Shoftim 5771

This week's parsha contains the laws for waging war as the Israelites prepare to conquer and settle the Land of Israel. When you besiege a city for many days to wage war against it to seize it, do not destroy its trees by wielding an axe against them; for from it you will eat, and you shall not cut it down; is, then, the tree of the field a man that it should enter the siege before you?

Why does Torah compare man to a tree?

The Vilna Gaon notes that the word etz (tree) and the word tzelem (image), as in "man was created in G-d's image," have the identical gematria (numerical value) of 160. We are considered to be in G-d's image when we are as fruitful as a fruit tree, that is, when we are productive. We must enrich the world, increase its knowledge and behave morally in order to deserve to be called the image of G-d. Even when we engage in a destructive act such as war, we are enjoined against wanton destruction. The Sages apply this principle, known as bal tashchit, globally, forbidding us from ever destroying or wasting resources.

G-d gave us the world and appointed us its caretaker. While G-d created nature for us, we are part of nature, "for man is as a tree of the field." When we harm a tree, or any natural resource, we hurt ourselves. Rabbi Ari Kahn writes on www.aish.com, "The natural world was given as a gift to humankind, to be enjoyed and cherished. Mankind is expected to appreciate the value and importance of this gift, and to safeguard it, taking great care when making use of precious resources, and being careful about waste and conspicuous consumption."

As parents, we have many opportunities to avoid wastefulness and to prevent the destruction of useful items. For example, we can plan menus so that leftovers become tasty side dishes; we can hand down outgrown clothing or give it to the needy; and we can save money by sticking to shopping lists and avoiding impulse buys. Likewise, we can teach children to take smaller portions and ask for seconds if still hungry; to take care of their clothing so it lasts longer; and to spend money judiciously.