Thinking too much about global warming, species extinction, and the environmental threat to humanity itself can be emotionally and intellectually daunting. Is Judaism, one of whose core beliefs is optimism about the long-term future / messianic age, simply out of touch regarding the looming catastrophe, or does Judaism have some wisdom to give us in these worrying times? What does Jewish Thought have to say about the ecological catastrophe we are living in?

This talk will examine ways that Jewish philosophers have intentionally responded to this crisis, and also look to mine traditional texts for ways of thinking that might help guide us. In particular, we will examine a few images—the apocalypse, the ark, and the book—to see what they can contribute to a larger discussion.

Speaker:

Professor Dustin N. Atlas is an Assistant Professor and Director of Jewish Studies at Queen’s University, Kingston Ontario. He is currently working on a book about Martin Buber and dialogue with the non-human world. In particular: how to talk to cats, machines, children, and the dying.