January 30, 2009 (Rabbi Garten)

We are all aware that the ice caps are melting. We are equally aware that weather patterns have changed in the past decade. Some suggest rather strongly that these changes are due to human behaviour. In fact, most scientists and environmentalists speak rather forcefully about the connection between our style of living and the rapid deterioration of the natural habitat.

 

Our weekly Torah portion and Haftarah suggest a similar connection. The natural disasters identified in Parashat BO, are the result of Pharaoh's intransigent refusal to hear God's ethical message of freedom. It is his uncaring disregard that leads to the destruction of his lands. The haftarah similarly warns that the survival of Egypt is linked to environmental disasters. Jeremiah does not predict plagues, but he does warn that unless Egypt adheres to God's word, "They shall cut down her forests."

In both we are reminded that everything we do has implications beyond ourselves. Perhaps that is why the holiday of TuBshvat occurs so close to the introductory section of Exodus. The Torah, having reminded us of what happens when we reject the obligation imposed upon us in Genesis 2:15 to "keep" and "care" for the earth, now gives us an opportunity to do the opposite. TuBshvat is not simply about planting trees in Eretz Yisrael. It is our yearly reminder that if we do not care for the earth and its resources, the destruction of the earth and its resources will be the end product. If we "harden our hearts" toward the earth that we are entrusted with, then we shall see "plagues" that take away our green grass, our fresh water and our farm produce, just as Pharaoh witnessed his earth destroyed by a "hardened heart."