Richard H. Schwartz is a Ph.D. Professor Emeritus at the College of Staten Island. Author of Judaism and Vegetarianism, Judaism and Global Survival, Mathematics and Global Survival, Who Stole My Religion? Revitalizing Judaism and Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal Our Imperiled Planet, and over 250 articles at JewishVeg.org/schwartz He is also President Emeritus of Jewish Veg, formerly Jewish Vegetarians of North America; President, Society Of Ethical and Religious Vegetarians (SERV); and Associate Producer of A SACRED DUTY. Click to see author's profile.
Jewish worshipers chant every Sabbath morning, “The soul of every living being shall praise God’s name.” Yet, some come to synagogue during the winter months wearing fur coats that required the cruel treatment of living beings.
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.
Many animal activists regard organized religion as an opponent. Concerning Judaism specifically, this is largely due to the misunderstanding of biblical verses that, when properly interpreted, actually endorse the struggle to improve conditions for animals.