Żydowski ubój rytualny w Polsce – okrucieństwo czy humanitarne traktowanie zwierzęcia?
Jewish Ritual Slaughter in Poland – Cruelty or Humane Treatment of Animals?

Summary/Abstract: The dispute over ritual slaughter has been going on for years, not only in Polish discourse. It is commonly indicated that this practice is unethical and inhumane. However, this dispute completely ignores the Jewish perspective on this issue. Jews believe that this is the most humane method of slaughtering animals, and has been commanded by God for their protection from suffering. They emphasize that God’s law cannot be subject to change. The aim of this article is to prove that Jewish ritual slaughter is an ethical practice and permissible under positive law in Poland. The author also points out that the discussion on the admissibility of such slaughter is mainly based on economic arguments. The text, first of all, discusses what the shechita is, and then how the rules of the Torah protect animals from suffering. It also shows the current legal status regarding ritual slaughter, Poles’ beliefs regarding this subject as well as the social teaching of the Catholic Church on religious slaughter.

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