'Birthmother of Jewish Environmentalism' Ellen Bernstein Dies at 70

Ellen Bernstein, the influential author, rabbi, and activist widely known as the “birthmother of Jewish environmentalism,” died Monday at 70. Bernstein, who received rabbinic ordination at the Academy for Jewish Religion in 2012, had been living with ovarian cancer for more than a decade. According to JTA, she died in her Philadelphia home surrounded by friends and family.

Last year, Bernstein released her most acclaimed work, “Toward a Holy Ecology: Reading the Song of Songs in the Age of Climate Crisis.” In it, she discusses the biblical love song as a “meditation on our relationship with nature, animated by love.” When the text is read in synagogues around the world this Passover, Bernstein’s earth-focused translation will breathe new life into the ancient, deeply sensual text.

Bernstein had also recently become outspoken on the issue of gender and environmentalism, explaining the significant role that women can play in responding to the climate crisis.

JTA reported that Bernstein’s funeral was held on Thursday, featuring a green burial conforming to her wishes. Tributes have poured in for Bernstein from far and wide, with some referring to her as a “true angel on Earth.” She is survived by her husband, Steven J. Tenenbaum, and their loyal dog, Ro’i.