The environmental agenda is considered as a “secular” issue among many in the Orthodox community is Israel. Many of the “green” volunteer activities in Israel take place on Shabbat, further discouraging the Orthodox. Several rabbis are campaigning among orthodox communities, suggesting that preservation of the environment is a religious obligation also, as the land was given to us “to work and keep”.

Religion regards mankind in the scope of nature, which is perceived in Judaism as the world of creation (Be’riah). Realizing that the tora does not begin with people but with the world of creation, religious people should be leading environment preservation.

Appreciation of nature was historically led by the revolutionaries in Jewish society, rebelling against the traditions in exile. The ideology of early Zionism was reconnecting to nature, working the land as farmers. With the years, nature and earth preservation became secular topics, unattended by Israeli religious orthodox community. The problematic Shabbat issue between Israeli orthodox and secular kept orthodox further from environment issues, associated with secular activities talking place on holy Shabbat.

It is important to note that environmental preservation is not completely ignored in among the orthodox society. For example, the Quality of Living Committee in haredic “Har-Nof” neighborhood, Jerusalem has been operating for years to cultivate the grounds and nature around. Unfortunately, it seized from operation recently, and some activities continue thanks to independent individuals from the community.

The number of Internet sites dedicated to the relation between Judaism and environmental preservation is constantly growing. These are en evidence to the growing awareness to earth preservation among the orthodox.

The two Israel Head Rabbis, Rabbi Israel Meir Lau and Rabbi Azar Bakshi both stated in the International Conference for Science, Religion and Environment that preserving the earth is a religious duty. The Jews is expected to everything possible to preserve the wonderful world created by God. Our obligation according to the Rabbis is to mind the ecologic balance and peaceful existence of all creatures on earth. They further welcomed cooperation with all other nations identifying with this cause.

Related links:

http://www.masa.co.il, http://www.mechon-mamre.org, http://hayeruka-meimad.org.il

E-H Dictionary

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