Rabbi David Saperstein
- Location: CA
- Marching Since: October 27, 2005
Today, as we survey polluted rivers, contaminated land, and unbreatheable air, we find ourselves enslaved by our own actions in a world that will not be indefinitely inhabitable. As global warming continues to take its toll on the earth we see changing ecosystems, the number of endangered species increase, our water sources dry up, increasing public health crises, and receding coastlines. We must be aware of the fragility of our environment and the interconnectedness of humanity’s well-being with the earth’s. As Jews, we have a responsibility to protect and sustain God’s creation: the earth and its resources.>
According to rabbinical commentary, upon presenting the wonder of creation to Adam, God said: “See my works, how fine and excellent they are! Now all that I created, for you I created. Think upon this, and do not corrupt and desolate my world; for if you corrupt it, there is no one to set it right after you.” (Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7:28) We do well to heed these words today.
By marching we at once rejoice in God’s creation and rise up to fulfill the commandment: l’ovdah, u’l’shomrah, to serve, to till, to guard, to tend (Genesis 2:15).
