Original Author: Baruch Rock, updated Ruthie Davis, edited by Shoshi Ehrenreich
The Torah reaches the end of its yearly study cycle with V’zot Habracha, literally “and this is the blessing.” In V’zot Habracha, just as Yaakov blessed his sons moments before his passing, Moshe stands before B’nei Yisrael to bestow his final blessing upon the people moments before his death.
A close look at just one of Moshe’s blessings provides us with an overall picture, as well as a deep insight into the essence of environmental Torah: “And of Zevulun he said: Rejoice Zevulun in your departure and Yissachar in your tents.”[1]
Rashi tells us that the members of the tribe of Zevulun were merchants earning their livelihood on the Mediterranean Sea. With the money they earned, they supported themselves and in addition, the tribe of Yissachar, whose task was to engage in constant Torah study.
The relationship between Zevulun and Yissachar is a powerful example of sustainable symbiosis. Zevulun fulfills their environmental and economic role along the coast so that Yissachar can devote themselves to Torah. We understand that this arrangement is not only for Yissachar's sake: just as Zevulun provides monetary support for both tribes’ physical needs, Yissachar provides their spiritual support. The language of the blessing reflects the equality of their functions—Zevulun’s departure and Yissachar's tents are perfectly parallel, linked by an “and.” Both Zevulun and Yissachar are part of the same joy.
The continuation of their blessing shows how Zevulun and Yissachar's symbiotic relationship benefits all of Israel. Moshe says, “They invite their kin to the mountain, Where they offer sacrifices of success. For they draw from the riches of the sea And the hidden hoards of the sand.” [2] Rashi explains that the mountain is a reference to their sacrifices on Har HaMoriah for festivals, and that the hidden hoards of the sand are creatures and products like chilazon—the snail used to make the tekhelet dye—and glass. These two tribes are indispensable to the larger nation, through their Torah and their trade.
The Torah forbids wanton destruction, limits the extent and the way in which we use the earth’s resources, encourages social justice and caring for the world that Hashem has given us, and demands of us a constant awareness of our actions in this world and the sanctity that a life based on God-consciousness can provide. The beauty of the example of the tribes of Zevulun and Yissachar is that by each tribe fulfilling its specific role, they affected a powerful transformation for the nation and laid the groundwork for the perfecting of the entire world.
The ecological crisis facing the world today is incredibly serious and of the utmost importance, but it is inextricably linked to another: the deterioration of social relationships in the context of taking responsibility for, caring for, and giving to one another. This deterioration affects every fiber of the universe.
The “social message” offered by the relationship of Zevulun and Yissachar is the essence of environmental Torah. If we each fulfill our specific role in the world, each of us caring for ourselves and for the other, care for the earth will follow as a natural consequence. [2] Only together, in the fulfillment of our purpose, and in the symbiosis of Torah and avoda, thought and direct action,can we fully flourish.
Moshe’s blessing teaches us that by fulfilling our mission as a Jewish people—taking on the responsibility of fully caring for one another as exemplified by Zevulun and Yissachar—only then can we ensure the viability of our care for the earth. Just as in the natural world, the integrity of an ecosystem relies upon the health and vitality of each of its components, the same is true for the Jewish people, and for humanity as a whole. As we learn in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), “…It is not incumbent upon you to finish the task. Yet, you are not free to desist from it…”[3] No one of us can complete the work alone, but together we must all try. And that is the greatest blessing we can work and hope for.
Suggested Actions:
Find a community organization working to support the environment and volunteer with them. NY-NJ Trail Conference is a great example!
Organize your own cleanup mission! Know of a park, pond, trail, or other outdoor space in your neighborhood that needs some TLC? Grab a group of friends and spend some time cleaning it up. This is a great way to get involved in your local community while helping the environment.
Share these Parsha Blogs with friends and family. The more people we can reach, the more awareness and action can be taken towards living a more sustainable torah-based lifestyle.
