Sukkot and the Earth

Authored by Rachel Adlerstone, "Sukkot and the Earth" investigates the Jewish festival of Sukkot through an environmental lens. The book explores the holiday's agricultural origins and textual foundations, then considers how its themes of seasonal awareness, land, water, consumption, and climate vulnerability resonate today. It avoids imposing modern environmental terminology on ancient sources, instead carefully developing reflections on ecological connections within the festival's history, practice, and meaning.

This volume delves into contemporary American Jewish life, examining issues such as drought, heavy rain, hurricane season, urban heat, and smoke affecting outdoor gatherings. It presents examples of communities using reusable sukkah materials, sourcing s'chach responsibly, and making decisions about outdoor plans when health is a concern. The Four Species are discussed in terms of cultivation and trade rather than solely as nature symbols. Ethical case studies address access to safe shelter and how congregations can collaborate with local groups. The book offers action plans for households, schools, or synagogues, emphasizing measurement and connecting responsibility with joy.