In this selection from the Midrash, God shows Adam all around the Garden of Eden and then gives him a warning not to mess it up:
“To me, the sight of our Earth from outer space is not only scientific triumph but today’s most potent religious icon as well.” –Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, in Jewish With Feeling: A Guide to Meaningful Jewish Practice
Behold my works, how pleasant and how beautiful they are. And I created it all for you! Be aware and don’t ruin or destroy my world, for if you ruin it, there is no one to come and fix it up after you.ראה מעשי כמה נאים ומשובחין הן וכל מה שבראתי בשבילך בראתי תן דעתך שלא תקלקל ותחריב את עולמי שאם קלקלת אין מי שיתקן אחריך–Midrash: Ecclesiastes Rabbah, 7:20
Consider and comment: The original context of this Midrash, composed orally over 1500 years ago, was to warn people against sinning. I think it may have taken until today for a new meaning to arise, a meaning of stewardship and guardianship of our planet. What does it say to you?
Featured image: Earth from Space, via NASA
Visit my Garden of Eden in the Texas Hill Country, or return to the Gateway of Gardens.
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