Temple Emanu-El of Bayonne, NJ

Shalom and Blessings of Peace

Rabbi Shaul Marshall Praver,

D-Min., BCC

The Sabbatical year, also known as “Shemitah” in the Hebrew language, is a concept in the Torah where farmers are commanded to refrain from working the land every seventh year. During the Sabbatical year, the land is allowed to rest, and only the produce that grows of its own accord may be harvested and also is contributed to charitable causes. The concept of Shemitah is based on the belief that the earth is a living entity that needs time to rest and rejuvenate, just like any living organism. According to traditional Jewish teachings, the earth has a soul or spirit, known as the “Nefesh Ha’adamah,” which is believed to be a conscious entity. In the Bible, the concept of the earth being alive is supported by several verses: Psalm 24, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” This verse indicates that the earth is not simply a collection of inanimate objects and resources, but a living entity that is under the care and protection of God. In the Shma prayer that we recite twice daily we find, “If you keep My statutes, then I will give you rains in their season, and the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.” This passage acknowledges the earth’s ability to produce bounty and harvests, but it also implies that the earth’s productivity is a reward for keeping God’s statutes, and it is not a result of our agricultural labors alone.

Indeed, there are several verses in the prophets that connect the Jewish exile from the Land of Israel to the violation of the laws of the Sabbatical year. It is well supported in the prophet Jeremiah that the land would have its Sabbath rests all the days of the seventy years of the Babylonian exile. This concept is further reinforced by several other passages in the Bible, which speak of the earth “claiming,” “enforcing,” or “repaying” the Sabbatical year on its own accord. For example, in Leviticus 26:34-35, it is stated that “Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye are in your enemies’ land…”This passage implies that the Sabbatical year is not just a human obligation but an integral part of the natural order of the earth, and it will be enforced, whether or not humans observe it, so that the land can rejuvenate and restore its natural balance.

There are several sources in Jewish literature that emphasize the importance of ecological responsibility and respecting the natural world. Here are a few examples: Genesis 2:15 – In the story of Creation, Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden to “work it and take care of it.” This is understood by many Jewish commentators as a commandment to be stewards of the natural world and to take responsibility for its care. Moreover, we are responsible for taking care of the earth not only in our own time, but also for leaving it in good condition for future generations. There are many stories that reinforce intergenerational responsibility such as the young man who asked the old man why he was planting a tree since he would not live to partake of its fruit. Where upon the old man advised the young man, “I plant this tree so future generations may enjoy its fruit.”

While the laws of the Sabbatical year may have been specific to the land of Israel, the broader principle of respecting the natural world and treating it as a living entity deserving of care and respect is seen as part of the Jewish mission to be a light to the nations. Any person who is a light to others, they teach through words and actions. But many can serve as a light unto the nations. For example, Costa Rica, a small Central American country that is renowned today for its spectacular natural beauty and rich biodiversity. But in the 20th century, this was not the case, the country suffered from significant environmental degradation, largely due to the expansion of agriculture and livestock farming. In the 1980s, Costa Rica began to take steps to address these environmental concerns and restore its natural ecology. One of the most significant steps was the establishment of a national park system, which now covers more than 25% of the country’s land area. The parks are home to a stunning array of wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, and colorful birds such as toucans and macaws. Costa Rica has also implemented strong environmental policies, such as restrictions on deforestation, incentives for reforestation, and protection of coastal ecosystems.

Modern day Israel, a tiny arid country also has notable ecological accomplishment: Water Conservation: Israel’s Water Authority is a leader in water conservation and desalination technology. Israel has implemented innovative systems that allow the country to recycle 85% of its wastewater and turn it into irrigation for agriculture. Israel also uses drip irrigation, a technique that delivers water directly to the roots of plants, cutting down on water usage. Sustainable Agriculture: Israel’s agricultural sector has embraced sustainability with cutting-edge conservation techniques, such as vertical gardening and hydroponics. Israeli farmers also use organic pest control and rely on advanced irrigation systems and computer models to achieve the best yields. Solar Energy: Israel is a world leader in solar power technology, despite its lack of natural resources. Israel’s desert provides the perfect location for large-scale solar power plants, and the country has made significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure. Waste Management: Israel is also moving towards zero-waste, with ambitious goals to divert most waste from landfills by 2030. The country implements sophisticated recycling programs and operates the world’s largest waste-to-energy plant, which processes up to 1,500 tons of municipal solid waste every day. Conservation Efforts: Israel is home to numerous unique ecosystems and species, and the country has worked to protect its biodiversity. Israel has established 32 national parks and reserves, designed to protect both natural and cultural resources.

In conclusion, I believe the earth showed us all something very important that we should all take to heart. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when countries around the world went into lockdown, a remarkable thing happened in the Adriatic Sea. The waters that flowed into Italy and Venice were restored to their luminous blue color, and an abundance of marine life quickly returned. Schools of fish, dolphins, and other sea creatures could be seen swimming in the clear waters, undisturbed by human activity. This sudden return of life to the sea was a striking demonstration of the resilience of the planet to restore balance when given the chance to do so. The take away is this: The ecologic state of the planet is in danger, but it is not hopeless. So long as we as a specie internalize some of these core lessons and put them to practice we can turn it around. May we be blessed with the vision and will to do it. Amen.