Jewish Stewardship

• • Human beings must behave as responsible global citizens, acting as stewards of God’s creation
• • Genesis 1 says God gave humans dominion over nature
• • Must treat environment with respect as God’s possession + were temporary caretakers
• • Stewardship = gift + duty
• • Humans must learn to live environmentally sustainable lives
• • Torah teaches humans given dominion over animals, but not the right to exploit or harm them
• • Caring for environment = important, ranks above other religious duties
• • Tikkun Olam = “repairing the world” = encourages Jews to conserves worlds resources by sensible use + recycling
• Bal Taschit = "do not destroy". Use Earth‘s resources wisely = don’t exploit/waste them for short term gain
• Gemilut Hasadim = "making acts of loving kindness" emphasising need to be charitable and care for the world and others
• TuB'shevat = Annually celebrates the beginning of the new year for trees (beginning of spring). Jews plant trees - A reminder to live sustainably. Tell story of Honi + Carob tree and eat fruit