Overview

What is nature's place in our spiritual lives? In today’s modern culture, we’ve become separated from the sacredness of the natural world. This book offers a different, eye- and soul-opening way of viewing our religion: A perspective grounded in nature, and rich in insights for seekers of all faiths. Respect for the holiness of Creation, our duty to protect the natural world, reverence for the land … a focus on nature is part of the fabric of Jewish thought. Here, innovative contributors bring us a richer understanding of the long-neglected themes of nature that are woven through the biblical creation story, ancient texts, traditional law, the holiday cycles, prayer, mitzvot (good deeds) and community. Ecology & the Jewish Spirit explores the wisdom that the Jewish tradition has to offer all of us, to help nature become a sacred, spiritual part of our own lives. Contributors: Eileen Abrams • Bradley Shavit Artson • Philip J. Bentley • Ellen Bernstein • Ellen Cohn • Eliezer Diamond • Shira Dicker • David Ehrenfeld • Charles Fenyvesi • Shamu Fenyvesi • Dan Fink • Barry Freundel • David Gedzelman • Everett Gendler • Neil Gillman • Neal Joseph Loevinger • Victor Raboy • Debra J. Robbins • Robert Sand • Marc Sirinsky • Jeff Sultar • Marc Swetlitz • Lawrence Troster

Full Product Details

9781683360407

Table of Contents

Reviews

Highly readable deftly crafted a treasure-trove of tools and insights for following the deep roots of Judaism in the soil of this planet. Steve Curwood, host of National Public Radio's Living on Earth A rich collection of thinking and practices.... Challenges people of all faiths to examine their own traditions. Rev. Lynne West, Environmental Justice Office, National Council of Churches Pioneering.... A winning, eclectic mix linking Judaism and ecology.... This book comes as a blessing. Rabbi Irving Greenberg, Founding President of CLAL; President, Jewish Life Network For the first time, a book that illuminates the guiding role that nature plays in human affairs . A welcome and powerful voice is now added to all those dedicated to preserving the integrity and sacred quality of the planet earth. Thomas Berry, author, The Dream of the Earth A great resource for anyone seeking to explore the connection between their faith and caring for God's good creation, our environment. Paul Gorman, executive director, National Religious Partnership for the Environment This timely collection, bringing out the ecological soul of Judaism, is a cause for celebration. Its many refreshing voices call Jewish spirituality to reawaken to its own glad reverence for Earth. Joanna Macy, author, World as Lover, World as Self Ellen Bernstein s pathbreaking work helps us to rethink the meanings of Judaism s ancient texts as we struggle to find ways of resolving today s ecological dilemmas. Carolyn Merchant, professor of environmental history, philosophy, and ethics, University of California at Berkeley; author, Earthcare

Author Information

Ellen Bernstein is the founder of Shomrei Adamah—Keepers of the Earth, the first institution dedicated to cultivating the ecological thinking and practices integral to Jewish life. She is author of Ecology & the Jewish Spirit: Where Nature and the Sacred Meet and currently works as director of community building at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Ellen Bernstein is available to speak on the following topics: Reading the Bible Ecologically Prayer from an Ecological Perspective Why Judaism Needs Ecology and Why the Environmental Movement Needs a Spiritual Approach Creation Theology Why (and How) to Start a Synagogue Garden or Farm! Ellen Bernstein is the founder of Shomrei Adamah—Keepers of the Earth, the first institution dedicated to cultivating the ecological thinking and practices integral to Jewish life. She is author of Ecology & the Jewish Spirit: Where Nature and the Sacred Meet and currently works as director of community building at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Ellen Bernstein is available to speak on the following topics: Reading the Bible Ecologically Prayer from an Ecological Perspective Why Judaism Needs Ecology and Why the Environmental Movement Needs a Spiritual Approach Creation Theology Why (and How) to Start a Synagogue Garden or Farm!

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