Jewish Nature
The Jubilee (Yovel) Year
The jubilee year provided for a period of both social equality and ecological recovery.
Ecological Concerns in Rabbinic Literature
The ancient rabbinic sages did not see degradation of the natural environment as a systemic problem: but we can learn from their legislation addressing the more local environmental issues of which they were aware.
Stop the Machine! — The Sabbatical Year Principle
The biblical shemitah represents an alternative to the consumer society.
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...
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.
Urbanization and Land Use: A Biblical Model
The design of the Levites’ urban settlements featured open spaces and regional integration.