Concerns about climate change have brought awareness to religious teachings about protecting the environment. In St. Louis, local Jewish leaders are starting to educate Jews about their obligation to the environment. Next Generation Radio's Nathan Friend reports.

FAIRGROUND PARK IN NORTH SAINT LOUIS IS NOT A LUSH GREEN SPACE. IT'S A FLAT, OPEN AREA WITH JUST A FEW TREES DEFIANTLY DISPLAYING THEIR FALL COLORS. AT THE ENTRANCE, A SMALL PATCH OF YOUNG TREES BRACE THEMSELVES FOR THE WINTER. THEY WERE PLANTED A YEAR AGO BY LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS. THE PLANTING WAS ORGANIZED BY LEADERS IN THE JEWISH COMMUNITY.

My name is Randy Fleisher, I'm a human being, I'm an earthling, I also am a rabbi, I'm the assistant rabbi?

FLEISHER SAYS JEWS HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO PRESERVE THE EARTH. THAT RESPONSIBILITY, HE SAYS COMES FROM JEWISH TEACHINGS AND TRADITIONS.

Here we are in...
Read the full transcript

Concerns about climate change have brought awareness to religious teachings about protecting the environment. In St. Louis, local Jewish leaders are starting to educate Jews about their obligation to the environment.