Jewish Food Ethics – Talk by Rabbi Yonatan Neril

Food is far more than sustenance in Jewish tradition — it carries deep ethical and spiritual significance. In this talk, Rabbi Yonatan Neril explores the principles of Jewish food ethics, examining how religious teaching shapes the way food should be grown, chosen, prepared, and consumed. He delves into how these ancient ethical frameworks speak to distinctly modern concerns, including sustainability, mindful consumption, and our responsibility toward both people and the planet when it comes to food systems. Rather than treating dietary practice as a set of isolated rules, Rabbi Neril frames Jewish food ethics as a holistic worldview — one that connects everyday eating choices to broader questions of justice, stewardship, and spiritual mindfulness. This talk adds a valuable Jewish perspective to the growing conversation on faith, food, and environmental responsibility.