Respecting the Earth and all who live here! April 23, 2010

Shabbat Shalom!
During the monthly meeting of the Strafford County Department of
Corrections Spiritual Advisory Committee this week, we took a few
moments to discuss religiosity, spirituality, and how we respond to the
wonders of nature (an appropriate discussion the day before Earth
Day!). Committee members spoke of the greatness of the divine, their
awe at creation (with a reference to the highest paved road in the
nation in Colorado atop Mt. Evans, which I visited with my family in
1962), and God’s love of creation and all living things. I quoted the
blessings for a rainbow (Blessed are You, Eternal our God, who
remembers the covenant, who is faithful to the covenant and who keeps
the divine word) and for the miracles around us (Blessed are You,
Eternal our God, who makes the work of creation). Our discussion
touched upon the possibility of universal spiritual responses,
including exclamations like “AWESOME” and “WOW!” Those could also be
termed, in some way, blessings at the amazing world around us. Such
appreciation for the earth is often what leads us to adopt sustainable
practices, even simple strategies like using compact fluorescent bulbs
and recycling regularly.
We also spoke about how our respect for our diversity of belief and
expression was a covenant in and of itself, as well as a recognition of
the special place in creation that we represent separately and
together. By the same token, concern for the environment and respect
for our fellow human beings go hand in hand. If we show concern for
nature, how much the more should we care about human beings and their
welfare. The Torah reading for this week, Kedoshim, says that we should
be holy as God is holy. And how is that holiness defined? “Don’t steal;
don’t lie; be honest in business; don’t place a stumbling block before
the blind (physically or metaphorically); judge your neighbor fairly
(without partiality due to one’s station in life); don’t spread rumors;
don’t seek revenge or bear a grudge; don’t hate someone in your heart,
and if you need to offer reproach, do so in a way that won’t bring
guilt upon you; love your neighbor and the stranger among you as
yourself; respect your elders; honor your parents.” This is a timeless
list of guidelines for bringing sanctity into our lives and our
community in which we can still find great wisdom and relevance.
So as we have marked Earth Day (and should throughout the year), let
us also continue to remember members of the human family, whether
across the earth or immediately among us, who need our care, kindness
and support.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry