Teaching #12: Genesis and Human Stewardship of the Earth
The first two chapters of Genesis contain teachings with profound relevance for ourselves and our world today. Jewish tradition teaches us that we only merit the opportunity to rule the earth if we behave righteously.
In the first chapter of Genesis, twice in three verses, G-d speaks of humans ruling over other living beings. In the second instance, after creating Adam and Eve, G-d blesses them, saying “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” What does it mean for humans to subdue the earth and have dominion over other creatures?
While on the surface the words of this verse appear to give people license to degrade and subdue the earth, the Rabbis for the most part do not read them this way. The rabbinic commentaries reveal much about these verses beyond the simple reading, conveying a wholly different message. Jewish tradition teaches us that we only merit the opportunity to rule the earth if we behave righteously. This includes the spiritual discipline to use our resources wisely, and subdue with a sense of moral responsibility.
Learn this topic:
- Short Summary Article by Rabbi Yonatan Neril
- Longer Article for Deeper Study by Rabbi Yonatan Neril
- Study Guide with Hebrew-English Sources and Discussion Questions (PDF)
- Video! Jacob and Small Vessels: A Spiritual Ecological Teaching
- Listen! Audio Podcast on Genesis
Additional Resources Available for Download:
This resource is part of Canfei Nesharim’s Year of Jewish Learning on the Environment, in partnership with Jewcology.com, with support from the ROI Community, a community of young Jewish innovators founded by Lynn Schusterman, and the Shedlin Outreach Foundation.
Teaching #13: We are How We Eat: A Jewish Approach to Food and Sustainability