Using our natural resources responsibly |
In the Haftara for Parshat Re’eh (Yishayahu 54:16), we read the following words:
Behold! I have created the smith who blows on a charcoal flame (esh pecham) and withdraws a tool for his labor, and I have created the destroyer to ruin.
God gave humans the wisdom and ability to become a blacksmith, a craftsman who makes metal objects, who fans the coals to forge a weapon. God taught the blacksmith how to blow on the charcoal fire to intensify the flames so that metal can be forged. God is the sovereign creator who fashioned the smith as well as the tools.
We learn in the Talmud, Brachot 28a:
Rabban Gamliel went to appease Rabbi Yehoshua. When he reached Rabbi........