Context: Exodus is the second book of the Torah and describes the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt and redemption. Parshat Mishpatim, laws, lays out the laws for Israelites to follow.   

When you see the ass of your enemy lying under its burden and would refrain from raising it, you must nevertheless help raise it. 

Exodus 23:5 

Context: From Babylonian Talmud, Berakhot-blessings discusses the rules of blessings and prayers.  

A person is forbidden to eat before they have fed their animal for it says: “I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle” and then it says: “you shall eat your fill”  

(Deuteronomy 11:15) Berakhot 40a 

Context: From Talmud, Shabbat comes from the second order, Moed festivals and discusses the prohibitions of work on the sabbath.   

When a human has compassion on God’s creatures, compassion is shown from Heaven. But when a human has no compassion on God’s creatures, no compassion is shown from heaven.  

Shabbat 151b 

Context: Sylvia Dolson is an naturalist, wildlife photographer, and freelance writer from British Columbia.  

Like us, animals feel love, joy, fear and pain, but they cannot grasp the spoken word. It is our obligation to speak on their behalf ensuring their well-being and lives are respected and protected. 

Sylvia Dolson 

Context: Mehmet Murat Ildan is a playwright, author, and thinker from Turkey.   

“If there is a happy wildlife in a country in addition to the happiness of the people, we can sincerely applaud that country!” 

Mehmet Murat ildan 

Guiding Questions:  

• How do you see these texts connect to one another? Challenge one another? 

• Do humans have a responsibility to care for wildlife? 

• How did your actions today bring these texts to life?