Conservation and Shabbat

I am a big advocate for helping the environment and wildlife. I want to take part in a beach clean up however all the group clean ups land on Shabbat. Am I allowed to volunteer?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question!

There is little that is more important than observing the Shabbat. This is true from both an enjoyment perspective, as well as legal severity perspective. Shabbat is the time we stop and recharge our batteries. We spend time with the family. We focus on spiritual pursuits. We enjoy better food. There is so much enjoyment to be uncovered in the observance of Shabbat.

And from the legal perspective, the desecration of Shabbat is one of the most severe transgressions in the Torah. Although no longer relevant nowadays, one who intentionally desecrated Shabbat in Biblical times was put to death, as the verse says, “You shall keep Shabbat, for it is holy for you. He who desecrates it shall be put to death. Whoever does work on it shall be cut off from among his people” (Exodus 31:14).

The only time one may violate Shabbat is in order to save a life, a concept known as “pikuach nefesh.” Saving and preserving life is the only thing that overrides Shabbat. Even if there is a chance we can save a life, we are permitted to violate Shabbat. No other mitzva justifies desecrating Shabbat…not even the building of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem!

Although caring for the environment is commendable, and I encourage you in your efforts, it is not a mitzva that overrides Shabbat. As such, you should decline any environmental work on the Shabbat and do it, in your own way, on a different day.

Take the time to connect to Shabbat. You will thank me for doing so!