Life on Earth
Life on Earth
Sure, here is your requested content:
Life on Earth from a Jewish Perspective
Principles of Life
-
Jewish individuals believe in the sanctity of life, affirming that all life is sacred because it is given by God.
-
Living a meaningfully ethical life is paramount, with strict guidelines provided by the Torah and Mitzvot for right living.
Respect for All of Creation
-
In Jewish teaching, the world is God’s creation, thus it has intrinsic value. They believe in the principle, Tikkun Olam, which literally translates as ‘repairing the world’.
-
Humankind’s role is seen to act as stewardship; they have a responsibility to protect and conserve the environment.
Free Will and Responsibility
-
Judaism stresses the importance of using one’s free will to do good. Free will is the freedom to choose between right and wrong, good and evil.
-
Taking responsibility of one’s actions, often symbolised by the act of Teshuva (repentance), forms a crucial part of Jewish life.
The Sabbath (Shabbat)
-
The Sabbath is seen as a gift from God; a day of rest, reflexion, and rejuvenation in Jewish tradition.
-
Observing the Sabbath allows Jews to step back from everyday concerns and focuses instead on their relationship with God and family.
Community (Kehilla)
-
Jewish life is centred on the community or the Kehilla, whether in prayer, study, or helping those in need.
-
Judaism stresses the importance of deeds over faith, rendering acts of kindness (gemilut chasadim) and charity (tzedaka) critical components of a Jewish life.