Nature & the Environment Quiz | My Jewish Learning

Question 1 of 10

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 2 of 10

Where in the Bible is the commandment to tend to and till the world?

In Genesis, at the beginning of the Torah
In Exodus, when the Israelites are freed from slavery
In Deuteronomy, just before the people enter the Land of Israel
In Isaiah, when the prophet decries humanity's actions

Question 3 of 10

Saadiah Gaon provided three possible reasons as to why God created animals. Which of these reasons is NOT one of his explanations.

God willed it and it is not for humans to question God's will
God created animals as a backup plan in case humans destroyed the earth
God created animals to help reveal Gods vast wisdom to humans
God created animals for human benefit

Question 4 of 10

In what book does the commandment to be fruitful and multiply the earth first appear?

Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers

Question 5 of 10

What group created the first Jewish Community-Supported Agriculture program in 2004?

MyJewishLearning.com
Hazon
Limmud
AIPAC

Question 6 of 10

According to Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, why did the Bible require that levitical cities be surrounded by green space?

So that the citizens had a place to relax and play
So that city residents could maintain a connection to agriculture
In order to prevent air pollution
In order to prevent overcrowding

Question 7 of 10

The following quote is attributed to what great Jewish thinker: "It is not only forbidden to destroy fruit-bearing trees but whoever breaks vessels, tears clothes, demolishes a building, stops up a fountain or wastes food, in a destructive way, offends against the law of 'thou shalt not destroy.'"

Maimonides
Abraham Joshua Heschel
Mordecai Kaplan
Joseph Caro

Question 8 of 10

According to the book of Deuteronomy 11, when humans do good things, what will God provide in return?

Sunshine
Spouses
Rain and abundance
Intelligence

Question 9 of 10

What does the Torah require of levitical cities?

The cities had to contain fruit trees
The cities had to compost organic waste
The cities had to have up-to-date irrigation systems
The cities had to be surrounded by pastures

Question 10 of 10

The ancient compilation known as Perek Shirah (Chapter of Song), is based on what idea?

Singing is the way to get closest to God
Each animal species sings its own particular hymn to God
Forests are places full of natural songs to God
Bird songs are the most organic prayers