Position of the Reform Movement on Endangered Species

The URJ and the CCAR passed strong resolutions in 1991 and 1996, respectively, affirming that the Jewish community's commitment to protecting endangered species has both practical and religious significance. They advocate conservation of plant and animal species through:

  • recognition of the principle role habitat preservation plays in species conservation;
  • preservation of threatened species recovery goals and continued listing of endangered species by the Secretary of the Interior; and
  • maintenance of public lands, parks, and refuges with the original objective of land conservation and public recreation use.

Our work protecting endangered species is the way we can maintain the Covenant God made with Noah, "and with [his children] after him, and with every living creature...of the birds, of the cattle, and of every wild animal of the earth with you." (Genesis 9:9).