Does The Torah Hold The Idea That Shechita Is Inhumane?

Though PETA may hold the idea that shechita is inhumane, most relevant points of Jewish law regarding this process would staunchly disagree. To quote a rabbinical commentary, The Torah elevates the status of humans above animals. According to Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Krasilschikov, “The Torah regards human life as more important than that of animals (Genesis 1:26) and therefore commands us to be careful not to cause unnecessary suffering to animals, even those that are classified as tamei (ritually impure).” (Krasilschikov, 2018). This view of man’s elevated status is reflected in the commandment of shechita, which requires that animals be slaughtered humanely, with a single cut of the knife. This commandment reflects the Torah’s view that animals

According to Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Borenstein, “The Talmud teaches that humans have a higher status than animals and are therefore obligated to ensure that animals are not unnecessarily harmed, even when they are tamei (ritually impure).” (Borenstein, 2015). This commandment emphasizes the Talmud’s view that animals should be treated humanely, reinforcing the perpetuated ideal in jewish culture of compassionate treatment towards animals. According to Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (Maimonides), “The act of slaughtering must be done quickly, and with one stroke of a sharp knife, so as to minimize the pain and suffering of the animal.” (Maimonides, 2006). This commandment, corresponding with the ones above, makes it clear that the foremost priority of humane slaughter is painlessness. The concept of Tzar Baalei Chaim, which literally translates to “the suffering of living creatures”, is a Jewish concept which requires that animals be treated with compassion and mercy. According to Rabbi Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg, “The Torah commands us to be kind and compassionate to animals, and not to cause them any unnecessary suffering.” (Weinberg,

The Jewish people have a long history of advocating for the humane treatment of animals. According to the Jewish World Watch, “The Jewish tradition teaches that humans must never forget their responsibility to be stewards of the earth and its inhabitants. The Jewish people are charged with protecting and preserving the environment, which includes animals and their habitats.” (Jewish World Watch, 2019). To counter PETA's accusations, it is clear that the Jewish people have a deep respect for animals and have a long history of treating them with compassion and mercy. The sources discussed above demonstrate that man is of a higher status than animals, and that he is responsible for using his power and authority in a moral and ethical way. They also show that animals should be treated with kindness and respect, and that their feelings should be taken into account. Additionally, they show that shechita is meant to be a humane process, and that there is a prohibition against causing unnecessary pain to animals. Finally, they show that compassion towards animals is an important part of Jewish law, and that cruelty towards animals should be