The First Jewish Environmentalist: The Green Philosophy of A.D. Gordon

Aharon David Gordon (1856-1922) is increasingly recognized as the first Jewish environmentalist, warning against the dangers of human assault on nature and urging us to merge with it. His ideas have inspired a growing body of scholarly literature and communal readings among young readers, positioning him in the tradition of nature-intoxicated prophets such as Rousseau, Thoreau, and Tolstoy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Aharon David Gordon, hailed by philosopher Martin Buber as the true teacher, pioneer, philosopher, and dreamer, is increasingly recognized as the first Jewish environmentalist. Long before global warming became a major threat, Gordon warned against the mounting dangers of human assault on nature and urged us to open ourselves to nature and re-attune with it. Instead of trying to conquer nature, Gordon argued, we should merge with it; instead of being a master or slave of nature, we should become nature's friend and ally. Since childhood, nature fertilized and shaped Gordon's mindscape, as it eventually did his philosophical writings. Gordon's fresh insights on critical contemporary issues such as ecology, gender, social justice, and post-secularism have inspired not only a rapidly growing body of scholarly literature but also communal readings and study among young readers whose imagination has been captured by Gordon's thoughts and dreams.

The First Jewish Environmentalist introduces Gordon's ideas and sets them in their historical context, shedding new light on the interconnections between religion, culture, education, and the environment. Expanding his canonical status beyond the realm of Hebrew culture, the book situates Gordon in the tradition of nature-intoxicated prophets such as Rousseau, Thoreau, and Tolstoy, and extracts from his writings empowerment and inspiration for seekers advocating the protection of our planet.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 165 x 247 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197617977