Hello and blessings. We continue studying the book Brit Shalom, in Chapter Five, which deals with the laws of killing.
We have discussed extensively in previous sessions the suffering of animals, but there are times when we are involved in the killing of animals not just for food. When it comes to eating meat, certainly the Torah does not forbid killing animals for human nutrition, unless one wants to advance toward vegetarianism—but humanity has not reached that point yet.
What happens with research needs, for example, to find medicines that will save many human lives? Sometimes experiments on animals are necessary. Here it is said: “It is permitted to kill animals for human use, such as for food—this is well known. Clothing—one may wear animal skins. Scientific research—worthwhile to advance humanity. Any matter that has a benefit is permitted, provided that it is not done cruelly for pleasure.”
Today, there are already laws, even among non-Jews, against cruelty to animals. Even when a person wants to conduct research or needs to make clothing from animal leather, it is forbidden for this to be done for cruel, sadistic pleasure that harms the soul. Rather, even when using the animal, it must be done in a way that does not cause it suffering or harm, and I would even say, sometimes, with respect for it.
