Sunday, August 13, 2006
196. R.I.P. Susan Howlet Butcher 1954 – 2006
An Alaskan hero, Susan Butcher has died at age 51 of leukemia.
Butcher won the Iditarod in 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1990. She was the second woman to win, the first woman to place in the top ten, the second person to win four times, and the first person to win four times in five consecutive years. (since then, one other person has won 4 times, and one person won 5 times.)
She entered a total of 17 times. 1978 came in 19th, 1978 came in 9th, 1980 came in 5th, 1981 came in 5th, 1982 came in 2nd, 1983 came in 9th, 1984 came in 2nd, 1985 had been leading when she dropped out in the middle because her group was attacked by a moose with two of her dogs killed and others injured, 1986 1st, 1987 1st, 1988 1st, 1989 2nd, 1990 1st, 1991 3rd, 1992 2nd, 1993 4th, 1994 10th.
(In 1985, when Butcher dropped out, Libby Riddles became the first woman to win.)
Someone once commented that the Iditarod could not be too difficult if a woman could win. Butcher's reply was that she was "more man than he'd ever be, and more woman than he'd ever have."
The Iditarod is considered on of the most difficult athletic events there is, a race of over 1,150 miles over the frozen tundra including mountains, rivers, and forests. About 50 people begin it each year. Many drop out for reasons ranging from having their dogs injured by an angry moose to having their eyeballs freeze.
In addition to racing, Butcher was involved in improving the care that the dogs in the Iditarod must receive.
She leaves behind a husband, fellow musher Dave Monson, and two daughters, Tekla, 10, and Chisana, 5.
Link to her website: http://www.susanbutcher.com/
Link to the Iditarod website: http://www.iditarod.com/
Websites for other women who run the Iditarod:
Libby Riddles http://www.libbyriddles.com/index.htm first woman to win the Iditarod
DeeDee Jonrowe http://www.deedeejonrowe.com/ Has the fastest time of any woman
Rachael Scdoris http://www.gorachaelgo.com/ Only legally blind person to run
Mary Shields http://www.maryshields.com/ The first woman to finish to Iditarod in 1974
# posted by Amy W. : 7:32 PM
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Susan Butcher never overcame the criticisms animal protection activists leveled against her for participating in the Iditarod. She couldn't prove that the race, with its long-well documented history of abuses, isn't a sweatshop for dogs.
A short list of what happens to the dogs during the Iditarod includes death, paralysis, penile frostbite, bleeding ulcers, broken bones, pneumonia, torn muscles and tendons, diarrhea, vomiting, hypothermia, fur loss, broken teeth, viral diseases, torn footpads, ruptured discs, sprains, anemia and lung damage.
On average, 52 percent of the dogs who start the Iditarod do not make it across the finish line. According to a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, of those who do finish, 81 percent have lung damage. The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine reported that 61 percent of the dogs who finish the Iditarod have ulcers versus zero percent pre-race.
The facts show that the level of cruelty in the Iditarod is profound. The race belongs in history's garbage can.
A short list of what happens to the dogs during the Iditarod includes death, paralysis, penile frostbite, bleeding ulcers, broken bones, pneumonia, torn muscles and tendons, diarrhea, vomiting, hypothermia, fur loss, broken teeth, viral diseases, torn footpads, ruptured discs, sprains, anemia and lung damage.
On average, 52 percent of the dogs who start the Iditarod do not make it across the finish line. According to a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, of those who do finish, 81 percent have lung damage. The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine reported that 61 percent of the dogs who finish the Iditarod have ulcers versus zero percent pre-race.
The facts show that the level of cruelty in the Iditarod is profound. The race belongs in history's garbage can.
# posted by 
: 3:39 PM, August 23, 2006
: 3:39 PM, August 23, 2006
http://www.jewishveg.com/schwartz/jewsbear.html
SHOULD JEWS BE ANIMAL RIGHTS ADVOCATES?
Jews should be animal rights advocates for at least 3 reasons:
1. Although it is not well known, Judaism has very powerful teachings about the proper treatment of animals. If Jews took these teachings seriously, they would be among the strongest protesters of many current practices related to animals.
According to Judaism, animals are part of God's creation and people have special responsibilities to them. The Jewish tradition clearly indicates that we are forbidden to be cruel to animals and that we are to treat them with compassion. These concepts are summarized in the Hebrew phrase tsa'ar ba'alei chayim, the Torah mandate not to cause "pain to any living creature."
Although the Torah clearly indicates that people are to have dominion over animals (Gen. 1-26), Judaism teaches that animals are also God's creatures, possessing sensitivity and the capacity for feeling pain; hence they must be protected and treated with compassion and justice.
The Psalms indicate God's concern for animals, for "His tender mercies are over all His creatures" (Psalms 145:9). Perhaps the Jewish attitude toward animals is best summarized by the statement in Proverbs 12:10, "The righteous person regards the life of his or her animal." In Judaism, one who is cruel to animals cannot be regarded as a righteous individual.
There are many Torah laws involving compassion to animals. An ox is not to be muzzled when threshing in a field of corn (Deuteronomy 25:4). A farmer should not plow with an ox and an ass together (so that the weaker animal would not suffer pain in trying to keep up with the stronger one) (Deuteronomy 22:10). Animals, as well as people, are to be allowed to rest on the Sabbath day (Exodus 20:10). The importance of this verse is indicated by its inclusion in the Ten Commandments and its recitation as part of kiddush (sanctification ceremony using wine or grape juice) on Sabbath mornings.
Many great Jewish heroes were chosen because they showed kindness to animals. Moses and King David were considered worthy to be leaders (Exodus Rabbah 2:2). Rebecca was judged suitable to be Isaac's wife because of her kindness in providing water to the camels of Eliezer, Abraham's servant.
2. Consistent with Jewish teachings, animals cannot be equated with human beings. But, one need not believe that human beings and animals have the same value to protest against the extremely brutal treatment that animals are subjected to today. The insanity of current policies toward animals can be summarized as follows: First millions of animals are killed to protect our livestock. Then billions of animals are slaughtered for our food. As a result of our flesh-centered diets, millions of people contract degenerative diseases. Then millions of additional animals are tortured and killed seeking cures for these diseases, which people generally wouldn't get in the first place if we had more sensible diets.
Since Jews are to be "rachamanim b'nei rachamanim" (righteous children of righteous ancestors): Can we justify the force-feeding of ducks and geese to create pate de foie gras? (Israel is the world's leading producer, according to the Jerusalem Post.) Can we justify taking day-old calves from their mothers so that they can be raised for veal in very cramped conditions? Can we justify the killing of over 200 million male chicks immediately after birth at egg-laying hatcheries because they cannot produce eggs and have not been genetically programmed to be able to have much flesh? Can we justify artificially impregnating cows every year on "rape racks" so that they will be able to produce more milk? Can we justify the many other ways that animals are unnecessarily exploited and mistreated in our society to meet people's perceived needs. It should be noted that hunting for recreation is forbidden by Jewish law.
3. Generally when animals are mistreated, it also has negative effects for people. Studies have shown that the mistreatment of animals by an individual is often a sign of later violence or criminal behavior. The consumption of meat and other animal-products has been conclusively linked to many chronic degenerative diseases. Modern intensive livestock agriculture contributes significantly to soil erosion and depletion, loss of biodiversity, destruction of tropical rain forests and other important habitats, and global warming; it also uses vast amounts of water, energy, pesticides, fertlizer, and other agricultural resources. In view of the many global threats related to today`s livestock agriculture, working to promote vegetarianism may be the most important action that one can take for global survival.
In summary, there is much in Judaism that mandates that animals be treated kindly. Hence, being an advocate for animal rights is not a rejection of Judaism, but an attempt to apply Judaism's splendid teachings. It is essential that this message become widely known and practiced in order to end the horrendous conditions under which so many animals currently exist and to to show the applicability of Jewish values to some of today's critical issues.
================================================
VEGETARIANISM: A SPIRITUAL IMPERATIVE?
Vegetarianism is a spiritual imperative for Jews today because of the many ways in which the realities of animal-based diets and agriculture sharply deviate from Jewish values, teachings, and mandates:
1. We worship a God Who is called "Harachamon" (the compassionate One), a Creator whose compassion is over all of His creatures (as recited 3 times daily at synagogue services). Jews, are to be "rachamanim b'nei rachamanim" (compassionate children of compassionate ancestors). according to Jewish tradition, one of the distinguishing characteristics by which a Jew can be identified is compassion.
Can this be consistent with having a diet that involves meat from animals who have been raised under very cruel conditions on "factory farms?"
2. Proverbs 12:10 states, "The righteous person regards the life of his or her animal." In Judaism, one who is unnecessarily cruel to animals cannot be regarded as a righteous individual. Many great Jewish heroes were chosen because they showed kindness to animals. Moses and King David were considered worthy to be leaders (Exodus Rabbah 2:2). Rebecca was judged suitable to be Isaac's wife because of her kindness in providing water to the camels of Eliezer, Abraham's servant. There are many Torah laws involving compassion to animals. An ox is not to be muzzled when threshing in a field of corn (Deuteronomy 25:4). A farmer should not plow with an ox and an ass together (so that the weaker animal would not suffer pain in trying to keep up with the stronger one) (Deuteronomy 22:10). Animals, as well as people, are to be allowed to rest on the Sabbath day (Exodus 20:10). The importance of this verse is indicated by its inclusion in the Ten Commandments and its recitation as part of kiddush (sanctification ceremony using wine or grape juice) on Sabbath mornings.
In view of these powerful teachings: Can we justify the force- feeding of ducks and geese to create pate de foie gras? Can we justify taking day-old calves from their mothers so that they can be raised for veal in very cramped conditions? Can we justify the killing of over 200 million male chicks immediately after birth at egg-laying hatcheries because they cannot produce eggs and have not been genetically programmed to be able to have much flesh? Can we justify artificially impregnating cows every year on "rape racks" so that they will be able to produce more milk? Many more examples could be given.
3. Judaism mandates that people be very careful about preserving their health and their lives. An important Jewish principle is pikuach nefesh, the duty to preserve a human life. The Talmudic sages applied the principle "You shall therefore keep my statutes and ordinances, which if a person do he shall live by them" (Leviticus18:5) to all the laws of the Torah. Hence Jews are to be more particular about matters concerning danger to health and life than about ritual matters (Chulin 9a; Choshen Mishpat 427; Yoreh De'ah 116). If it could help save a life, one must (not may) violate the Sabbath, eat forbidden foods, and even eat on Yom Kippur. (Pesachim 25a) The only laws that cannot be violated to preserve a life are those prohibiting murder, idolatry, and sexual immorality. (Yoma 85b; Sanhedrin 74a)
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch writes powerfully in his classic book, Horeb, baout the supreme importance of the mitzvah of guarding our health:
You may not . . . in any way weaken your health or shorten your life. Only if the body is healthy is it an efficient instrument for the spirit's activity....Therefore you should avoid everything which might possibly injure your health. . . . And the law asks you to be even more circumspect in avoiding danger to life and limb than in the avoidance of other transgressions. (Horeb, p.300)
In sharp contrast to these basic Jewish teachings, animal- centered diets have been linked to heart disease, stroke, several forms of cancer, and other illnesses.
4. Judaism stresses that we are to share our bread with hungry people. The Talmud states, "Providing charity for poor and hungry people weighs as heavily as all the other commandments of the Torah combined." (Baba Batra 9a) On yom Kippur, our holiest day, the prophetic portion read from Isaiah reminds us that one of the purposes of fasting is to sensitize us to the plight of the needy, so that we will "share our bread with the hungry." It is a basic Jewish belief that God provides enough for all. In our daily prayers, it is said, "He openeth up his hand and provideth sustenance to all living things" (Ps. 145:16). Jews are obligated to give thanks to God for providing enough food for us and for all of humanity. In the bircat hamazon (grace after meals), we thank God "who feeds the whole world with goodness, grace, loving kindness, and tender mercy."
Again in sharp contrast to these teachings, over 70% of the grain grown in the United States (and over a third produced worldwide) is fed to animals destined for slaughter, as 15 to 20 million people worldwide die annually because of hunger and its effects.
5. Judaism teaches that "the earth is the Lord`s" and that we are to be partners with God in preserving the world. The Talmudic sages assert that people's role is to enhance the world as "co-partners of God in the work of creation." (Shabbat 10a) There is a Midrash (a story that teaches a Torah lesson based on biblical events and values) that beautifully expresses the idea that God needs people to help tend the world (ecclesiastes Rabbah 7:28). It includes with the admonition that we should not corrupt or destroy the world, because if we do, there will be nobody after us to restore it.
Once again, the realities of animal-based agriculture stand in sharp contrast to these fundamental Jewish values: it contributes substantially to soil erosion and depletion, extensive air and water pollution related to chemical fertilizer and pesticides, the destruction of tropical rain forests and other habitats, and global warming.
6. Judaism mandates that we are not to waste or unnecessarily destroy anything of value. This prohibition, called bal tashchit ("thou shalt not destroy") is based on Deuteronomy 20:19, 20, which prohibits the destruction of fruit trees in times of war. This prohibition was extended by the Jewish sages. It it forbidden to cut down even a barren tree or to waste anything if no useful purpose is accomplished (Sefer Ha-Chinuch 530). The sages of the Talmud made a general prohibition against waste: "Whoever breaks vessels or tears garments, or destroys a building, or clogs up a fountain, or destroys food violates the prohibition of bal tashchit" (Kidushin 32a). In summary, bal tashchit prohibits the destruction, complete or incomplete, direct or indirect, of all objects of potential benefit to people.
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch stated that bal tashchit is the first and most general call of God: We are to "regard things as God's property and use them with a sense of responsibility for wise human purposes. Destroy nothing! Waste nothing!" (Horeb; Vol. 2, p. 282) He indicated that destruction includes using more things (or things of greater value) than is necessary to obtain one's aim. (Horeb; Vol. 2, p. 280)
Once again, realities of modern livestock agricultural sharply deviate from these powerful teachings, since it requires far more land, water, energy, and other resources than plant-based agriculture.
7. The Jewish tradition mandates a special obligation to work for peace. Judaism does not command that people merely love peace or merely seek peace but that they actively pursue peace. The rabbis of the Talmud state that there are many commandments that require a certain time and place for their performance, but with regard to peace, "seek peace and pursue it" (Psalms. 34:15); you are to seek it in your own place and pursue it everywhere else. The famous Talmudic sage, Hillel, states that we should "be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace." (Pirke Avot 1: 12) On the special duty of Jews to work for peace, the sages comment: "Said the Holy one blessed be He: The whole Torah is peace and to whom do I give it? To the nation which loves peace!" (Yalkut Shimoni, Yithro 273)
The rabbis of the Talmud used lavish words of praise to indicate the significance of peace:
Great is peace, for God's name is peace.... Great is peace, for it encompasses all blessings.... Great is peace, for even in times of war, peace must be sought.... Great is peace seeing that when the Messiah is to come, He will commence with peace, as it is said, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the footsteps of the messenger of good tidings, who announces peace" (Isaiah. 52:7).
Leviticus Rabbah 9:9
By now, it should be no surprise that these important teachings are most consistent with plant-based diets. Animal- centered diets, by wasting valuable resources, help to perpetuate the widespread hunger and poverty that frequently lead to instability and war.
8. Jews can only kill animals to meet an essential human need (for example, hunting for sport is not considered legitimate, and is not only discouraged in the Talmud, but is also prohibited in Jewish law) Since it is not necessary to consume animal products in order to maintain good health (the contrary is the case), can the eating of meat be consistent with Jewish spirituality?
9. Another concern for committed Jews is tikkun olam, the general mandate to preserve and protect the world, and, when necessary, to restore it to a less polluted state. It is becoming increasingly apparent that vegetarianism is not only an important individual choice today, but it is a societal imperative because of the severe economic and environmental costs of animal-based diets. In 1993, almost 1,700 of the world's scientists from 70 countries, including 104 Nobel laureates, signed a "World Scientists Warning to Humanity", which stated that "a great change in our stewardship of the earth and the life on it is required if vast human misery is to be avoided and our global home on this planet is not to be irretrievably mutilated."
While permission to eat meat was given in the Torah, it is generally considered to be a concession to people's weakness, with many restrictions (the laws of kashrut). Rabbi Abraham Isaac Hakohen Kook, one of the greatest Jewish philosophers of the 20th century, and the first chief rabbi of pre-state Israel, believed that these many dietary constraints imply a reprimand, and are designed to keep alive a sense of reverence for life so that people would eventually return to God's original vegetarian diet (genesis 1:29). Rabbi Kook believed that the future Messianic period will be vegetarian. He based this on the words of Isaiah (11:6-9): "...the wolf shall dwell with the lamb...the lion shall eat straw like the ox...and no one shall hurt nor destroy in all of God's holy mountain."
In summary, in view of Judaism's strong teachings with regard to preserving human health, treating animals with compassion, protecting the environment, conserving resources, and helping the hungry, and the very negative effects that the production and consumption of meat has in each of these areas, Jewish spirituality can best be enhanced through a diet with a minimum of and preferably no animal products.
SHOULD JEWS BE ANIMAL RIGHTS ADVOCATES?
Jews should be animal rights advocates for at least 3 reasons:
1. Although it is not well known, Judaism has very powerful teachings about the proper treatment of animals. If Jews took these teachings seriously, they would be among the strongest protesters of many current practices related to animals.
According to Judaism, animals are part of God's creation and people have special responsibilities to them. The Jewish tradition clearly indicates that we are forbidden to be cruel to animals and that we are to treat them with compassion. These concepts are summarized in the Hebrew phrase tsa'ar ba'alei chayim, the Torah mandate not to cause "pain to any living creature."
Although the Torah clearly indicates that people are to have dominion over animals (Gen. 1-26), Judaism teaches that animals are also God's creatures, possessing sensitivity and the capacity for feeling pain; hence they must be protected and treated with compassion and justice.
The Psalms indicate God's concern for animals, for "His tender mercies are over all His creatures" (Psalms 145:9). Perhaps the Jewish attitude toward animals is best summarized by the statement in Proverbs 12:10, "The righteous person regards the life of his or her animal." In Judaism, one who is cruel to animals cannot be regarded as a righteous individual.
There are many Torah laws involving compassion to animals. An ox is not to be muzzled when threshing in a field of corn (Deuteronomy 25:4). A farmer should not plow with an ox and an ass together (so that the weaker animal would not suffer pain in trying to keep up with the stronger one) (Deuteronomy 22:10). Animals, as well as people, are to be allowed to rest on the Sabbath day (Exodus 20:10). The importance of this verse is indicated by its inclusion in the Ten Commandments and its recitation as part of kiddush (sanctification ceremony using wine or grape juice) on Sabbath mornings.
Many great Jewish heroes were chosen because they showed kindness to animals. Moses and King David were considered worthy to be leaders (Exodus Rabbah 2:2). Rebecca was judged suitable to be Isaac's wife because of her kindness in providing water to the camels of Eliezer, Abraham's servant.
2. Consistent with Jewish teachings, animals cannot be equated with human beings. But, one need not believe that human beings and animals have the same value to protest against the extremely brutal treatment that animals are subjected to today. The insanity of current policies toward animals can be summarized as follows: First millions of animals are killed to protect our livestock. Then billions of animals are slaughtered for our food. As a result of our flesh-centered diets, millions of people contract degenerative diseases. Then millions of additional animals are tortured and killed seeking cures for these diseases, which people generally wouldn't get in the first place if we had more sensible diets.
Since Jews are to be "rachamanim b'nei rachamanim" (righteous children of righteous ancestors): Can we justify the force-feeding of ducks and geese to create pate de foie gras? (Israel is the world's leading producer, according to the Jerusalem Post.) Can we justify taking day-old calves from their mothers so that they can be raised for veal in very cramped conditions? Can we justify the killing of over 200 million male chicks immediately after birth at egg-laying hatcheries because they cannot produce eggs and have not been genetically programmed to be able to have much flesh? Can we justify artificially impregnating cows every year on "rape racks" so that they will be able to produce more milk? Can we justify the many other ways that animals are unnecessarily exploited and mistreated in our society to meet people's perceived needs. It should be noted that hunting for recreation is forbidden by Jewish law.
3. Generally when animals are mistreated, it also has negative effects for people. Studies have shown that the mistreatment of animals by an individual is often a sign of later violence or criminal behavior. The consumption of meat and other animal-products has been conclusively linked to many chronic degenerative diseases. Modern intensive livestock agriculture contributes significantly to soil erosion and depletion, loss of biodiversity, destruction of tropical rain forests and other important habitats, and global warming; it also uses vast amounts of water, energy, pesticides, fertlizer, and other agricultural resources. In view of the many global threats related to today`s livestock agriculture, working to promote vegetarianism may be the most important action that one can take for global survival.
In summary, there is much in Judaism that mandates that animals be treated kindly. Hence, being an advocate for animal rights is not a rejection of Judaism, but an attempt to apply Judaism's splendid teachings. It is essential that this message become widely known and practiced in order to end the horrendous conditions under which so many animals currently exist and to to show the applicability of Jewish values to some of today's critical issues.
================================================
VEGETARIANISM: A SPIRITUAL IMPERATIVE?
Vegetarianism is a spiritual imperative for Jews today because of the many ways in which the realities of animal-based diets and agriculture sharply deviate from Jewish values, teachings, and mandates:
1. We worship a God Who is called "Harachamon" (the compassionate One), a Creator whose compassion is over all of His creatures (as recited 3 times daily at synagogue services). Jews, are to be "rachamanim b'nei rachamanim" (compassionate children of compassionate ancestors). according to Jewish tradition, one of the distinguishing characteristics by which a Jew can be identified is compassion.
Can this be consistent with having a diet that involves meat from animals who have been raised under very cruel conditions on "factory farms?"
2. Proverbs 12:10 states, "The righteous person regards the life of his or her animal." In Judaism, one who is unnecessarily cruel to animals cannot be regarded as a righteous individual. Many great Jewish heroes were chosen because they showed kindness to animals. Moses and King David were considered worthy to be leaders (Exodus Rabbah 2:2). Rebecca was judged suitable to be Isaac's wife because of her kindness in providing water to the camels of Eliezer, Abraham's servant. There are many Torah laws involving compassion to animals. An ox is not to be muzzled when threshing in a field of corn (Deuteronomy 25:4). A farmer should not plow with an ox and an ass together (so that the weaker animal would not suffer pain in trying to keep up with the stronger one) (Deuteronomy 22:10). Animals, as well as people, are to be allowed to rest on the Sabbath day (Exodus 20:10). The importance of this verse is indicated by its inclusion in the Ten Commandments and its recitation as part of kiddush (sanctification ceremony using wine or grape juice) on Sabbath mornings.
In view of these powerful teachings: Can we justify the force- feeding of ducks and geese to create pate de foie gras? Can we justify taking day-old calves from their mothers so that they can be raised for veal in very cramped conditions? Can we justify the killing of over 200 million male chicks immediately after birth at egg-laying hatcheries because they cannot produce eggs and have not been genetically programmed to be able to have much flesh? Can we justify artificially impregnating cows every year on "rape racks" so that they will be able to produce more milk? Many more examples could be given.
3. Judaism mandates that people be very careful about preserving their health and their lives. An important Jewish principle is pikuach nefesh, the duty to preserve a human life. The Talmudic sages applied the principle "You shall therefore keep my statutes and ordinances, which if a person do he shall live by them" (Leviticus18:5) to all the laws of the Torah. Hence Jews are to be more particular about matters concerning danger to health and life than about ritual matters (Chulin 9a; Choshen Mishpat 427; Yoreh De'ah 116). If it could help save a life, one must (not may) violate the Sabbath, eat forbidden foods, and even eat on Yom Kippur. (Pesachim 25a) The only laws that cannot be violated to preserve a life are those prohibiting murder, idolatry, and sexual immorality. (Yoma 85b; Sanhedrin 74a)
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch writes powerfully in his classic book, Horeb, baout the supreme importance of the mitzvah of guarding our health:
You may not . . . in any way weaken your health or shorten your life. Only if the body is healthy is it an efficient instrument for the spirit's activity....Therefore you should avoid everything which might possibly injure your health. . . . And the law asks you to be even more circumspect in avoiding danger to life and limb than in the avoidance of other transgressions. (Horeb, p.300)
In sharp contrast to these basic Jewish teachings, animal- centered diets have been linked to heart disease, stroke, several forms of cancer, and other illnesses.
4. Judaism stresses that we are to share our bread with hungry people. The Talmud states, "Providing charity for poor and hungry people weighs as heavily as all the other commandments of the Torah combined." (Baba Batra 9a) On yom Kippur, our holiest day, the prophetic portion read from Isaiah reminds us that one of the purposes of fasting is to sensitize us to the plight of the needy, so that we will "share our bread with the hungry." It is a basic Jewish belief that God provides enough for all. In our daily prayers, it is said, "He openeth up his hand and provideth sustenance to all living things" (Ps. 145:16). Jews are obligated to give thanks to God for providing enough food for us and for all of humanity. In the bircat hamazon (grace after meals), we thank God "who feeds the whole world with goodness, grace, loving kindness, and tender mercy."
Again in sharp contrast to these teachings, over 70% of the grain grown in the United States (and over a third produced worldwide) is fed to animals destined for slaughter, as 15 to 20 million people worldwide die annually because of hunger and its effects.
5. Judaism teaches that "the earth is the Lord`s" and that we are to be partners with God in preserving the world. The Talmudic sages assert that people's role is to enhance the world as "co-partners of God in the work of creation." (Shabbat 10a) There is a Midrash (a story that teaches a Torah lesson based on biblical events and values) that beautifully expresses the idea that God needs people to help tend the world (ecclesiastes Rabbah 7:28). It includes with the admonition that we should not corrupt or destroy the world, because if we do, there will be nobody after us to restore it.
Once again, the realities of animal-based agriculture stand in sharp contrast to these fundamental Jewish values: it contributes substantially to soil erosion and depletion, extensive air and water pollution related to chemical fertilizer and pesticides, the destruction of tropical rain forests and other habitats, and global warming.
6. Judaism mandates that we are not to waste or unnecessarily destroy anything of value. This prohibition, called bal tashchit ("thou shalt not destroy") is based on Deuteronomy 20:19, 20, which prohibits the destruction of fruit trees in times of war. This prohibition was extended by the Jewish sages. It it forbidden to cut down even a barren tree or to waste anything if no useful purpose is accomplished (Sefer Ha-Chinuch 530). The sages of the Talmud made a general prohibition against waste: "Whoever breaks vessels or tears garments, or destroys a building, or clogs up a fountain, or destroys food violates the prohibition of bal tashchit" (Kidushin 32a). In summary, bal tashchit prohibits the destruction, complete or incomplete, direct or indirect, of all objects of potential benefit to people.
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch stated that bal tashchit is the first and most general call of God: We are to "regard things as God's property and use them with a sense of responsibility for wise human purposes. Destroy nothing! Waste nothing!" (Horeb; Vol. 2, p. 282) He indicated that destruction includes using more things (or things of greater value) than is necessary to obtain one's aim. (Horeb; Vol. 2, p. 280)
Once again, realities of modern livestock agricultural sharply deviate from these powerful teachings, since it requires far more land, water, energy, and other resources than plant-based agriculture.
7. The Jewish tradition mandates a special obligation to work for peace. Judaism does not command that people merely love peace or merely seek peace but that they actively pursue peace. The rabbis of the Talmud state that there are many commandments that require a certain time and place for their performance, but with regard to peace, "seek peace and pursue it" (Psalms. 34:15); you are to seek it in your own place and pursue it everywhere else. The famous Talmudic sage, Hillel, states that we should "be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace." (Pirke Avot 1: 12) On the special duty of Jews to work for peace, the sages comment: "Said the Holy one blessed be He: The whole Torah is peace and to whom do I give it? To the nation which loves peace!" (Yalkut Shimoni, Yithro 273)
The rabbis of the Talmud used lavish words of praise to indicate the significance of peace:
Great is peace, for God's name is peace.... Great is peace, for it encompasses all blessings.... Great is peace, for even in times of war, peace must be sought.... Great is peace seeing that when the Messiah is to come, He will commence with peace, as it is said, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the footsteps of the messenger of good tidings, who announces peace" (Isaiah. 52:7).
Leviticus Rabbah 9:9
By now, it should be no surprise that these important teachings are most consistent with plant-based diets. Animal- centered diets, by wasting valuable resources, help to perpetuate the widespread hunger and poverty that frequently lead to instability and war.
8. Jews can only kill animals to meet an essential human need (for example, hunting for sport is not considered legitimate, and is not only discouraged in the Talmud, but is also prohibited in Jewish law) Since it is not necessary to consume animal products in order to maintain good health (the contrary is the case), can the eating of meat be consistent with Jewish spirituality?
9. Another concern for committed Jews is tikkun olam, the general mandate to preserve and protect the world, and, when necessary, to restore it to a less polluted state. It is becoming increasingly apparent that vegetarianism is not only an important individual choice today, but it is a societal imperative because of the severe economic and environmental costs of animal-based diets. In 1993, almost 1,700 of the world's scientists from 70 countries, including 104 Nobel laureates, signed a "World Scientists Warning to Humanity", which stated that "a great change in our stewardship of the earth and the life on it is required if vast human misery is to be avoided and our global home on this planet is not to be irretrievably mutilated."
While permission to eat meat was given in the Torah, it is generally considered to be a concession to people's weakness, with many restrictions (the laws of kashrut). Rabbi Abraham Isaac Hakohen Kook, one of the greatest Jewish philosophers of the 20th century, and the first chief rabbi of pre-state Israel, believed that these many dietary constraints imply a reprimand, and are designed to keep alive a sense of reverence for life so that people would eventually return to God's original vegetarian diet (genesis 1:29). Rabbi Kook believed that the future Messianic period will be vegetarian. He based this on the words of Isaiah (11:6-9): "...the wolf shall dwell with the lamb...the lion shall eat straw like the ox...and no one shall hurt nor destroy in all of God's holy mountain."
In summary, in view of Judaism's strong teachings with regard to preserving human health, treating animals with compassion, protecting the environment, conserving resources, and helping the hungry, and the very negative effects that the production and consumption of meat has in each of these areas, Jewish spirituality can best be enhanced through a diet with a minimum of and preferably no animal products.
# posted by : 3:40 PM, August 23, 2006
: 3:40 PM, August 23, 2006
If we weren't meant to eat animals, God wouldn't have made them so yummy
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# posted by : 4:46 AM, August 24, 2006
: 4:46 AM, August 24, 2006<< Home
