🎧 Episode 72: Rabbi Yonatan Neril – Spiritual Beings In A Physical World
In this episode of Shaping The Future, Rabbi Yonatan Neril joins the conversation from Jerusalem to discuss Eco Bible, the book he co-authored to explore the environmental teachings embedded within the Hebrew Bible and centuries of Jewish interpretation. The discussion examines how ancient religious wisdom can offer meaningful guidance for responding to the modern climate crisis and reframes environmental stewardship as a core element of spiritual life.
Rabbi Neril explains that Eco Bible draws on hundreds of biblical passages and more than two millennia of religious commentary to demonstrate that caring for the Earth has long been an essential part of Jewish thought. Challenging interpretations that portray humanity as having unrestricted dominion over nature, he argues that scripture consistently emphasizes stewardship, responsibility, and the ethical use of natural resources.
The conversation also explores the broader role of religion in addressing climate change, highlighting how environmental values are shared across many faith traditions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and others. With billions of people worldwide identifying with a religion, Rabbi Neril suggests that faith communities represent one of the world’s most influential yet underutilized forces for promoting ecological awareness and inspiring meaningful climate action.
A recurring theme throughout the episode is the idea that human beings are “spiritual beings in a physical world.” Rabbi Neril reflects on how the climate crisis is ultimately a moral and spiritual challenge that calls for a transformation in values as much as advances in science and policy. By reconnecting with religious teachings on compassion, stewardship, and care for creation, he argues that individuals and communities can help build a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
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