Humans are omnivores, and historically people around the world have consumed both plants and animals. What does Jewish tradition have to say about our relationship with animals?
In order for us to be able to eat our favorite hamburger and chicken dinners, farmers need to raise and care for the animals that we eat. Jewish tradition clearly teaches us that we cannot be cruel to animals, but it is also clear that it is acceptable to eat meat, kill animals, and/or have them to perform farm work.
The newest Hot Topics: Food Justice helps students explore and make their own opinions about our relationship with animals.
This new resource allows students to:
- Students will study Jewish texts related to raising and eating animals and using animals for farm work. They will learn the concept of tza’ar ba’alei hayim, the prohibition against unnecessary cruelty to animals.
- Students will learn about factory farming practices and discuss real-world applications of biblical concepts.
- Students will debate whether it is possible to reconcile mandates against cruelty to animals with raising and eating meat.
You can find the Hot Topics: Food Justice lesson here.
Behrman House is currently teaming up with Hazon for a brand new Min Ha'aretz food curriculum. For more information email us at customersupport@behrmanhouse.com and check out Hazon here.
Each Hot Topic edition includes an article, a lesson plan for a 50 minute class, and a glossary of terms. A new topic will become available every two weeks for $3.99. Other subjects include" Body image, Israel's policies, marijuana, and more.
Did you miss the first Hot Topics: Social Media? It's free and you can get it here.
Do you have a Hot Topic you want to address with your high schoolers? Let us know!
