Jewish Environmental Ethics short answer PDF

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Judaism - Environmental Ethics short answer - received 15/15 in Judaism short answer in CSSA trials & HSC...

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Jewish Environmental Ethics (i) Briefly outline TWO Jewish ethical teachings in Environmental Ethics [4 marks]

The ethical teachings of Tikkun Olam, the repairing of the world is in our hands, and Tzedek, the idea that environmental justice is a Jewish value, command adherents to abide by their covenantal relationship with God by nurturing his creation. Tikkun Olam has become a major theme in modern Jewish social justice theology in light of the task ahead in environmentalism as humanity has damaged creation and we must promote the process of reparation while the effects are reversible as, “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (Gen 2:15). This notion of maintaining direct communion with God by facilitating the proliferation of his creation is further reflected through the ethical teaching of Tzedek that attempts to correct the imbalances humans create in society and the natural world. It seeks to uniformly guide Orthodox, Reform and Progressive Jews to create a worldwide economy that is sustainable and that is equitable in the distribution of wealth and resources as, “If you come to a birds nest… you shall not take the mother with the young” (Deuteronomy 22:6-7).! ! !

(ii) How does one ethical teaching identified in part (i) influence the lives of adherents [5 marks]

In response to rising issues threatening the natural environment, Tikkun Olam heavily influences the lives of adherents as it educates them upon their inherent responsibility to nurture God’s creation. The Tanak reveals how “God saw all that he made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31), and Tikkun Olam informs adherents upon their role to ensure its flourishment as it guides them to respond to prominent environmental issues such as climate change. The ethical teaching that ‘the repairing of the world is in our hands’ majorly impacts on the life of the adherent as it is

predominantly expressed in activity that is practiced in partnership with God in their daily lives, thus enabling the adherent to strengthen their covenantal relationship with God. Promotion of the process of reparation in response to the rising issue of climate change is practiced by ‘The Noah Project’, a Jewish organisation that seeks to promote ecological awareness and practical action in the Jewish community through education and religious celebration. In 2019, the project is working on the production of a “Greening Synagogue Guide” influencing the lives of adherents by providing a platform for them to take part in hands on conservation and ultimately, the protection of the Earth. Furthermore, it distributes quarterly newsletter and donates approximately ten percent of its annual proceeds to environmental projects as tzedakah** (charity donation). Ultimately, the Jewish ethical teaching, Tikkun Olam, heavily influences the lives of adherents as it fosters an ethic of caring for God's creation rooted in Jewish tradition, belief and practice, thus empowering adherents to promote the process of reparation through a combination of practical action and prayer.

“You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” (Leviticus 19.17) B) How do the Environmental ethics of Judaism impact on the lives of adherents [8] ! The environmental ethical teachings of Judaism lie at the heart of the discernment process for the adherent. They provide the individual with guidance in their daily lives as they inspire adherents to Q thus enabling them to strengthen their covenantal relationship with God. In response to rising issues threatening the natural environment, Tikkun Olam heavily influences the lives of adherents as it educates them upon their inherent responsibility to nurture God’s creation. The Tanak reveals how “God saw all that he made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31), and Tikkun Olam informs adherents upon their role to ensure its flourishment as it guides them to respond to prominent environmental issues such as climate change. The ethical teaching that ‘the repairing of the world is in our hands’ majorly impacts on the life of the adherent as it is predominantly expressed in activity that is practiced in

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partnership with God in their daily lives. This promotion of the process of reparation in response to the rising issue of climate change is practiced by ‘The Noah Project’, a Jewish organisation that seeks to promote ecological awareness and practical action in the Jewish community through education and religious celebration. In 2019, the project is working on the production of a “Greening Synagogue Guide” influencing the lives of adherents by providing a platform for them to take part in hands on conservation and ultimately, the protection of the Earth. Furthermore, it distributes quarterly newsletter and donates approximately ten percent of its annual proceeds to environmental projects as tzedakah** (charity donation). Additionally, this notion of maintaining direct communion with God by facilitating the proliferation of his creation is further reflected through the ethical teaching of Tzedek that attempts to correct the imbalances humans create in society and the natural world. It seeks to uniformly guide Orthodox, Reform and Progressive Jews to create a worldwide economy that is sustainable and equitable in the distribution of wealth and resources as, “If you come to a birds nest… you shall not take the mother with the young” (Deuteronomy 22:6-7). As revealed through the Tanak, Tzedek provides adherents with social responsibility as it guides them to respond to the ever-present issue of deforestation as, “When you lay siege to a city… do not destroy its trees” (Deuteronomy 20:19-20) which has been interpreted to remind adherents of their stewardship and role in prohibiting unnecessary destruction of the environment. This notion is enacted by the oldest and largest international Jewish community service organsiation, the B’nai Br’ith organisation. The movement is a force of unification between Jewish people of all levels of belief and practice who share in the aims of raising awareness and promoting environmental conservation as a commitment to continuing Jewish stewardship. It is furthermore reflected in the JEWISH BOARD OF DEPUTIES which raises funds to assist projects and community awareness worldwide, such as Plant a Tree with the Jewish National Fund. Ultimately, the Jewish ethical teachings of Tikkun Olam and Tzedek, heavily influences the lives of adherents as it fosters an ethic of caring for God's creation rooted in Jewish tradition, belief and practice, thus empowering adherents to “love thy neighbour' through a combination of practical action and prayer.

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