This morning we discuss the Torah view on biodiversity, as 20,000 delegates gather in Montreal for COP15, the United Nation's Global Conference on Biodiversity, through December 19. We trace the classic position of Ramban (Nachmonides) and others who posit a practical and applicable Torah prohibition on allowing the destruction of a species. We base this on the words of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch mandating mankind's responsibility to protect biodiversity and all natural resources, and include God's warning that this world is created for our benefit, and it is our responsibility to protect it.

Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community in suburban Montreal, providing Judaism for the next generation. We take great pleasure in welcoming everyone with a warm smile, while sharing inspiration through prayer, study, and friendship.

Rabbi Whitman shares his thoughts and inspirations through online lectures and shiurim, which are available on:

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/adathyoutube

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adathmichael/

Podcast - Mining the Riches of the Parsha:

Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches1

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches3

Stitcher: https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches4

Please contact Rabbi Whitman ([email protected]) with any questions for feedback, or to receive a daily email, "Study with Rabbi Whitman Today," with current and past insights for that day, video, and audio, all in one short email sent directly to your inbox.