Nature & the Environment QuizThe environment impacts so many aspects of life, from the air we breathe to the water we drink. How much do you know about green issues in Jewish thought and practice?
Question 1. According to Genesis 1, what did God create on the sixth day?
Both a & b
Question 2. How many shemitah years occur before there is one yovel year?
Question 3. According to medieval commentator Don Isaac Abravanel, the Torah emphasizes sustainability through its discussions of which of the following mitzvot?
Shooing a mother bird away when taking her eggs
Not wearing clothing with linen and wool mixed together
Question 4. What is the traditional Jewish theological understanding of humanity’s relationship with the earth?
The heavens are for God and the earth was set aside for humanity, so we can do with it whatever we want
God gives careful instructions about what parts of the environment we are free to do with as we wish, and which are to be dedicated to His glory
To the extent that the forces of nature can be harnessed, it is the job of humanity to be the stewards of the world, and to act on behalf of God
Each person's relationship to the environment is determined by God, and it is each person's responsibility to seek out the appropriate balance
Question 5. Contemporary Jewish thinkers have drawn on Jewish texts to address which of these issues?
A & B only
All of these
Question 6. The word "jubilee" comes from the Hebrew word "yovel," meaning what?
Question 7. What is the name for the prohibition of unnecessary cruelty to animals?
Tzaar baalei hayim
Im tirzu ein zo agada
Gam zu l'tova