The
Genesis creation story relates that God looked upon the
entire creation and saw that it was good. When finally
humans are "created in God's image," surely this not meant
to suggest that humans physically look like God. Rather,
humans have God-like powers to "have dominion" over
creation. Indeed, human free will is only relevant if our
actions represent choices between good and evil. Many Jews
are convinced that we are not to use our God-given gifts to
harm and exploit nature for our own benefit, but rather to
serve God as responsible stewards of God's creation.
Regarding
treatment of nonhumans, there is strong support for
compassion and respect. Jewish tradition requires Tsa'ar
Ba'ale Hayim -- the prevention of cruelty to animals.
Among the many biblical passages that articulate an ethic of
respect and compassion for animals are the
following:
A righteous man cares for his beast. Proverbs 12:10When you see the ass of someone who hates you lying helpless under its load, however unwilling you may be to help it, you must give him a hand with it. Exodus 23:5
He who slaughters an ox is like him who kills a man. Isaiah 66:3
Sources:
Roberta Kalechofsky (ed), Judaism
& Animal Rights; Richard
H. Schwartz, Judaism
and Vegetarianism (both books
available from Micah Pubs., 255 Humphrey Street, Marblehead,
MA 01945)
The
Coalition on the Environment and Jewish
Life
Essays
by Dr. Richard Schwartz
