Teaching #3: Tzaar Baalei Chaim, Compassion for All Creatures
A basic rule of Jewish ethics is the emulation of God’s ways. In the words of the Talmud, “Just as He is merciful, so shall you be merciful” (Tractate Sotah 14a). Therefore compassion for all creatures is not only God’s business; it is everyone’s. Moreover, rabbinic tradition describes God’s mercy as above all other divine attributes. Thus, compassion must not be reckoned as one good trait among others; rather, it is central to the entire Jewish approach to life.
Benevolence entails action. Beyond moral sentiment, Judaism mandates kindness toward animals in religious law; prohibits their abuse; and obligates their owners concerning their well-being. In this lesson, we explore Jewish teachings on our relationship to animals, and the responsibilities conferred upon us by these lessons.
Learning Resources:
- Short Summary Article by David Sears
- Longer Article for Deeper Study by David Sears
- Study Guide with Hebrew-English Sources and Discussion Questions (PDF)
- Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks – Animal Welfare & Shechita
- Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks – Animal Welfare in Parshat Ki Tetse
- Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks – In Defense of Shechita
Additional Resources Available for Download:
This resource is part of Canfei Nesharim’s Year of Jewish Learning on the Environment, in partnership with Jewcology.com, with support from the ROI Community, a community of young Jewish innovators founded by Lynn Schusterman, and the Shedlin Outreach Foundation.
Teaching #4: Sustainability in Settling the Land of Israel