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Bal Tashchit and the Environment (Mitzvah 529)

What is the deeper/philosophical understanding of the prohibition of בל תשחית (not wasting)?

The prohibition of bal tashchit is presented in the context of cutting down a fruit tree.

Three areas of environmental law in halacha: pollution control, allocation of space, and nature conservation. Each concept shows how Judaism differs from the modern environmental movement.

The laws discussed regarding the environment are found in the Rambam under הלכות שכנים

The halachot that govern what you can and can't build, plant, or have in Jerusalem (e.g. an orchard).

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Delivered at the OU Israel Center, Wednesday, January 16th, 2018/11 Shevat 5779