Bal Tashchit: Cultivating a Heart of Stewardship in Our Children

In the heart of Judaism lies a profound principle known as Bal Tashchit, a commandment that calls us to protect and preserve the world around us. Rooted in the Torah, this value teaches us to refrain from unnecessary destruction and to treat God's creation with the utmost respect. But Bal Tashchit is more than just a commandment; it is a way of life that shapes our daily actions, guiding us to be mindful stewards of the world God has entrusted to us.

As parents, one of our most sacred duties is to pass on these values to our children, teaching them not just through words, but through the rhythms of our everyday lives. In a world that often seems disposable, the practice of Bal Tashchit offers a countercultural path, one that invites us to tread lightly on the earth and to recognize the divine in every resource we are given. By embracing this commandment, we nurture a spirit of gratitude, responsibility, and creativity in our homes—qualities that will serve our children well throughout their lives.

The Roots of Bal Tashchit in Scripture

The concept of Bal Tashchit originates in the Torah, where it is first mentioned in the context of war. In Deuteronomy 20:19-20 (TLV), we read:

When you lay siege to a city for a long time, making war against it to capture it, you are not to destroy its trees by swinging an axe at them. For from them you may eat, so you shall not chop them down. For is the tree of the field human, that it should enter the siege before you? You may destroy and chop down only the trees that you know are not trees for food, so that you may build siege equipment against the city that is making war with you until its downfall.

This commandment, though specific to the context of war, has been understood by Jewish sages throughout the ages as a broader principle that applies to all aspects of life. Bal Tashchit teaches us that we are to avoid needless destruction, whether of trees, food, clothing, or any other resources. It is a call to mindfulness, urging us to consider the impact of our actions on the world around us.

The wisdom of Bal Tashchit can also be seen in other parts of the Bible, where the theme of stewardship and care for creation is a recurring message. In Genesis 2:15 (TLV), we are told:

Then Adonai Elohim took the man and gave him rest in the Garden of Eden in order to cultivate and watch over it.

Here, we see that from the very beginning, humanity was given the responsibility to "cultivate and watch over" the earth. This is not a passive role, but an active one—one that requires us to be attentive, thoughtful, and protective of the world God has made.

Yeshua and Bal Tashchit

In the teachings of Yeshua, Israel’s promised Messiah, we see this spirit of stewardship echoed and expanded. Yeshua often spoke in parables that emphasized the value of what has been entrusted to us and the importance of using it wisely. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30, TLV), Yeshua illustrates the responsibility we have to multiply and care for what we are given, rather than wasting or squandering it.

"For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he shall have abundance. But from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away."

This parable reminds us that we are accountable for how we use the resources God provides. Bal Tashchit aligns with this teaching, encouraging us to make the most of what we have, to preserve and protect it, and to ensure that our actions contribute to the flourishing of creation rather than its destruction.

Teaching Bal Tashchit to Our Children

Teaching our children about Bal Tashchit is not just about instructing them to turn off the light switch when they leave a room or to recycle their old bottles and magazines—though these are certainly important practices. It's about instilling in them a deep sense of respect for the world God has created, and a recognition that everything they encounter has value.

Here are some ways we can cultivate this value in our homes:

1. Recycled Crafts: Engage your children in creative projects that repurpose materials that would otherwise be thrown away. For example, old newspapers can be transformed into papier-mâché art, or empty glass jars can become beautiful candle holders. These activities not only reduce waste but also teach children to see potential in what others might discard.

2. Gardening Together: Planting a garden is a hands-on way to teach children about nurturing and preserving life. Whether it's a small herb garden on a windowsill or a vegetable patch in the backyard, tending to plants teaches patience, responsibility, and the joy of seeing something grow from a tiny seed.

3. Storytime with a Purpose: Choose books that highlight themes of conservation and stewardship. Stories that illustrate the consequences of wastefulness and the rewards of mindful living can leave a lasting impression on young minds. After reading, discuss the story with your children and talk about how they can apply its lessons in their own lives.

4. Nature Walks: Take your children on walks in nature, encouraging them to observe the beauty and complexity of God's creation. Teach them to leave no trace—picking up litter, staying on trails, and respecting wildlife. These experiences can foster a sense of wonder and a desire to protect the natural world.

5. Mindful Consumption: Involve your children in decisions about what to buy and what to give away. Discuss the importance of choosing quality over quantity, and the value of donating items they no longer need to those who can use them. This teaches them to think critically about consumption and to appreciate what they have.

6. Celebrating Simplicity: Create family traditions that celebrate simplicity and mindfulness. For example, have a "no electricity night" where you spend the evening by candlelight, playing games or telling stories. This can be a fun and memorable way to reinforce the idea that we don't need to consume endlessly to enjoy life.

7. Leading by Example: Perhaps the most powerful way to teach Bal Tashchit is to model it in your own behavior. Children learn by watching, and when they see you making choices that honor God's creation—whether it's conserving energy, reducing waste, or finding joy in simple pleasures—they will be more likely to adopt these practices themselves.

The Spiritual Dimension of Bal Tashchit

Bal Tashchit invites us to live with an awareness of the sacredness of all creation and to recognize the interconnectedness of all life. By teaching our children to value and protect the world around them, we are also teaching them to value and protect their relationship with God.

Yeshua's life exemplified this balance between the material and the spiritual. He often withdrew to solitary places to pray and connect with the Father, yet He also engaged with the world around Him, healing, teaching, and serving. In the same way, Bal Tashchit calls us to be mindful of our physical environment while nurturing our spiritual connection to God.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (TLV), we read:

"For everything there is a season and a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted."

This passage reminds us that life is cyclical, and that there is a time and place for everything. Bal Tashchit teaches us to honor these cycles, to use resources wisely, and to leave the world better than we found it.

Living Out Bal Tashchit in Our Homes

Incorporating Bal Tashchit into our daily lives is a way of sanctifying the ordinary. It turns simple actions—like turning off a light switch or repurposing an old toy—into acts of worship. It is a reminder that every decision we make has the potential to honor God and to teach our children to do the same.

By living out Bal Tashchit in our homes, we create an environment where God's presence is felt in the smallest details. We teach our children that caring for creation is not just a responsibility but a privilege, a way of participating in the ongoing work of creation that God began in the Garden of Eden.

As we practice Bal Tashchit, we are reminded of the ultimate restoration that Yeshua will bring—a time when all things will be made new, and the earth will be restored to its original glory. Until that day, we are called to be faithful stewards, teaching our children to cherish and protect the world God has given us.