Jews should work to improve conditions for animals
not because of the views of animal rights groups,
whether they are hostile to Judaism or not, but because
it is the approach most consistent with Jewish values.
It is the Torah, not animal rights groups, that indicate
how far the treatment of animals is from fundamental
Jewish teachings.
While there is probably some extremism and anti-Semitism
in the animal rights movement, as there is in almost
every movement, most vegetarian and animal rights
advocates are people of good will who are rightfully
appalled by how our society treats animals today and
by the many negative effects of livestock agriculture
with regard to pollution, hunger, and human health.
The fact that many people have misconceptions about
Jewish practices is all the more reason for greater
involvement by knowledgeable and committed Jews.
It is important that the Jewish community engage
in respectful dialogue with animal rights groups so
that our teachings and our religious needs become
better known to them.
The Jewish community should also consider how cruelty
to animals can be minimized while meeting all halachic
requirements. It is time for a commission of scholars
and rabbis to consider how modern technology related
to animals impinges upon Jewish teachings.
Click
here for more frequently asked questions