My parents have started the process of selling their home in Squirrel Hill, which is only about a block from Blue Slide Park. They’re hearing from potential buyers and neighbors about the benefits of having a home near parks and open green spaces. Apparently, realtors believe it can add financial value to the property.
As we’re amid a civic discussion regarding the financial necessities to upkeep and improve our parks system, it’s interesting that the Torah, and many rabbinical commentators like Rashi, say that open green spaces serve a needed aesthetic to beautify a city. According to Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, 19th-century German rabbi, there are other theological reasons behind this belief as well. Green spaces serve the psychological well-being of people. He also mentions physical recreational reasons.
Obviously biblical and religious laws can never be adopted literally for any public policy for issues like city finances and taxation to preserve our unique park system, but their implications can provide the ethical meaning to inspire us in this very needed undertaking.
Michael M. Milch
Squirrel Hill