Liberal Jewish Values and Practice Leaflets

The Environment by Rabbi Hillel Avidan

Threats of global destruction, through pollution and exhaustion of the earth

For the Jew, ecological awareness should be prompted by more than self interest, because Judaism has ever expressed profound concern for environmental well-being. Such concern is a concomitant of the cardinal belief in One Creator who is anxious to include humanity in an ongoing programme of planetary care. The first chapter of Genesis (verse 26) grants humankind dominion over the rest of creation but that word

From this prohibition were drawn many others which in sum total serve to prevent wanton destruction of anything useful to humanity. The judging of what is useful cannot exclude considerations of effect upon the environment because assaults against nature are also assaults against ourselves. Subsumed under the term Bal tashchit (you shall not destroy) are all measures likely to protect the environment. God took Adam and placed him in a garden . . . to work it and to preserve it (Genesis 2:15). This verse entitles humans to work the earth and extract its wealth providing they also guard and conserve it. The command to let agricultural land lie fallow every seventh year (Leviticus 25:4) displays a sensitive concern for the soil which is rarely to be found amongst modern agriculturalists. Obsessed with a desire to produce ever greater quantities of visually attractive foodstuffs (even in Europe where unwanted surpluses have been stored at enormous cost) the modern farmer exhausts soil and poisons crops with chemical fertilizers and pesticides The consumer, human or animal, is likewise poisoned.

Modern consumer societies place enormous strains upon delicate environmental balances and the increasing incidence of ecological disasters should influence us to exercise greater restraint in our enjoyment of the earth

The stance of Liberal Judaism on environmental issues is essentially the same as that of other forms of Judaism and indeed Orthodox, Conservative and Reform Jewish leaders have all played their part in relating Jewish teaching to current ecological concerns. However, when we consider the degree to which our founders emphasised ethics, it is justifiable for us to assert that Liberal Jews have a special responsibility to serve in the vanguard of every moral struggle. Ideally we should stand at the very forefront of those who campaign for a healthier environment and at the very least work in concert with others who care about the future of our planet. And God saw all which had been made and behold it was very good (Genesis 1:31). The earth is very good and with the assistance of sufficient numbers of responsible humans it will remain so.

In March 2000 Liberal Judaism committed itself to three new environmental initiatives in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Alliance of Religions and Conservation. We gave our endorsement to the Climate Savers campaign on global warming, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) on responsible use and management of trees; we also launched a movement-wide environmental audit, seeking to make communities and their buildings more environmentally friendly and aware. Liberal Judaism was a high profile participant in the WWF-ARC Sacred Gifts for a Living Planet conference in Katmandhu, Nepal in November 2000.

APPENDIX

We append a suggested action list which is relevant at the time of writing but will require periodic updating, as new problems emerge and others find solution.

1. Avoid the use of aerosol cans containing chlorofluoro-carbons.

2. Avoid the use of leaded petrol.

3. Avoid the use of toxic cleaning agents.

4. Petition for more effective emission controls in British factories and power stations in the interests of cleaner air.

5. Avoid the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides in gardens and petition for a ban on their use in public parks and on farmland.

6. Establish compost heaps in gardens to dispose of organic waste and provide organic fertiliser.

7. Use organically grown produce and encourage the spread of organic farming.

8. Petition for more effective effluent controls on British factories and power stations in the interests of cleaner water.

9. Take used newspapers, other paper and cardboard to recycling depots.

10. Use recycled paper.

11. Purchase items with as little packaging as possible.

12. Avoid the use of hardwoods obtained from threatened rainforests. Only purchase FSC stamped wood products.

13. Support afforestation projects and on Tu bi-Sh

14. Question the extent to and manner in which animals are used and destroyed in scientific laboratories.

15. Avoid the purchase of imported mammals, birds or reptiles as pets.

16. Avoid the purchase of animal furs.

17. Avoid the purchase of ivory or whale oil products.

18. Purchase free-range eggs rather than battery eggs.

19. Consider vegetarianism as a viable life style, or at least reduce the consumption of animal flesh.

20. Properly insulate houses and plumbing to reduce heat loss.

21. Walk or bike in preference to using a car.

22. Use public rather than private transport.

23. Take bottles and jars to bottle banks.

24. Avoid the use of non-recyclable cans.

25. Purchase better quality products which last longer.