Blog Archives

This conversation features Rabbi Yonatan Neril, founder of the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development, and Dr. Celia Deane-Drummond, Director of the Laudato Si’ Research Institute. Together, they explore the intersection of faith, theology, and ecology, reflecting on how religious traditions can contribute to environmental awareness and action. Their dialogue highlights shared values across faiths and the importance of collaborative responses to today’s ecological challenges, rooted in both scientific understanding and spiritual insight.

Father Sean McDonagh, a Columban priest and leading voice in Catholic ecological ethics, reflects on his personal and theological journey in relation to environmental responsibility. He shares how his understanding of Christianity has been shaped by ecological awareness and explores the role of faith in addressing today’s environmental challenges.

Father Alexei Smith opens the Los Angeles Faith & Ecology Network meeting in February with a prayer, setting a reflective and contemplative tone for the gathering. The meeting brings together faith leaders and community members to engage with issues at the intersection of spirituality and ecology, fostering dialogue on environmental responsibility and care for creation.

This Torah teaching explores the story of Jacob returning across the Jabbok stream to retrieve a few small vessels, a moment the rabbis interpret as deeply connected to spiritual purpose and stewardship. Drawing on Jewish commentary and Hasidic teachings, the speaker reflects on why seemingly ordinary material possessions can carry profound spiritual significance. The discussion examines themes of bal tashchit (“do not destroy”), humility, and humanity’s responsibility toward the physical world. Rather than viewing creation as something to dominate or waste, the teaching presents caring for material things as part of living a conscious and righteous life in service of God. Jacob’s struggle with the angel is reimagined as a symbol of spiritual alignment, where his commitment to honoring creation gives him the strength to overcome fear and conflict. The talk ultimately frames Jacob as an “eco-warrior,” demonstrating how faith, responsibility, and ecological consciousness are deeply interconnected in Jewish thought.

Rabbi Yonatan Neril takes his family to go look at a Dairy Farm. He discusses what they witnessed and learned during their time, going specifically into the industrial production of milk. Rabbi Neril shares observations from a visit to an industrial dairy farm, raising ethical and spiritual questions about modern milk production, animal welfare, and humanity’s relationship with creation. The discussion highlights the conditions in which cows are kept, the scale of industrial farming, and the separation of calves from their mothers shortly after birth. Drawing on biblical teachings and Jewish ethical perspectives, the Rabbi Neril explores the idea that “kosher” means more than ritual fitness—it also relates to compassion, appropriateness, and humane treatment. Referencing contemporary rabbinic opinions, the video questions whether certain forms of industrial dairy production align with spiritual values and respect for living creatures. The reflection calls for greater spiritual awareness in how people consume animal products…

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Creation Care is a weekly interfaith ecology discussion. These discussions are designed for people of diverse faith backgrounds to learn together about ecology and religion. Creation Care happens every Wednesday at 7-7:30 PM in Israel 12-12:30 PM EST 9-9:30 AM PST Sign up to add your voice to the next discussion here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1TmNwrrAnzL1jpkRH9oQwcksGLa_9USKxjXBtgq7nIIs/ Creation Care is a project of the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD). The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD) reveals the connection between religion and ecology and mobilizes faith communities to act. ICSD works on a global basis, with current engagement in Africa, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. Questions? Email Aryeh@interfaithsustain.com

War. Climate Change. Species loss. The problems can be overwhelming, but today we’ll be discussing how we nevertheless can and must make a difference. Creation Care #4: God is in the Details: What We Can Do to Make a Difference.

Sacrifice and Sustainability: Animals, Trees and the Climate. Our discussion is based on pages 26-33 in Eco Bible Volume 2. Sign up here to join our next discussion: https://forms.gle/pmUG2EimfPo36adQA

Our discussion is based on the essay “Holy Air Quality” in Eco Bible Volume 2 on page 35. Sign up here to join the discussion next week: https://forms.gle/pmUG2EimfPo36adQA