If we break it there is no repair

[Meshuga]

I stumbled upon this midrash (Kohelet Rabbah 7:13 -- written sometime between the 6th and 8th century) that should be used as a reminder to us all especially with all the "profits over the environment" mentality of our times. The passage teaches us the importance of caring for the environment. Well, at least in the Jewish tradition:

When God created the first human beings, God led them around all the trees of the Garden of Eden and said: “Look at My works! See how beautiful they are—how excellent! For your sake I created them all. See to it that you do not spoil and destroy My world; for if you do, there will be no one else to repair it.”

[question everything]

1. I suppose it is not just the environment

If one believes that a high authority created every living plant, fowls and animals, then clearly, this authority expects the highest creature - humans - to care for all creations.

There is also the chastising of the People of Israel for dancing and singing after Pharaoh and his armies drowned in the Sea of Reeds.

Something like: my creations are drowning and you celebrate?

[ellisonz]

2. Good find.

Thanks for sharing!