Sustainability and environmental conservation are nowadays some of the most significant challenges facing humanity as a whole. Skeptical approaches to expert warnings still leave behind tremendous danger that threatens our existence and future generations, and some of these phenomena already have become clear before our eyes. This reality requires us to search for proper ways to deal with the situation, while balancing the needs of the present with the responsibility towards the future.
Some of the methods of engaging with these issues exist in the Jewish world, whether dealing directly with the topic or through deep wisdom and general foundational principles which characterize the proper relationship between man and his environment. Some of these sources are generic:
Already during the creation story, man is given the command of the fundamental responsibility of his approach to the environment – “and Hashem God took man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to tend and to protect it” (Bereishit 2:15). This responsibility is also expressed in Sefer Tehillim: “that You have made him little less than divine and adorned him with glory and majesty; You have made him master over Your handiwork, laying the world at his feet” (Tehillim 8:5-6). These ideas have been discussed at length in the past few years.
However, as long as these general principles are not translated into practical action, their impact is relatively small. All the more so when dealing with the Jewish world, that “halacha lema’aseh” is one of its most prominent characteristics. The primary innovation of this compilation is by showing the tremendous potential that is revealed when dealing with environmental issues from an obligatory aspect. Mitzvot such as bal tashchit (not destroying a fruit tree), shemittah, and the halachot of animal cruelty are translated to a moral and environmental compass for a sustainable life. Our goal for this compilation is to express the tremendous potential within this. This is a groundbreaking compilation, for it is written in the primary language of Judaism – halacha – and thus acts as a basis for practical cooperation, even for one whose philosophic and religious roots differ. In this manner, one can not only respond to crisis, but also direct the conversation and provide solutions for the entire world.
Our deep thanks go to the Pheonix Group for their generous support in performing the research in the topic of sustainability. Their commitment to furthering the values of sustainability and the environment allow us to bring this important information to the greater public.
We have much appreciation for Mr. Manny Ne’eman, Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel, and attorney Aryeh Arieli, Executive Vice President, of the Pheonix Group. We thank their outlook towards the future and their understanding that integrating between Jewish principles and principles of sustainability is what needs to be done at this time. Our commitment to this project is a prominent example of the actualization of the Jewish value of a person being in “the image of God”, which manifests in their responsibility to the world and its repair.
I must give thanks to Mrs. Orit Shreiber-Shatach, Head of the Friends of Tzohar Rabbinical Organization, for her tireless and hard work in making this project a reality. Her commitment and investment into the project are worthy of much appreciation.
Rabbi Yuval Cherlow
Head of the Ethics Center – Tzohar Rabbinical Organization
