Study
Nature and Holiness in the Writings of Priests and Prophets
To the Israelite prophets, humans are central to the relationship of God and the created world...
Jewish Printing
The social and intellectual changes brought about by the advent of the printing press.
In the Theocentric Universe, Human Beings Are Not Masters
Powerful passages in the Book of Job teach that the world, and the animals in particular, must not be abused or exploited by human beings.
The Genesis Creation Story: Permission to Despoil?
A Bible scholar takes issue with those who blame the Book of Genesis for Western culture's exploitative disregard for nature.
The Natural World and our Need for Wonder
When we perceive, at rare moments, that behind the natural world is a realm of the unknown and inexplicable, we attain awareness of holiness
The Anthropological Implications of Suffering
The rabbis of the talmudic era were more interested in the human response to suffering than in finding theological justifications for its existence.
Rahel the Poetess
Rahel's poetry expounded on the beauty of the land of Israel--but it was a tragedy in space that gave one of her poems renewed attention.
Urbanization and Land Use: A Biblical Model
The design of the Levites’ urban settlements featured open spaces and regional integration.
Humans as Guests in God’s World
A talmudic metaphor teaches that human beings are responsible for ensuring that the world achieves global environmental sustainability.
The Earth’s Reward: Enjoy Its Fruit, but Protect Its Fruitfulness
The Torah teaches us to value human life -- as part of a sustainable world.