In this week’s episode we study texts from Devarim, Vayikra, and the Talmud tractate Yoma. We have a far-ranging discussion including talking about the figure of the Satan in Judaism, and how it can be seen as internalized cultural messages telling us to stall on fighting climate change, how some chukkim (ie. laws that we can’t understand the reason for) such as Shatnez (prohibition against mixing wool and linen) and Kosher laws actually have climate benefit, and how the phrase “You shall live by them” (them meaning both kinds of Jewish law) shows the deep Jewish value of preserving life, which is a major part of what the fight to mitigate climate change is about. Follow along with the source sheet here: http://www.sefaria.org/sheets/603559
What is Ḥoni's Circle?
Ḥoni's Circle is a climate chevruta (partner text study), In which Rabbi Paula Rose and Tamar Libicki explore Jewish texts from the Torah, the Talmud, and Commentaries to grapple with climate change. Rabbi Paula Rose is the associate Rabbi at Congregation Beth Shalom in Seattle, Washington. This Podcast is a project of Congregation Beth Shalom and Ahavat V'Avodat HaAdama, our community's environmental group.