Eco Bible Interview: Rabbi Yonatan Neril on Faith, Sustainability & the Environment

In this thought-provoking interview, Rabbi Yonatan Neril, author of Eco Bible, explores the powerful connection between spirituality, environmental sustainability, and modern ecological challenges. From climate change and food ethics to plant-based living and responsible consumption, this conversation uncovers how ancient biblical teachings can offer guidance for today’s environmental crisis.

Rabbi Neril shares his personal journey growing up in Northern California surrounded by nature, studying at Stanford University, and eventually founding the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development in Israel. Throughout the discussion, he explains how religion and ecology are deeply interconnected and why spiritual values may be essential for solving the climate crisis.

What Is the Eco Bible?

Eco Bible examines hundreds of verses from Genesis and Exodus through the lens of ecological sustainability. The book combines insights from Jewish sages, biblical commentary, and modern environmental science to explain how scripture relates to issues such as:

• Climate change
• Wildfires and natural disasters
• Sustainable food systems
• Ethical farming
• Plastic pollution
• Water conservation
• Minimalism
• Plant-based diets
• Environmental justice

The interview highlights how the book makes complex biblical concepts accessible by connecting scripture directly to practical modern-day actions.

Faith, Science & Sustainability

One of the central themes of this interview is the relationship between religion and science. Rabbi Neril discusses how environmental science and biblical teachings are not in conflict, but instead support one another in addressing humanity’s ecological imbalance.

The conversation also explores:

• Why spirituality matters in environmental activism
• The role of churches, synagogues, and religious communities in sustainability
• Green teams and eco-friendly houses of worship
• Ethical consumer choices and knowing where food comes from
• The rise of reducetarian and flexitarian lifestyles

Practical Sustainability Tips From the Interview

Viewers will also discover simple, realistic ways to live more sustainably, including:

• Shopping locally
• Reducing meat consumption
• Supporting ethical farming
• Spending more time in nature
• Buying second-hand clothing
• Learning where your food comes from

Rather than promoting extreme lifestyle changes, the discussion focuses on small, meaningful actions that individuals and families can start implementing today.