The Importance of Open Spaces |
In Parshat Masei we read about the
land that will be given to the Leviim, Levites (Bamidbar 35:2-5): Instruct B’nei Yisrael and have them
give to the Leviim for their hereditary possession, cities in which to settle;
and open space (migrash) for the cities all around you shall give to the
Leviim. These cities shall be theirs for dwelling, and their open space shall
be for their animals, their property and all of their necessities to live. The
open space for the cities that you shall give to the Leviim shall extend from
the walls of the city outward…This shall be the open spaces for the cities. We see the word migrash (open space
or clearing) used four times in these four sentences. Rashi explains that a migrash is an
empty area surrounding the city, to beautify the city. One is not permitted to
build a house there or plant a vineyard or sow seeds. The last mishna in Arachin teaches: We may not make a field into a
clearing nor a clearing into a field, nor a clearing into a city nor a city
into a clearing. Rabbi Elazar said: With regards to what cities are these
rulings stated? They are stated with regard to the cities of the Leviim. But
with regard to the cities of the Yisraelim, we can make a field into a
clearing, a clearing into a field and a clearing into a city but not a city
into a clearing lest they destroy the cities of Israel. We see here the importance of urban
planning even in Biblical times. It was crucial not to destroy the farmland on
the one hand, and not to impair the beauty of the city on the other hand. It is
also important to make sure that people have a place to live. Therefore, we are
not permitted to turn a city into a clearing (even when it comes to other cities
in the Land of Israel that do not belong to the Leviim). The Biblical term migrash refers to
an empty piece of land outside the city where the shepherds took their sheep to
graze. In Modern Hebrew, a migrash means a
plot of land that can eventually be built on. Migrash is also the word used for
a field that is used to play sports. For the past two weeks many of
Israel’s fields were put to good use by the Maccabiah games. It was a pleasure
to meet so many dedicated athletes who chose to combine their love of sports
and their love of the Land of Israel out on our playing fields. What makes Israel so beautiful is
the fact that there are many open spaces. It is important that when new cities
are built that the beaches and nature reserves are preserved and that parks and
playing fields are constructed for the community. |