Kindness to Animals

There are many laws taught in the Torah that demonstrate how we are to be considerate of other Jews.

There are laws involving the care of our neighbor’s animals. We must return them if they get lost, and we find them. If the animal falls because it is carrying a heavy load, we must help pick up the animal, and help it reload.

We must not muzzle the ox or donkey while they are at work for us. They are allowed to eat what they find, while working. We are taught to show compassion to the mother bird, and not remove its eggs or chicks, while she is present. We send away the mother bird as an act of compassion.

Many are not aware of the laws related to the prohibition of צער בעלי חיים, causing pain to living things. These are an integral part of the 613 Mitzvot, and should not be taken lightly.

This is what helps make the Jewish people, a nation that does acts of kindness. They are shy and do acts that demonstrate great compassion. This is what sets us apart from the nations of the world. It is because the Torah goes into great detail in giving us laws that mold us, and turn us into a unique nation among the nations of the world.