Eco bible

Volume one, front cover

Eco Bible is a two-volume ecological commentary on the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), co-authored by Rabbi Yonatan Neril and Rabbi Leo Dee. Eco Bible was published by the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD). Volume one, on Genesis and Exodus, was published in 2020. Volume 2, on Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, was published in 2021. Eco Bible integrates traditional Jewish teachings with contemporary environmental science. The commentary aims to inspire religious communities to engage in environmental activism and sustainable practices by exploring the ecological teachings found within Jewish scriptures.

Background and purpose

Eco Bible was conceived in response to the growing interest in how religious texts address the ecological crisis from a faith-based perspective. Rabbi Yonatan Neril, founder of ICSD, and co-author Rabbi Leo Dee collaborated on this work to highlight how ancient Jewish teachings can provide guidance on contemporary environmental issues. They sought to bridge the gap between spirituality and ecological responsibility by interpreting biblical texts through an environmental lens. The project was inspired by the idea that religious communities, especially those rooted in biblical traditions, have a unique capacity to lead on climate action through their ethical teachings and spiritual practices.

Volumes

The book is divided into two volumes, or sections:

Volume I: Genesis and Exodus

This volume provides commentary on the books of Genesis and Exodus, emphasizing themes such as the intrinsic value of creation, human responsibility toward the Earth, and sustainable living. It highlights how the texts address environmental ethics, the human role in creation, and the relationship between humankind and the natural world. For example, Genesis 2:15, which describes Adam being placed in the Garden of Eden "to work it and guard it," underscores humanity's dual role as caretakers and users of nature. This volume also explores ecological messages such as the significance of crop diversification, derived from Exodus 9:31-32.

Volume II: Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy

The second volume continues the exploration with a focus on Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It examines laws and commandments related to agriculture, animal welfare, and land use, interpreting over 400 verses that relate to ecological sustainability. It addresses topics like land management, ethical consumption, and the sustainable use of resources, connecting ancient teachings to modern ecological concerns. The commentary draws from over 100 Jewish thinkers, including Maimonides and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, to support its interpretations and link biblical wisdom with contemporary environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Each section of Eco Bible includes insights from Jewish scholars, rabbis, and environmentalists, blending theological analysis with scientific perspectives to promote a holistic view of sustainability.

Reviews

Publishers Weekly described the book as an insightful analysis that "will inspire contemplation on how to live in harmony with nature."

Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg wrote in his review of Eco Bible in the Jewish Chronicle, "Eco Bible is topical, practical, spiritual and timely. It is rooted in classic rabbinic wisdom; it addresses the soul and directs us to the presence of God in nature. At the same time, it references the latest science on the climate emergency and directs us to what we must urgently do...The commentary is a rich, focused and urgently important resource for those of us determined to rethink our relationship to God's world."

Further development and activities

The authors continue to promote Eco Bible through workshops, webinars, and Bible study sessions aimed at deepening the engagement of religious communities with environmental issues. Eco Bible serves as a foundational text for various initiatives by the ICSD, fostering collaborations between faith groups and environmental organizations worldwide.

Notable endorsements

Eco Bible has been endorsed by prominent figures such as Rabbi David Rosen, Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, and Reverend Leah Schade, who highlight its potential to foster a greater sense of environmental responsibility among people of faith. Leaders in both religious and environmental spheres have praised the book for its innovative approach to combining faith and ecological concern.

External links

• Official website