The Environment

The commandment of Bal Tashchit—do not destroy or waste—has long been considered central to a Jewish environmental ethic. What is the basis for the commandment?

Does man belong to nature, or does nature belong to man?

Ecology is a highly practical branch of science: nothing could be more “down to earth” than preservation of the planet. Yet there is a facet of ecological awareness that is often overlooked: the spiritual dimension.

Why suppress human nature in favor of environmental nature? Are we not all part of the same ecological system?

They passed by a carcass rotting by the side of the road and one of the men exclaimed, “What a stench this carcass makes!” Upon which the pious man commented, “It has fine white teeth.” Meaning, “Why are you speaking of its ugliness? Contemplate that there is something to praise about it!”

No person has ever declared on his or her deathbed, "I wish I'd had fewer children"

Does Judaism have anything to say about hunting as a sport?

From man I expect good and bad. From G-d I expected only good. Until I learned about the animal sacrifices. Apparently G-d actually wants them. Imagine, a place set aside for slaughter -- in a temple!

For better or for worse, meat is an undeniable favorite on the kosher menu. Is this good? Let’s have a look . . .