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Our Covenant with Stones a Jewish Ecolog

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Jewish tradition reveals a profound ecological framework rooted in the concept of covenantal partnership between humans and earth - one that transcends simple resource management to establish the natural world as a potential partner in divine service. By tracing the evolution of earth's sanctity (kedushat ha-aretz) from Biblical through Rabbinic literature, this research uncovers a sophisticated dual geography of holiness. Biblical sources establish both universal divine ownership of earth and particular sanctity of Israel, while Rabbinic authorities developed a "provisional portability" extending sacred relationships beyond territorial boundaries. Analysis of Biblical creation narratives, agricultural laws, and covenant theology, alongside Mishnaic and Talmudic discussions of land sanctity, food blessings (birkhot ha-nehenin), and territorial holiness, reveals how early Rabbis expanded these concepts through food blessing categories that valorize earth-based produce and liturgical accommodations for diaspora communities. The emerging framework demonstrates dynamic reciprocity: ethical behavior enables earth's participation in sacred covenant (brit), while environmental degradation constitutes covenant violation. This indigenous ecological model provides expanding concentric circles of sanctity that begin with Eretz Yisrael but ultimately encompass global environmental responsibility.

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    Published 1991

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    Bradley Artson