Environmental concerns are at the top of the agenda around the world. Judaism, like the other world religions, only rarely raised issues concerning the environment in the past. This means that modern Judaism, the halakhic tradition no less than others, must build on a slim foundation in its efforts to give guidance. The essays in this volume mark the beginning of a new effort to face questions and formulate answers of vital importance.

Walter Jacob was Senior Scholar of Rodef Shalom Congregation, Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania. He also served as President of the Freehof Institute of ProgressiveHalakhah. He is the author and editor of a number of titles includingAmerican Reform Responsa (1983),Liberal Judaism and Halakhah (1988) andNot by Birth Alone, Conversion to Judaism (1997).