By: Andrew Groszmann

 

The Jewish people have a relationship with nature that is different from that of the rest of the World. Hashem established rules of nature, and from these flow a natural order that governs man's dealings with the earth, plants, and animals. For the Jewish people, especially in the land of Israel, this natural order can be altered, based on the Jew's relationship to Hashem.

      
There couldn't be a clearer statement of our reliance on nature and its connection to Hashem than in parshas Eikev's comparison of Egypt and Israel, which we read several weeks ago. "Manmade channels irrigate" Egypt, while Israel "drinks water from the rain of heaven." (Devarim 11:11-12) The parsha notes that Israel's ability to grow produce is linked to the spirituality of the land, and Bnei Yisrael's connection to Hashem: "the eyes of Hashem, your G-d. . . are always upon it." (Devarim 11:11-12) This theme is continued in the later in the parsha, in the second paragraph of Shema, which teaches that the Jews in eretz Israel are dependent on Hashem for sustenance: "if you hearken to My commandments ... then I shall provide rain for your land in its proper time . . ." If we do not, Hashem will "restrain the Heaven so there will be no rain." (Devarim 11:13-14,17) Being reliant on the rain means that we will always know whether Hashem approves of our activities and whether we are following His commandments.

      
But obeying Hashem's commandments is not enough. From Hilchot Shemitah, we also learn that we must work the land wisely. We must allow it to regenerate and we must cultivate its resources to allow for receipt of Hashem's continued sustenance. Protecting our environment and obeying the commandments are intrinsically linked; when we do both successfully, the land will yield its fruit and we will receive G-d's blessing on the earth.

      
This week's Torah portion, Ki Savo, connects the idea of the great water treasury in the sky with what we find in our own wallets. "G-d shall open for you His storehouse of goodness, the heavens, to provide rain for your land in its time, and to bless all your handiwork; you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow." (Devarim 28:12) As the rainy season approaches in Israel, let us daven that the Jewish People will renew their spiritual connection to Hashem, and that the land of Israel will be used wisely, readying it to receive the bounty that Hashem will send.

 

Originally posted in "On Eagles'  Wings" September 12th 2003