We began the discussion last week as to the destruction of the trees, when we looked at the concept of Bal Tashchit--'Do not destroy.' The Torah explicitly prohibits destroying fruit trees. Do you think there are times when it would be appropriate? I am writing the verse below, and I want you to speak for the trees, are there times when destruction might have to occur? Do not rely solely on your thoughts for this one, bring in sources to make your case. (The sources may be children's books, hint hint.)
“When you besiege a city for many days to wage war against it to capture it, you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an ax against them; you may eat from them, but you shall not cut them down. Is the tree of the field a man that you besiege?!” --Deuteronomy 20:19
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A weekly reflection page for my students to offer their thoughts and experiences with the value of the week.
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12 comments:
Ibn Ezra said "In my opinion,,, this is the correct meaning: that from (the trees) you get food, therefore don't cut them down, 'for man is the tree of the field,' that is — our lives as human beings depend on trees." There really is no reason for the destruction to occur. If it is necessary for our survival, then it may be done.But in any other case, it ususally is not a good idea.
I KNOW WHAT BOOK YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!!!!!!!
You're talking about The Lorax!!!
In The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, the Lorax is a fictional character who speaks for the trees. A new factory opens and cuts down all of the trees leaving none left. This is important because killing trees is basically killing us. We need plants because they give us oxygen to breathe. However, eating the fruit of the tree is okay because it will always grow more.
(And my little letter thingy said vaporkse. I thought it was funny)
(:
According to the Lorax it is wrong to cut down any tree for any reason. I disagree because there are circumstances when removing trees is a good thing. For instance a thick forest maybe thinned out so small trees can get the light they need to grow and also to provide wood to heat houses. Also firefighters sometimes cut down trees to prevent forest fires from advancing. But I do believe fruit trees should be transplanted if need be instead of being destroyed.
sometimes you need to destroy something to help many. but usually we try to stay away from destruction unless its neccessary
I'm glad to see the Lorax being mentioned and quoted; however, there are other books you can use too.
I think cutting down trees is fine as long as you fully use the tree. For example, if you cut down an apple tree, and only use the trunk you are wasting all of it.
Also, it is only okay to cut down trees in moderation.
Mass producing paper and other items like that is going to slowly kill us all by killing the trees.
I think one book is called the Giving Tree. According to the Giving Tree, it is wrong to take too many things from the tree. This is true, that humans do abusive the trees. I think the only reason to destroy a tree is for shelter.
i don't completely agree with the qoute. i agree that we shouldn not cut down trees often but if smeone is cutting a tree down for shelter or for warmth then i believe it is fine
I completley agree with the quote as well shelter and warmth is fine but i think its a source of food too. Like the fruit it may grow and or the roots it has. All is food
I agree with Gideon because cutting down trees is also necessary for paper, wood furniture etc. excessive cutting can be a problem but when its for good reasons its ok:)
I think its o k to cut down a tree if you are going to use its resorces, but when you are done you should plant a new one for new generations. Because you are using the tree it shouldnt be thought of as destroying.
I agree with this post, trees are part of the earth, and they should live a long non miserable life. Why would we want to destroy something that gives us food and shade?
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