By Rabbi Mordechai Wollenberg
As we mark EcoShabbat, we turn to the Parsha of the week, Vayera, for inspiration.
In it, we are told (Genesis 18:19) that G-d chose Abraham to be the father of a nation “because I know that he shall instruct his children and his household to keep the way of G-d by doing what is just and right….”
G-d trusts Abraham to pass on his values to the future generations. What are these values? What is just – mishpat – and right – tzedek. Tzedek is related to Tzedaka, which contrary to popular belief doesn’t really translate as “charity” but rather as “making right” or righteousness. In other words, making right something which is wrong, restoring the balance to something which is off-balance, correcting an inequality.
Our planet and our eco-system require delicate balance, often necessitating corrective action to “right the wrongs” of those who inhabit it. It is a Jewish value, handed down from Abraham, to seek to right these wrongs, to balance and to correct that which needs fixing, to practice justice and correcting of that which is incorrect.
As we mark EcoShabbat, let us remind ourselves of these important traditions from our ancient sources, to ensure that we play our part in ensuring the changes necessary to maintain our planet for future generations.
EcoShabbat Shalom!