Teaching #7: Holy Use, Relating to Resources Sustainably

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People living in consumer society relate to material objects in a vastly different way than people did in previous times. Age-old Jewish teachings reveal a Jewish vision for ‘holy use’ of the material world and relate deeply to today’s need for sustainable resource use.

When something breaks, the question may arise: repair it, or get rid of it and buy a new one? If it is cheaper to buy a new one, many people are reluctant to go through the hassle of trying to repair it. We discard clothing and appliances and buy new ones instead of repairing them, or throw away useable items because they are a few years old and maybe outdated by new products. These choices have real environmental consequences.

The decision whether to reuse or discard an object in part emerges from how a person relates to material possessions: as essential or expendable, indispensable or disposable. While Western society ritualizes consumption, Jewish practice ritualizes reuse. Jewish sources abound with examples of reusing ritual objects. Jewish teachings can deepen our understanding and inform our actions, bringing physical benefits for people and the planet, and spiritual fruits as well.

Learn this topic:

• Short Summary Article by Rabbi Yonatan Neril
• Longer Article for Deeper Study by Rabbi Yonatan Neril
• Study Guide with Hebrew-English Sources and Discussion Questions (PDF)