Rabbi David Rosen: Love of the Divine is a Love of Our Environment

This talk explores the connection between faith, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development through Jewish teachings and interfaith collaboration. Drawing on insights from Maimonides and the Maharal of Prague, the speaker explains that love of God is expressed both through appreciation of creation and through care for fellow human beings. Environmental responsibility is presented as a spiritual and moral obligation that unites concern for nature with concern for society.

The speaker argues that environmental challenges represent one of the most urgent issues facing humanity, comparing other public concerns to rearranging deck chairs on a ship while the vessel itself is at risk. Highlighting the example of Abraham as a model of devotion and moral leadership, the talk emphasizes the importance of raising awareness, inspiring action, and sanctifying God’s presence through responsible stewardship of the world.

The video also celebrates the growing role of religious leaders and interfaith organizations in advancing sustainability efforts, citing global initiatives and climate discussions surrounding COP21. It concludes with a hopeful call for faith communities and individuals to transform good intentions into meaningful action that benefits both people and the planet.

For more inspiring commentary from Rabbi David Rosen, please see this video on Judaism, ecology, and global responsibility.