Animals in Judaism
Exploring Jewish animal ethics through sacred texts, tradition, and practice
Introduction
Jewish texts teach that God commanded humans to serve the Creator by caretaking creation. In light of contemporary animal industries, this requires choosing vegan, which protects people, animals, and the planet. Jewish stories teach much about other animals and about rightful relations, presenting other species as thinking individuals—our neighbors and our kin—who are both morally and spiritually important. Despite this, some Jews continue to practice animal sacrifice for atonement, but the prophets exemplify activism, inspiring animal activists and bringing hope for change.
Teachings
Sacred Jewish texts teach that all creatures are kin, that we must avoid causing suffering, and that God created a world free of bloodshed.
Creation: Genesis 1 and 2 reveal God’s creation as one of peace, kinship, and kindness.
Scriptures teach that the Creator, whom humans serve, cares about all living beings.
Core Christian Law and Ethics teach peace, mercy, love, and to protect the vulnerable.
Narratives
Jewish stories remind that other animals are thinking, feeling individualswho are important both to God and to our religious lives.
The Snake of Genesis 3 reminds that snakes and humans are neighbors and kin.
The Donkey in Numbers 22 reminds that we are to protect God’s creatures, who also turn to their creator.
Calf, Weasels, and Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi teaches that God punishes humans for indifference to animals.
Tension
In addition to eating animal products, some Jews harm and even kill animals due to human exceptionalism and also through ritual atonement.
Humility—Judaism requires a God-Centered life, but many Jews are humanocentric.
Kaporos—many chickens are killed in a Jewish bloodletting ritual of atonement.
Living
Core Jewish texts and teachings, including the creation story, require choosing vegan.
The Genesis diet instructs all humans to be vegan.
Ancient animal sacrifice does not justify choosing to eat animal products today.
Many more mitzvot are satisfied by choosing vegan than by choosing animal products.
To be kosher, best to be vegan.
Advocacy
Judaism offers a rich history of activism, especially through the lives of the prophets.
Judaism is supposed to be a way of life.
Jews are required to be holy, which requires protecting animals.
The prophets model activism, even using shocking means, seeking to inspire kindness and holiness.
Judaism has a strong history of animal activists who inspire today’s Jewish animal activists.
Image Credits
Banner Image: Johann Wenzel Peter - Adam and Eve in the earthly paradise
Teachings: The Parah Adumah, The Hammelburg Mahzor, 1347–48, Hammelburg, Germany. Parchment, 305 × 230 mm. Darmstadt: Universitäts- und Landesbibliothek Darmstadt (Cod. Or. 13, f. 55r). Photo: University and State Library Darmstadt.
Narratives: Balaam and the angel, painting from Gustav Jaeger, 1836
Tension: Photo by JOHN TOWNER on Unsplash
Living: Photo by Monika Grabkowska from Unsplash
Advocacy: An activist protesting against Kaporos is met with nervous laughter and the cold shoulder (Photo Courtesy of The Jewish Star.)