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All people, animals deserve ethical treatment
Jews celebrate on June 8's eve, Shavuot, commemorating Moses receiving the Torah atop Mount Sinai.
Sinai was chosen because it belonged to no nation. The Torah's teachings belong to all humankind. The whole of Torah has been distilled to: "What is distasteful to you, do not do to your fellow."
As a rabbi, my ethical beliefs affirm the right of all to pursue the spiritual path of eating according to their traditions, upholding the dignity of human beings and of all life forms.
I am horrified that the huge meatpacking plant in Iowa, which has claimed to be supplying "kosher" meat to many Americans, has in fact been violating Jewish and American law and ethics by torturing animals and oppressing workers.
Its ill deeds have been compounded by federal harassment and unprecedented criminal prosecution of hundreds of its workers-- rather than the usual practice of deporting undocumented workers. No action has been taken against the owners. I urge that federal authorities take vigorous action against the owners and ensure workers and animals are treated properly.
I further urge the Jewish community to demand not only a heksher (seal) of kosher on their foods, but a heksher tzedek, a seal of ethics, to ensure that all meatpacking plants treat animals and workers humanely. The Torah also teaches: Tza'ar ba'alei chayim, "causing pain to living creatures," is a sin. And, "You shall not abuse a needy and destitute laborer."
Rabbi Arthur Segal
Hilton Head Island
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