned and empathic man navigates the currents of ethical thought in our increasingly complex and dangerous world.

Richard Schwartz saliently and adeptly has a solution for many of the world's problems. In this book he incisively focuses on human rights, ecology, the environment, hunger, peace, energy, vegetarianism and animal rights. If his ideas were implemented there would be no starvation, fewer wars, fewer homicides, fewer slaughterhouses and our planet would be green and pristine. Mr. Schwartz is Jewish but he clearly asserts that all people are children of God and animals are creatures of God that merit compassion. This book is utopian but very compelling. Richard Schwartz is a cerebral humanitarian and a sane man trying to save an insane world with his constructive and benevolent world-view. One of the greatest and most inspiring Religious books that has ever been published.

The values of tikkun olam of improving the world physically and morally- of ba'al tashchit of not wantonly destroying and wasting any part of creation- of ahavatacha re-aycha- k'mo'cha of loving one's neighbor as oneself and therefore respecting them and their property are fundamentals of Jewish thought which if implemented properly would help make this a better world. It seems to me that Richard Schwartz has done us all a service in trying to move us toward a better world through implementing these fundamental Jewish values.
I say this without wholeheartedly agreeing with his analysis of the situation mankind is. But on the whole I think this work gives a very positive and useful message.