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Respecting the Environment (Stewardship) (Private-Religious)
Unit of 3 lessons
Unit Overview:
The three lessons contained in this unit will teach learners that the idea for respecting the environment is a prominent theme in Judaism. Through Biblical narratives and laws, and with Talmudic sources, learners will understand the key environmental concepts prescribed by G-d. Learners will analyze the concepts and apply them to the modern world, identifying some of the environmental concerns of today. Learners will participate in several projects that will teach respect for the environment and provide them with opportunities to have a positive impact on the environment.
Unit Purpose:
In today’s world, environmental concerns are prominent issues in global, national and community politics. This unit aims to teach that the issues facing the world today are not new and have been addressed as early as creation. Through G-d’s laws, Biblical narratives and rabbinic liturgy, one can understand G-d’s interest in the protection of the environment, animals, land and trees alike, is prominently shown throughout Judaism. The unit is intended to enable learners to respond to the following focus question: What is my role in responding to environmental concerns and by what authority am I to act in stewardship of the earth?
Unit Objectives:
The learner will:
- demonstrate an awareness and understanding of G-d’s laws and desires for humans to respect His animal creations.
- demonstrate an awareness and understanding that these laws apply to many areas, including Shehitah, farming, and owning animals for pleasure.
- provide a needed service in a local animal organization.
- demonstrate an awareness and understanding that respecting and providing for animals in not only admirable but essential.
- demonstrate an awareness and reflect on the understanding that providing for animals is not only a fulfillment of G-d’s commandments but also rewarding.
- demonstrate an understand of G-d’s laws of the Shemittah year.
- identify and defend the agricultural reasons for letting the land lay fallow juxtaposed to modern day farming techniques.
- understand and articulate the spiritual reasons for letting land lay fallow.
- identify and demonstrate his/her understanding of the connection between respecting the Earth and respecting himself/herself.
- identify and learn Biblical and Talmudic verses and stories that emphasize the importance of trees.
- articulate a clear understanding of G-d’s commandment to preserve trees and avoid reckless destruction.
- acknowledge the importance of trees for future generations: for food, the environment, as well as beautification.
- know, articulate, and demonstrate an understanding of the goals of The Jewish National Fund (JNF) and participate in a tree growing project.
Service Experience:
Although lessons in this unit contain service project examples, decisions about service plans and implementation should be made by students, as age appropriate.
- The learners will contact the local American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), animal shelters, or animal related organizations and volunteer time and effort to help animals.
- Invite a Jewish store owner who sells Israeli products to the class and have him explain Shemittah to the class. If one is not available, invite a local farmer to the class to explain the advantages of letting the land lay fallow.
- The learner will identify a person in his/her life whom they feel has influenced and helped generations of people (perhaps a family member, a community leader, or anyone else they determine to meet this criteria) and give a tree in their name (either “In Memory of” or “In Honor of”) to be planted in Israel through the JNF (Jewish National Foundation)
- Optional: The students will also partake in a tree drive, planting trees in Israel through funds raised as families.
Unit Assessment:
Notes for Teaching:
It will be helpful for teachers to review the Bibliographical References for background information. Throughout these lessons helpful teacher hints are indicated by the notation: Teacher Notes
State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:
See individual lessons for benchmark detail.
Lessons Developed By:
Eytan J Apter
Areyvut
http://www.areyvut.org
147 South Washington Avenue
Bergenfield, NJ 07621
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