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Culled from Jewish Tradition - Jewish Folk Tale
When the Holy One, blessed be He, created the first man< He took him and had him pass before all the trees of the Garden of Eden and said to
him: 'Do you see My handiwork, how fine and excellent they are. All that I created was created for you.
Be careful not to ruin and destroy My world, for if you do, there will be no one to repair it after you.' Kohelet Rabbah, 7:28
Even things you see as superfluous in this world – like flies, fleas and mosquitoes – are part of the greater scheme of the creation of the
world. 'And G-d saw all that G-d had created, and behold it was very good.' Rabbi Acha bar Rabbi Chanina said, even things you see as superfluous in this world – like snakes and scorpions – they are part
of the greater scheme of the creation of the world. Midrash Exodus Rabbah 10:1
Everything is full of riches and greatness, everything aspires to ascend, to be purified and to be elevated.
Everything recites a song, offers praise, magnifies, exalts; everything builds, serves, perfects, elevates and aspires to unite to be integrated . . . Rav Abraham Issac Kook Orot HaKodesh II: 386
G-d took Adam … and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and to protect it. Genesis 2:25
Whoever breaks vessels or rips up garments destroys a building, stops up a fountain, or ruins food is guilty of violating the prohibition of bal
tashchit. Mishneh Torah 6: 6-8
Jewish Folk Tale
Two men were fighting over a piece of land. Each claimed ownership and bolstered his claim with proof. To resolve
their differences, they agreed to put the case before the rabbi.
The rabbi listened but could not come to a decision because both seemed to be right. Finally he said, " Since I cannot decide to whom this land belongs, let us ask the land.' He put his ear to the ground and after a moment straightened up. 'Gentlemen, the land says that it belongs to neither of you - but that you belong to it.'
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