Book Explores Green Religious Roots

A new book spells out the deep connections between the Jewish faith and the modern environmental movement. Jeremy Benstein, associate director of the Heschel Center for Environmental Learning and Leadership, published "A Way Into Judaism and the Environment," sees a profound connection between ancient teachings and the current enthusiasm among the faithful for protecting the earth. Organized religious groups -- often in interfaith partnerships -- are increasingly making their concerns about the environment known to political leaders. The trend is seen as an important part of the current environmental movement, which had pushed the limits of its arguments with science and reason alone, according to a story in the June 1 Forward.