Ethics

For the week ending 18 July 2009 / 25 Tammuz 5769

Water Conservation

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
Become a Supporter Library Library

Question: Because of the lack of sufficient rain in Israel this past winter there is a serious possibility that water rationing by the government may prevent me from watering my garden or washing my car. I find this difficult to understand since I pay for the water I use. What is the right thing to do?

Answer: There is a famous story about the great ethicist Rabbi Yisrael Salanter. While washing his hands before a meal at a roadside inn he was seen using the minimum amount of water sufficient for this mitzvah. Asked why he did not wash with an abundance of water in order to merit the prosperity promised by our Talmudic Sages for one who does so, he pointed to the maid who was carrying heavy barrels of water from a local well. Using more water to gain a blessing at the expense of the young lady who would have to carry more was something this moral giant refused to consider.

The limitations placed on your use of the limited supply of water for the general public are made out of consideration for everyone who needs water for essentials and you must be prepared to sacrifice comparative luxuries so that you do not enjoy them at another's expense.

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at [email protected] and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

« Back to Ethics

Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.