In Parashat Ki Teitzei, we encounter the beautiful mitzvah of Shiluach HaKen—the commandment to send away the mother bird before taking her young (Deut. 22:6-7). At first glance, this may seem like a small gesture, but it holds a profound message about the importance of compassion and responsibility towards all living beings. Jewish tradition calls us not to dominate nature but to care for it, reminding us that our relationship with the natural world is one of sacred stewardship. 

This principle came to life in a conversation with Faigle Train, the Operating Manager of Gazelle Valley in Jerusalem. Her work embodies the essence of this mitzvah. At Gazelle Valley, Faigle is dedicated to protecting Jerusalem’s wildlife while creating a tranquil space where people can connect with nature in the heart of an urban environment. The valley is a sanctuary where both gazelles and humans find peace, an inspiring model of how thoughtful conservation fosters not only biodiversity but also personal reflection and community well-being. Faigle’s efforts reflect the Jewish value of bal tashchit—the prohibition against needless destruction—teaching us that protecting our environment is deeply tied to our own spiritual and emotional growth. 

This Friday, we will have Rabbi Noa Sattath with us for our Kabbalat Shabbat Service and the chavurah supper. When Rabbi Noa will speak about her advocacy work for a peaceful Israel, we can see connections between Faigle’s work in nature conservation and the broader work of peacebuilding of Rabbi Noa. Just as Gazelle Valley strives to create harmony between the urban and natural worlds, peacebuilding requires careful tending to the relationships between communities. It’s a labour of love, nurtured by understanding, respect, and a shared vision for a better future. Whether in nature or society, peace is something we cultivate with patience and care. 

This Shabbat, let us be inspired by these shared values—of protecting nature, fostering peace, and building bridges between all living beings. May we take time to appreciate the sanctity of creation and commit ourselves to the work of cultivating harmony, both with the earth and with one another. 

Shabbat Shalom 

Rabbi Adrian