Killing animals
Hello Rabbi,
I’ve seen in several places that you claim that there is value in not causing suffering to animals, but there is no value in not killing animals (except for Do Not Destroy. With an asterisk that there may be a virtue in not needing it).
Isn’t this a bit of a stretch? If there is suffering, it is problematic, isn’t it clear that killing is also problematic?
I perceive murder as the maximum expression of an axis of encounter with the other, and suffering as a point on this axis.
I would love to better understand your opinion.
thanks
I don’t accept this perception. In my opinion, murder is not an extreme point on the axis of suffering. Absolutely not. You can kill without any suffering.
The prohibition of murder stems from the value of life, and animals have no intrinsic value for their lives, unlike humans. On the other hand, there is an obligation not to cause suffering to a living creature that feels suffering. Not because of its rights but because of my own duties.
What led you to conclude that animals have no value for their lives, unlike humans?
From the same source that taught me that human life has value and that human beings have rights.
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