Reflections on Earth Day

Copyright Rabbi Eli Hecht
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In the United States hundreds and thousands of people gathered together to celebrate Earth Day, a day dedicated to the preservation of the environment and social conscience. "What can be done to make the Earth a better place in which to live?" was the theme. During the Earth Day rallies there were many advocates who spoke about the use and abuse of the world. some advocated paper bags vs. plastic while others were concerned about the rain forests, pollution, nuclear waste and the environmental impact. Yes, during the speech giving, there was a speaker who said that, perhaps, we should adapt our thinking, emulate the Chinese, allow only two children per family, and we should encourage abortion. If there is a mass explosion of children, then we are raping the land and polluting it by having too many people in the world.

Can you imagine? One person spoke about care and dedication to the preservation and stability of the world while, on the same platform, another speaker caused complete confusion by saying we should control the population and not allow people to have children. All in the name of Earth Day!

How sad that in our G‑d blessed country, the turbulence of environmental abuses can make people consider alternatives such as abortion, which is truly murder.

It would be best to remember the wise saying found in Isaiah 45.18, "The L-rd did not create the world for voids. He formed it to be dwelt in." Sure, we must act as caretaker of our planet, but not play G‑d with the lives of the unborn. We must not lose sight of our goals when we became activists. If we do, we will truly be guilty of total abuse.