March 27, 2008
Jewish Teachings on Protecting Animals and Nature
Read the booklet: Commandments of Compassion: Jewish Teachings on Protecting Animals and Nature
The Humane Society of the United States is proud to present a new, 16-page booklet entitled: Commandments of Compassion: Jewish Teachings on Protecting Animals and Nature, written by Lewis Regenstein, president of The Interfaith Council for the Protection of Animals and Nature. The booklet is available by PDF.
From the booklet:
Jews should take great pride in their centuries-long history of showing compassion and concern for animals and the environment; they are the first people in the world known to have adopted such teachings and laws.
Thus have the Jews, charged with the mission of being "compassionate children of compassionate ancestors" and "a light unto the nations," given the world, along with monotheism, the important legacy of compassion for other living creatures.
The Bible and Jewish law teach us to treat animals with kindness and respect and to protect nature and conserve its resources. Indeed, such teachings are fundamental to Judaism and its traditions. The rules governing the raising and slaughtering of animals used for food are especially detailed. Their original purpose was clearly to ensure that such creatures are not subjected to any unnecessary pain or suffering. Unfortunately, today's production and slaughter methods often ignore and violate the intent of such laws.
Mr. Regenstein is also the author of Replenish the Earth: The Teachings of the World’s Religions on Protecting Animals and Nature.