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MICAH PUBLICATIONS

is the Publishing Arm for

Jews for Animal Rights (JAR)

 

We take much of our philosophy and aims from Rabbi Avraham Kuk, who was the first chief rabbi of Israel and wrote a pamphlet, entitled, "A Vision of Vegetarianism and Peace." Among the things he wrote is the following:

"...the free movement of the moral impulse to establish justice for animals generally and the claim of their rights from mankind are hidden in a moral psychic sensibility in the deeper layers of the Torah."

 

Jews for Animal Rights was founded to promote Rabbi Kuk's vision and to make known the tradition of tsa'ar ba'alei chaim in Judaism. "Tsa'ar ba'alei chaim" signifies that "You may not cause sorrow to living creatures." It is a major tenet of Judaism and obliges Jews to attend to the present atrocities being committed against animals. The law in Deuteronomy that states "you may not muzzle the ox when it treads out the corn in the field" is an expression of concern for the animal's appetite and nature. This statement is considered to be the earliest law of its kind. Torah and the writing of the prophets affirm God's covenant with the animal world. Rabbinic literature throughout the Middle Ages had explicit statements regarding the concern and responsibilities human beings should have for animals.

We took the logo and acronym of our organization, JAR, from the passage in Genesis 24:14. This is when Abraham's servant, Eliezer, asks Rebecca for a drink of water from the well. Her answer is, "Drink and I will also water your camel." Because she responds in this way, she is chosen to be Isaac's wife. This is a wonderful little story, which states a familiar theme in Torah: all the great leaders, such as Moses and David, are chosen because they show kindness to animals, and illustrates the importance Torah placed on this quality of compassion for animal life.

Membership is $20.00 a year; $10.00 for students and seniors. JAR promotes vegetarianism, the insights of preventive medicine, alternatives to animal research,community action programs, discussion groups, educational programs, and speakers.

Jews for Animal Rights also sells buttons and postcards in addition to our books. For information about these, write to the above addresses.

To become a member of JAR, to get on our mailing list, or to get further information,

e-mail: micah@micahbooks.com

 

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