L'ovdah ul Shomrah (to Serve And Protect)

Question 0

What does l’ovdah ul shomrah mean for humanity?

Answer 0

Man is charged with the stewardship of the environment,to serve and preserve the world.

Question 1

Which scripture reference provides the basis of this teaching?

Answer 1

Genesis 2:15

“God took man and put him in the garden of Eden to cultivate and care for it”

Question 2

How does gods commandment of the sabbath exemplify the notion of l’ovdah ul shomrah?

Answer 2

“Remember that the sabbath belongs to me” - Exodus 20.
The law supports that it is also a day of rest for not just humans, but for the environment. Allowing it as a day of regeneration and renewal.

Man should not use natural resource on the sabbath, as it it considered the earths work

Question 3

Define the term l’ovdah ul shomrah.

Answer 3

Translated into the phrase “to serve and protect”.
Relation to the environment.
Refers to the stewardship of the earth and prevention of its destruction.