1- What place do animals hold in the Jewish worldview according to the Torah and rabbinic tradition?
According to Torah and rabbinic tradition, animals hold a place of dignity, moral concern, and sacred responsibility. Judaism does not see animals as disposable objects, nor as equal to humans; rather, they are creatures of Hashem, created with purpose, sensitivity, and value.
2- How does Jewish Law (Halakha) regulate the practice of hunting? What moral and spiritual considerations are emphasized by Moses and by the sages of the Talmud?
The Jewish people are not hunters.
We are forbidden to spill blood for sport.
Only necessity permits killing an animal.
Causing animal suffering without necessity is a biblical prohibition.
Hunting inherently causes:
– pain
– fear
– prolonged suffering
– pursuit for entertainment
Halakhically unacceptable.
3- Does Judaism recognize specific obligations toward animals — such as respect, kindness, or the prevention of suffering — through the commandments of the Torah?
Absolutely.
The Torah establishes an entire framework of mitzvos that require:
Preventing suffering
Acting with kindness
Respecting the life, needs, and dignity of animals
These are not optional “nice values.”
They are commandments.
4- How can the teachings of Moses and the biblical ethical tradition inspire a modern Jewish approach to animal welfare today?
A contemporary Jewish approach to animal welfare is not an innovation.
It is the application of Moshe’s Torah ethics to the conditions of modern life:
• prevent suffering
• protect the vulnerable
• affirm the worth of every creature
• use human power with responsibility
• cultivate mercy as a sacred trait
Judaism’s ancient teachings call us to build a world where compassion governs not only how we treat people, but every living being created by God.
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