About Rabbi Jack Abramowitz
Rabbi Jack Abramowitz served as Director of Programs for NCSY before becoming Associate Director of the Pepa and Rabbi Joseph Karasick Department of Synagogue Services. Rabbi Abramowitz holds degrees in Jewish studies, communications and Higher Education Administration. Among his accomplishments, he authored NCSY's Torah on One Foot series of educational pamphlets and created negiah.org, the first abstinence web site for Jewish teens. Rabbi Abramowitz is the author of The Shnayim Mikra Companion on Torah, The Nach Yomi Companion volumes 1 and 2 on the books of the Prophets and the Writings, and The Tzniyus Book.

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Taryag: A Mitzvah a Day

Questions? Contact us at taryag@ou.org

PARSHAT Shoftim
MITZVAH COUNTER
Mitzvos to date: 529
Positives:215
Negatives:314
That can be performed today:228
Plus those that can be performed only in Israel:23

529. Waste Not, Want Not: The prohibition against wantonly destroying fruit trees during a siege


When you attack a city…do not destroy its trees… (Deuteronomy 20:19)

In battle, we are warned that we may not wantonly destroy fruit-bearing trees. This is part of a greater principle called b'al taschis, which means not to casually destroy things that are or may be useful. This includes, for example, smashing utensils in anger or wasting perfectly good food. The Talmud in Shabbos (105b) compares one who smashes things in a fit of rage to an idolator, since he impulsively does whatever his inclination tells him to do.

The reason for this mitzvah is so that we should appreciate the good things God has given us. Yes, burning down an apple orchard, for example, might dishearten an enemy, but we have to look at the big picture. We have to recognize the value of what God has made and not ruin it in our short-sightedness. Similarly, we should not throw out edible food or destroy usable objects, as doing so shows a distinct lack of appreciation for God's gifts.

It should be noted that fruit trees may be cut down for constructive purposes, such as for their lumber or for the overall benefit of an overcrowded grove.

This mitzvah applies to both men and women in all times and places. It is discussed in the Talmud in the tractates of Baba Kama (91b-92a) and Baba Basra (25b-26b). It is codified in the Mishneh Torah in the sixth chapter of Hilchos Melachim. This mitzvah is #57 of the 365 negative mitzvos in the Rambam’s Sefer HaMitzvos and #191 of the 194 negative mitzvos that can be observed today as listed in the Sefer HaMitzvos HaKatzar of the Chofetz Chaim.



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