Jewish stewardship of the environment Revision Notes

In Judaism, humans are seen not as owners but as caretakers of the Earth. This stewardship means that people have a responsibility to look after the environment on behalf of G-d, who is the ultimate owner. The role of caretaker involves managing natural resources wisely and ensuring the Earth remains healthy for future generations.

This idea is based on the belief that the Earth is entrusted to humans temporarily. For example, a Jewish farmer might avoid overusing land to prevent soil depletion, recognising that the land is a trust from G-d rather than personal property. This stewardship is a duty rather than a right.

• Caretakers manage the Earth for G-d, not for personal gain.
• Stewardship involves responsibility and care, not exploitation.
• The role includes protecting resources for future generations.

Judaism teaches that G-d created the entire universe, including the Earth and all living things. Because the Earth is G-d's creation, it is sacred and must be respected. This belief leads to the understanding that humans have a duty to protect the environment as a way of honouring G-d's work.

For instance, wasting water or polluting rivers would be seen as disrespecting G-d's creation. This duty encourages sustainable living and discourages actions that harm the natural world. It also means that environmental care is a moral obligation, not just a practical choice.

• The Earth is sacred as G-d's creation.
• Protecting the environment honours G-d's work.
• Moral duty includes avoiding harm to nature.

Tikkun olam is a key Jewish concept meaning 'repairing the world'. It expresses the responsibility to improve and heal the world, including the environment. This principle motivates actions that restore balance and address damage caused by human activity.

For example, a community might organise tree planting or clean-up projects as practical ways to fulfil tikkun olam. It reflects the belief that humans should actively work to fix environmental problems rather than ignore them. Tikkun olam connects spiritual values with practical environmental care.

• Tikkun olam means repairing and improving the world.
• It motivates active environmental restoration.
• Practical actions include conservation and pollution reduction.

These three ideas—humans as caretakers, G-d as creator, and tikkun olam—are closely linked in Jewish environmental ethics. Because G-d created the Earth, humans have a duty to care for it as stewards. Tikkun olam provides the motivation to repair damage and improve the environment.

This interconnected framework means that environmental care is both a responsibility and a spiritual mission. For example, a Jewish family might reduce waste at home, seeing this as fulfilling their role as caretakers and participating in tikkun olam. This holistic approach combines respect, responsibility, and action.

• Stewardship is grounded in belief in G-d as creator.
• Tikkun olam drives active repair and care.
• Together, they form a comprehensive environmental ethic.

Jewish communities often express stewardship through practical measures such as promoting recycling, conserving water, and supporting sustainable agriculture. Synagogues may incorporate environmental themes in education and worship to raise awareness.

For example, some Jewish organisations run campaigns encouraging energy saving as part of their commitment to tikkun olam. These examples show how beliefs translate into everyday actions that protect the Earth as a gift from G-d.

• Recycling and conservation as stewardship practices.
• Education linking faith and environmental care.
• Community projects inspired by tikkun olam.