Deborah Williger

Dr. Deborah Williger, an agricultural scientist and Jewish theologian, is affiliated with the School of Jewish Theology at the University of Potsdam. She has held a teaching assignment for Bible in the Master's program at Sincletica Monastic School, Barcelona since 2020 and contributes to ecotheological research as a volunteer for the Institut für Theologische Zoologie (ITZ) e.V., notably through the 'Experiencing Creation' project.

Her academic background includes:

• MA Jewish Theology, University of Potsdam (2018), thesis: 'Aspects of Jugularism* - Jewish (eco-)theological Notes'
• BA Jewish Studies and Religious Studies, University of Potsdam (2014), thesis: 'The religious foundations of Shechita'
• Dr. Sc. Agricultural Science, University of Kiel (1986), interdisciplinary work on 'GPS-Silage Feed'
• MS International Agricultural Development, TU Berlin (1983), thesis: 'Development of pineapple production on Hawaii'

Dr. Williger's research centers on Jewish environmental ethics, animal welfare, and creation theology. She critically examines Shechita (Jewish slaughter), Kashrut (dietary laws), and their connections to sustainability and Tikkun Olam (world repair), integrating Kabbalistic insights and Noahide laws to promote ecological responsibility within Jewish tradition and interreligious contexts.

Her publications since 2019 reveal a consistent trajectory exploring humanity's role in creation—from 'crown of creation' to 'co-creature'—and practical applications through projects like 'Experiencing Creation'. Key themes include interreligious dialogue on ecological crises, historical analysis of animal ethics, and sustainable interpretations of religious law.

Dr. Williger actively engages public discourse through media appearances with Bundeszentrale für Politische Bildung, domradio.de, and deutschlandfunk on animal ethics and interreligious environmental initiatives, demonstrating applied theology beyond academic settings.