Special Address "On Radical Responsibility" by Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

Published in 1962, 'Silent Spring' by Rachel Carson is a seminal work in environmental science. The book documents the harmful effects of DDT and other pesticides on the environment, including their impact on bird populations, other wildlife, and human health. Carson argued that these substances should be called 'biocides' due to their broad impact on ecosystems. The book was serialized in 'The New Yorker' before its full publication and generated significant public and scientific debate. It led to a reversal in U.S. pesticide policy, the banning of DDT for agricultural use in 1972, and the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1970. Carson's work challenged the prevailing attitudes towards scientific progress and human control over nature, advocating for responsible and careful use of pesticides and highlighting the need for environmental stewardship.

The Kuzari, written by Judah Halevi, is a philosophical work presented as a dialogue between a king of the Khazars and a Jewish philosopher. It explores fundamental questions of Judaism, such as the nature of God, the chosen people, and the purpose of the Torah. The book uses allegorical storytelling to engage with philosophical and theological issues, making it a significant text in Jewish philosophy. It's known for its eloquent prose and its defense of Jewish faith and practice. The Kuzari has influenced Jewish thought for centuries and continues to be studied and debated.