Gardens and earth stewardship in Jewish tradition

There are many ways that gardens and earth stewardship play a role in Jewish life. According to Jewish tradition, the first person (Adam) was placed in the Garden of Eden to work in it and to care for it. In Hebrew, people who help to care for nature are called Shomrei (pronounced as Shom-ray) Adamah – which literally means “Guardian of the Land.”

Rav Huna, a teacher quoted in Talmud, said: A scholar may not dwell in a city where there are no green vegetables. Another rabbi also tells us that if we are planting a tree and at that very moment the Messiah arrives, we should finish planting the tree before greeting him.

Unlike other roles in Jewish life (e.g., b’nei mitvot, community volunteer, student), young children do not have to wait to become Shomrei Adamah. Caring for the earth is part of their birthright. It’s something they begin to understand at an early age and something they don’t have to wait to become.

From the Burning Bush to the oak tree planted by Abraham to the modern day celebration of Tu B’Shevat, Judaism recognizes nature as a source of spiritual wonderment for all ages.

Two people were fighting over a piece of land. Each claimed ownership, and each had proof to support his claims. They took the matter to the rabbi of their village to resolve. After listening to each of them and examining their proof, he told them that he could not decide and would have to ask the earth. He stepped outside and put his ear to the ground. After a few moments, he rose up. “My friends,” he said, “the land says it belongs to neither of you – but that you belong to it.” (Source unknown)

GABE GOLDMAN is the Director of Experiential Education at the Agency for Jewish Learning in Pittsburgh, Pa. Excerpted from AJL’s “Guide for Making Indoor Gardens with Young Jewish Gardeners” and reprinted with permission. To download the complete guide, visit ajlpittsburgh.org.