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SEARCH ALL PEOPLEHOOD PAPERS

A collection of articles from a diverse group of Jewish leaders and thinkers that cover philosophical aspects of Jewish Peoplehood as well as practical implications for Jewish organizations, schools and communities. Over the years, the Papers have covered a large range of topics relating to Jewish Peoplehood.

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Introduction

Eliezer Weinbach

In this compelling introduction, Eliezer Weinbach reflects on personal awakenings to the urgency of climate change, explores the intersection of Jewish values and environmentalism, and challenges us to connect, educate, and take bold actions as Jewish tradition compels us to respond to the global climate crisis.

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28.2

Witnessing and With-nessing the Climate Crisis

Rachel Binstock

In a deeply personal reflection, Rachel Binstock shares her journey of confronting the climate crisis and the profound impact of wildfires in Southern Oregon, focusin attention on the need for individuals to bear witness, be with the reality of the crisis, and take action to radically change our relationship with the environment before it changes us.

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28.4

Returning to the Earth

Nate DeGroot

How the late concept of 'nature' in Jewish texts can be used for a renewed, holistic environmentalism deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and ethics, and for a transformative approach to climate justice and sustainable living?

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28.6

It’s Worse than You Think: A Call to Action

Daniel Heinrich

What actions must the Jewish community take, guided by the principles of sustainability and l’dor v’dor, to address the climate crisis and perpetuate environmental stewardship for future generations?

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28.8

Together we are Lighter: A Communal Response to Climate Change and COVID-19

Aharon Ariel Lavi

Rabbi Aharon Ariel Lavi argues that communities can inspire sustainable actions and behaviors by fostering a sense of shared identity and responsibility, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for both people and the planet.

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28.1

Thirty-Two Years and Counting: Finally Hearing the Prophet’s Call

Hody Nemes

The history of climate change awareness and activism within the Jewish community since 1988 outlines five paths for Jewish climate activism.

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28.12

The Bible's Ecological Language

Ellen Bernstein

Rabbi Ellen Bernstein reflects on the intersection of Judaism and ecology, emphasizing the importance of revitalizing biblical language and reinterpreting concepts like "dominion" to inspire a more profound connection between humanity and the natural world while challenging academic institutions to embrace interdisciplinary ecological work.

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28.3

Climate Crisis: A Jewish Response

Michael M. Cohen

In this thought-provoking essay, Rabbi Michael M. Cohen explores the importance of diversity in both nature and human society as evidenced in the early chapters of Genesis, explaining the need to confront the climate crisis and take urgent action to address ecological collapse as part of our shared responsibility to protect the environment and one another.

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28.5

Synagogues Aflame: Our Omissions in Transmitting L’Dor V’Dor

Anna Dubey, Raphaela Gold, Sophie Raskin, and Michael Pincus

How can Jewish institutions and communities, inspired by the deep-rooted values of sustainability and l’dor v’dor, effectively rise to the challenge of climate change, transforming environmental action into a vital part of modern Jewish identity and responsibility?

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28.7

The Purpose of Creation

Aaron Koller

Aaron Koller's 'The Purpose of Creation' challenges the anthropocentric view of nature's purpose in religious thought, arguing for a philosophical and ethical perspective where every element of creation, from orcas to humans, exists for its own sake, inherently valuable beyond human utility.

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28.9

How to Imagine a Future

Sophie Lieberman

This essay explores the need to reimagine our relationship with the climate crisis and suggests that Judaism's structure of observance can help us address it with greater urgency and collective responsibility.

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28.11

Dayenu: We Have Had Enough!

Jennie Rosenn

Dayenu, a Jewish organization founded by Rabbi Jennie Rosenn, mobilizes the community to confront the crisis and advocate for systemic change with a sense of responsibility and hope.

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28.13

CJPE

The Center for Jewish Peoplehood Education serves as a resource and catalyst for developing the field of Jewish Peoplehood. It also serves as the central entity to address the challenges of Jewish Peoplehood education. CJPE offers institutions and individuals the resources and support to obtain professional development, content and programmatic development. It will achieve this through research, resource and content development, evaluation, convening, lectures, and mentoring and consulting.

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