WORK AND WATCH

The loss of large predators and large herbivores may be humankind's most pervasive influence on the animals and the plants they eat; their overpopulation has a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem.

The Torah begins with the creation of the human being who is given dominion over the earth – the basis of freedom of choice. How we live with our environment is commanded in the Torah, To work and to watch the earth, to protect the animals and the plants through balance.

Maintaining balance while our little world rushes through space is no easy task. The impetus towards balance is God's Commandment. Those who only wish to survive practice the creed, survival of the fittest – pitting the strong against the weak.

This unbalanced approached of kill or be killed has infected every pore of society where kindness is considered a weakness. There is place is this world for everyone; everything, when used with moderation, will insure a balanced and thriving planet.

The Torah teaches how life can be beautiful by including the Creator. The Midrash-Book of Metaphor says, When the first human looked out on the land he saw seeds but no food; He cried out to the Creator who brought dew – establishing the practice of prayer.