Like in many other issues, there is a shared foundation of every person, each created in God’s image, for the sustainability of the world, for protecting it, for their responsibility towards future generations, and in order to prevent direct damage in the present. Alongside this, there are various cultural perspectives that deal with both the sources and motivators behind this as well as the practical significance of these beliefs.
A prominent aspect of Judaism is halacha. The principle that stands at its core is the obligation to translate ideals and theology into practical and obligating terminology. There are two significant ramifications that arise from this compilation:
The first is internal to Judaism. As long as factors of sustainability are not part of halachic ruling – they will lack genuine significance in the Jewish world. Therefore, we have brought a number of examples – in three spheres: the personal, communal, and global – which open the gates for the great potential that exists in this movement.
Second is the contribution to the world. Whether we are dealing with the very existence of an obligating halachic language, whether in its foundations and primary motivators, or whether we are dealing with the balanced and calculated practical conclusions which are the manifestations of the halachic discourse regarding the environment – these matters act as a contribution to the entire human effort towards the foundational values of sustainability. The hope is that we will truly engage with this important task, which originates from the Torah’s mitzvot, ethical systems, and bona fide pikuach nefesh, and we will strengthen the manifestation of our responsibility to God’s world, and to the future of the coming generations.
Jewish Sustainability – to the home page and table of contents
