Michael Lewyn explains how sprawl reduces Jewish observance and conflicts with Jewish views of social justice, and points out that Jewish law has historically allowed extensive land use regulation.
This article discusses the tension between suburban sprawl and Jewish values. Specifically, the article argues that the automobile dependency and class division exacerbated by sprawl conflict with Jewish ethical and environmental values and impede observance of Jewish law (by making it difficult to walk to synagogue on holy days and Sabbaths, as required by Jewish law). In addition, the article rebuts libertarian objections to anti-sprawl policies by pointing out that Jewish law encourages public regulation of land use, and that in any event, anti-sprawl policies need not conflict with libertarian norms.
Thanks to Michael Lewyn
Read the full story: Suburban Sprawl, Jewish Law, and Jewish Values
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Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
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