Ecology & the Jewish Spirit - by Ellen Bernstein (Paperback)

About the Book

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.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"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

About the Author

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!