Jewish Perspective: Animals

Jewish Perspective: Animals

The treatment of animals is different in within every culture and religion. Judaism illustrates the importance of how people treat animals. There are very strict rules and laws in place concerning the treatment in animals. The Jewish law restricts harming animals in any unnecessary way. Therefore, people are restricted from killing without a greater purpose. This also means that people are unable to kill animals for pleasure or entertainment purposes at any time. However, the Torah says that if there is a legitimate human need than people are able to use animals. “In the Torah, humanity is given dominion over animals” (Gen. 1:26). The Jewish people believe that animals should be treated equally to human beings. In the Bible it is stated that the way a human will treat an animal is the same way they will treat another human being.  One of the most important principles in the Jewish laws is that the law prevents tza'ar ba'alei chayim, which means humans are not allowed to make animals suffer. In the law, those who hurt and are cruel to animals are villains and those who care for animals are seen as a hero (Gen. 30, Ex. 31, I Sam. 17).

In addition, the way animals are treated and slaughtered is more humane in Judaism than in other religions. According to a local Rabbi, animals are raised and slaughtered in a specific way that does not hurt the animal. For example, animals are raised with care and without being abused. Also the way animals are slaughtered makes it less harmful towards the animals. For example, the Rabbi stated that chickens are cut at the nerve system, therefore when they are finally killed they feel no pain.

Many of the Jewish leaders cared for animals the way they cared for humans. For example, Israels first king, Kind David, was a shepherd. Also, Moses was chosen for his mission because of the way he treated animals. Similarly, one of the reasons that Rebecca was chosen to be Isaacs wife was because of the care and kindness she showed to animals.

Leviticus states, "Any Israelite who kills an ox, or lamb, or goat, in or outside the camp, and who doesn't bring it to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting to sacrifice it to God [literally: bring it close to God] at God's dwelling-place, he is guilty of murder:  he has shed blood; and he shall be cut off from among his people."  (Lev 17:3-4). Overall, Judaism treats animals in a more humane way.

Works Cited:

Caine, Nadav. MINDFUL SLAUGHTER: THE ONLY ALLOWANCE FOR KILLING ANIMALS. On1Foot Jewish Text for Social Justice. Web.

Treatment of Animals. Judaism 101.Web.