We live in an amazingly diverse world, with approximately 8.3 million unique species described by scientists, and likely twice that number that have not yet been discovered.  Jewish sources teach that G-d has joy in the diversity and continuity of creation, and that G-d sees a purpose in each of these species.

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The Jewish tradition places a strong value on being healthy. The Torah states, “Guard yourself and guard your soul very much"  and “You shall guard yourselves very well."  The Jewish Sages explain that these verses refer to the mitzvah (commandment) of protecting one’s physical body and health.

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Today’s energy technologies have greatly increased material standards of living among human societies. But they also have driven significant environmental changes which are beginning to have noticeable impacts worldwide, including climate change, the BP oil spill, and Japan’s nuclear crisis. What can we learn from the Jewish tradition about how to use energy responsibly?

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Rebbe Nachman of Breslov identifies the desire for food and drink as the central desire of the human being, and the one from which other desires emanate. In Rabbi Tzadok Hacohen’s “A Treatise on Eating,” he cites the mystical book of the Zohar, which calls the moment of eating “the time of combat.”  This is because in eating a Jew must engage in the spiritual fight to ensure the act is a holy one.

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Human beings depend on a sufficient supply of high quality fresh water for their survival. Because of this essential dependence, Jewish sources equate water with life. By recognizing our dependence on water, and ultimately our dependence on G-d, we can strengthen our appreciation and protection of our precious natural resources, and our relationship with the Creator of the world.

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