by Rabbi Shmuel Simenowitz

 

      Welcome to "Pearls from the Nest" - a potpourri of rabbinic reflections and ruminations on the environment from a Torah perspective. Time and space limitations preclude exhaustive analyses of the topics explored herein, but I hope you at least get the "ta'am" - the flavor or taste of the issues. This month – a discussion of "dominion."
       Much has been written and many fingers have been pointed with respect to the concept of man's purported "dominion" over the planet. The Torah it seems, does in fact allude to mankind's "dominion" in several instances. Or does it? I thought we'd take a closer look and ask as to whether this "dominion" as it is practiced today reflects a genuine Torah viewpoint.
       Smack in the middle of the Beginning (Bereishis 1:26) we find the verse "V'yirdu b'dgas hayam…." - and man shall have dominion over the fish of the sea and the creatures, etc. Rashi tersely points out however that the word "v'yirdu" is actually a double-edged sword deriving from either the root for "dominion" or "descent". He suggests that the choice lies squarely with mankind. If man is worthy, he will be dominant, if not, he will descend beneath even the fish.
        The prophetic attitude towards to role of man in the cosmos is perhaps best and beautifully summarized by the prophet Michah who posits, "What does Hashem require of you? Only to act justly, love kindness and "hatzneiah leches" - to walk humbly (or modestly or softly) with your G-d." I don't quite know where the line is, but it's awfully hard to reconcile "walking softly" with some of today's environmental excesses, perpetuated under the license of "dominion."
In rabbinic writings, the very act of acquisition is scrutinized. Chazal are quick to point out the paradoxical nature of the so-called "master-servant" paradigm. "Dominion" it seems, apparently comes with correlative responsibilities. The gemara in Kiddushin teaches us "hakoneh eved ivri, koneh adon l'atzmo" - when one acquires a anservant he is in essence acquiring a master for himself.
So perhaps after all, the whole concept of "dominion" is merely a buzzword for the responsible stewardship borne of hatzneah leches im Elokecha - walking softly with your G-d.