Shoftim

Torah Fax

Friday, August 29, 2003 - 1 Elul, 5763

Jewish Environmentalism

Environmental issues are become a major concern. As Jews, we must ask ourselves what the Torah's view is on the environment. Do we have a responsibility to preserve the world's scarce resources? How do we find a happy medium between the sometimes conflicting interests of the technological advances of industry and concerns for the environment?

Among the many Mitzvahs discussed in this week's Parshah is the prohibition against destroying a fruit-bearing tree - even if the wood of that tree is needed to help wage a war against an enemy of the Jewish people. From this commandment, our sages derive the law of "Bal Tashchit," the law that prohibits us from wantonly destroying anything. This is certainly an environmental Mitzvah if ever there was one.

But, while there is much in the environmental philosophy that agrees with Torah, there are some differences as well. Let's compare some of the similarities and differences.

Firstly, while is true that Judaism doesn't give us the right to plunder the Earth and destroy its resources, this is not because Judaism views nature as something sacred or unique. In fact, the prohibition of Bal Tashchit applies equally to man-made products. G‑d desires that we utilize everything in creation for a productive purpose.

For example, destroying a tree – though it is most definitely a part of nature – to use its lumber in constructing a house is perfectly permissible. In reality, the Torah does not consider the chopping down of a tree for that purpose destruction at all; using the tree's lumber for a house is a positive step - provided the house is used for good purposes. Conversely, it can be argued that taking a good, useful chair and grinding it into wood chips for use in a garden is an unwarranted and unnecessary act and will be considered a violation of Bal Tashchit. This is so, despite the fact that we are taking a man-made item and returning it to nature. Jews do not view technological advances as an intrusion into (or a invasion of…) nature. Our mission is to take all that exists – both natural and man-made – and use it in the most constructive and positive manor.

Since our mission is to find the positive in every aspect of creation, to ignore the potential good in modern technology would also be considered Bal Tashchit. After all, man's intellect and talent also come from G‑d – so all inventions and advancements that come from that human intellect – whether in science or medicine, biology or chemistry - must be viewed as potentially helpful in our service of G‑d.

Another important message from the environmentally conscious is that whatever we do in our personal lives can – and does – have a far-reaching affect around the world. Sometimes one might wonder whether throwing away one simple tin can, instead of recycling it, really makes such a difference. The traditional environmental answer is, "think globally, act locally." The small acts we do in our local community will indeed change the world.

This idea is rooted in the Talmudic statement that every one should view the world as being equally balanced between good and evil. One good deed can tip the scales to the side of merit and bring salvation to the world. One can never underestimate the power of even one act. What we do in our part of the world affects the entire universe.

Jewish mysticism takes this concept a step further. Not only do our actions affect the entire world, even the spiritual realms are affected by the Mitzvahs we do. When we do a Mitzvah, every level of creation, in heaven and on Earth, becomes more refined and is more receptive to G‑d's presence, bringing the Redemption that much closer.

A third, and somewhat related message, from the environmental philosophy is that there is more to the universe than meets the eye. The fact that we do not see the immediate affects of our actions, does not minimize the impact those actions have.

Judaism takes this philosophy  one step further. Kaballah teaches that not only is there more to this world than meets the eye, there are entire worlds of spiritual existence (as we mentioned above) that are entirely beyond the view of our physical eyes. The fact that we cannot comprehend those worlds at all does not diminish the affect they have on us nor the affect we have on them.

And just as the environmental movement asks us to "open up our eyes" and see the larger picture, so too must we realize that the cumulative goodness of all of our good deeds and those of the past generations have transformed the world to the point that it is ready for the ultimate Redemption through Moshiach. All we need to do is open our eyes and appreciate that reality.

Maimonides writes that a prerequisite to Moshiach’s arrival is the reinstitution of prophecy. (based on Isaiah 1:26). The announcement that the “Time of your redemption has arrived” (by the Rebbe) is that prophecy and fulfills all of the halachic requirements of prophecy. The Rebbe, Parshas Shoftim, 1991)

Moshiach - It's a Jewish issue. For more info, visit www.moshiach.com

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