After moving into our first apartment, my husband and I adopted a kitten. We visited a few different shelters and rescue groups before choosing our little gray and white ball of fluff. He was so small that he could be weighed in a food scale. But he didn’t make a sound when he received his first round of shots. Instead, he gave the vet a distinctly dirty look.
“Well you’re a little tough guy,” my husband said with a laugh. We named our kitten Sonny, after the character in A Bronx Tale. We bought a litter box and a few toys and took him home. He settled in instantly. We talked about giving Sonny a dog friend someday.
And now – 13 years and two children later – “someday” appears have arrived. Both our girls are fascinated by animals, and my older daughter says she wants to be a vet. They understand the work and the fun of life with a pet. We’re applying to get our future dog from a rescue as well. We want to provide a home to an animal that needed one. And as I talked to my daughters about the adoption process, it struck me: adopting an animal is a very Jewish thing to do.
Make a shidduch:
Adopting an animal from a rescue is a multi-step process. There’s a formal application, an interview, a home visit, and, of course, the whole household has to meet their future pet. It seems intense, but the intent is to match families with animals best suited to them. Rescue groups, shelters, and breeders want to help forge a bond that lasts a lifetime.
Hospitality: It’s kind of a big deal.
In the Torah, it’s noteworthy that Abraham gave strangers water and food. In biblical times, hospitality had to be a way of life. There was no Waze app or gas station attendant for travelers to ask for directions. Without food or water, lost people could die in the arid landscape. Today, stray animals wander through a desert of human indifference, waiting for someone to open their door. Families that take these animals into their homes and lives are extra special.
Kindness and empathy are important
“Cat” was the third word each of my daughters learned to say. I wanted them to learn that Sonny was part of our family. We reminded them not to pull his tail or hurt him in any way. And even these little lessons had their foundation in Judaism. The Torah forbids animal cruelty. We are not allowed to be the cause of an animal’s physical or psychological pain, a principle known as tza’ar baalei chayim.
Appreciate all the creatures on Earth
My daughters and I volunteer in the cat room of an animal rescue. Our job is to help the felines get used to human interaction, which will hopefully help them get adopted faster. On our first day, my younger daughter discovered the cat she was petting only had one eye. She jumped back, surprised and a little scared. I told her the cat had been hurt before, but we could help her feel better. I pointed out all the cat’s wonderful qualities. When we returned, my daughter wanted to visit this cat first. “She is so soft, Mama! And she’s nice. She likes me! She’s purring!” Abby, the one-eyed cat, taught my daughter the importance of Kavod Habriyot – the appreciation of all God’s creatures.
I know I am an imperfect parent. When I look back at my children’s childhoods, there will be decisions I’ll regret. But raising my children in a home with rescued animals will never make that list. There are too many life lessons – Jewish life lessons – they can learn through the experience. Moses was chosen to lead the Jews out of Egypt after his compassion for a lost sheep. My children don’t have to grow up be the next Moses (though that would, admittedly, be cool). I’m already proud of them. Both of them are already compassionate. They want to help. They are loving to humans and animals alike. This is one thing I know I’m doing right.
(26) Erika Kish, February 3, 2019 8:26 AM
Compassion
That is so wonderful what you are doing teaching your children compassion for all of Hashems creations. It is so natural for children to love pets,there are so many reasons why there are Animals on earth.Fact without Insects we couldn’t exist. And saving that one little creature from extinction could be the tipping point.
(25) Tony Rice, February 1, 2019 11:03 AM
Attitudes to animals in religions
This article shows what one Abramic religion's attitude to animals still prevails :- http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-iran-dog-walkers-20190130-story.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A latimes%2Fentertainment%2Fnews%2Farts %28Los Angeles Times - The Arts%29
(24) Arne Gelman, January 31, 2019 6:51 PM
Animals are not people.
Although it is not pc to say ,animals are not people. To talk about it in human terms,e.g. Shidach is dangerous. If people were given the care and support we extend as"pet parents" to animals the world would be a more charitable place to live. If the billions of dollars spent on pets went to human causes instead that would be true gamillus chested.what the vegetarian do when mariachi comes and they have to eat akorban Pesach?
Anonymous, February 1, 2019 10:00 AM
Many sources explain that animal sacrifices will not be reinstated when Moshiach comes, and that at that time human conduct will have advanced to such high standards that there will no longer be need for animal sacrifices to atone for sins.
Anonymous, February 3, 2019 7:00 PM
I am not vegetarian, and I love dogs. Dogs are not vegetarian either. They are animals that Hashem designed with an intuitive understanding of human emotions. They can literally smell your feelings and try to comfort you if you're sad. They are also not kosher, so they are never to be brought as a korbon.
(23) Michael Morris, January 31, 2019 11:33 AM
Rescuing one animal wont change the world, but for that animal, their world is changed forever.
A wonderful article.
(22) Emily, January 31, 2019 1:27 AM
Rescuing an Animal is a Mitzvah
After decades, I reconnected with the Orthodox daughter of my mother's friend. They have a lot of money and live in 5 Towns L.I. Everything there, even among the Orthodox, is for show. The daughter of this 'friend' wanted to buy a Standard Poodle from a breeder. When I mentioned adopting a rescue, she was appalled. No way. I told her it was a Mitzvah, she's saving a life. She wasn't interested. So much for being an Orthodox Jew. I will only adopt from a shelter or the street. My cute Peke I found on a country road. She's my 5th rescued dog. My two kitties, are 16 and 18 years old. I adopted them together, from a shelter when they were 7 and 9. I love them so much and I could never give them up.
Rachel, February 1, 2019 5:28 AM
Judging unfavorably
We tried to find a rescue dog but could not find a small female. We eventually bought a purebred. I don’t understand why you conclude that all residents of a certain neighborhood do everything “for show”. You have your way of doing chesed, others have theirs.
Nancy, March 13, 2019 4:45 PM
To commenter Rachel
My family also tried to find a small female rescue dog, but we were not successful. I also filled out a 6 page application with a rescue group and they checked on our references, which were excellent. Unfortunately, my application was accidentally lost. :-( My very good friend has owned 2 dachshunds, and I LOVE that breed. Every so often we revisit the issue of dog ownership, but I think the overall responsibility is a little bit scary. I love dogs and of course would take care of one as best I could, but it is also hard work. I greatly admire the author for what she has taught her children.
(21) Bonnie Nickle, January 30, 2019 11:28 PM
Great story Thanks
Thanks for sharing, our relationship with animals make us better people. And off subject sort of "Anonymous" I read your comments but it seems you are pushing your own agenda. I always thought comments were for the articles subject matter.
(20) Tony Rice, January 30, 2019 11:25 PM
Progression of humanity
Thanks for publishing my previous Comment. I think what this article demonstrates is the progress that humanity has made over the millennia , the shift in attitudes and behaviours from what was laid down thousands of years ago in religions and enacted, such as attitudes toward animals, sexual matters and orientations. Sadly one Abramic religion still follows too closely the dictats of their one but which present day are regarded by most of the world as abhorrent, just ask Asa Bibi ? for one current example. And I find it pathetic the U K government won't offer her asylum for fear that her co-religionists in the UK may rise up in revolt. IF that were the case and that they hold the same opinion as the Government of their country of origin they have no right to be in the UK and how dare they dictate to this country to whom we may grant asylum, especially in dire cases of persecution.
(19) Anonymous, January 30, 2019 9:39 PM
It's not a Jewish thing, it's a human thing. Dogs and cats are symbiotic with our species.
(18) enid, January 30, 2019 4:51 PM
BEAUTIFUL AND SO TRUE IS THIS ARTICLE. KOL HAKAVOD TO THE AUTHOR AND HER FAMILY.
(17) Sarah Rosenblum, January 30, 2019 1:40 PM
pets are wonderful
I grew up on a farm in NJ-- we had a multitude of dogs. I love dogs so much, it's hard for me to someone with a dog and not want to play with it. Any day I can hug a child (mine are all grown) and pet a dog is a wonderful day for me. I would love to have one now, but circumstances don't allow me. So I have a parakeet to sing instead. There is nothing like a pet to teach goodness and chesed. Rachel, well said.
(16) Lynn, January 30, 2019 12:18 PM
Worthy of reflection
And this example provides a beautiful reminder of not only the needs of animals but for humans as well. Thank you for sharing.
(15) Klaudya, January 30, 2019 5:09 AM
My daughter has is fostering a cat from a rescue shelter, I am not as compassionate as she is, I admire her dedication and love for the animals, I have learn how wonderful this creatures are, a true blessings! For sure you have done the right thing.
(14) Anonymous, January 30, 2019 1:52 AM
From growing up with a dog , I can appreciate the author’s sensitivities.However , in most of our communities there are centers for Jewish special needs children that the same if not more important life lessons can be learned.Volunteer work with them or even the elderly can be an even more teaching, rewarding and ‘turning you into Moses’ by doing chesed.
Anonymous, January 30, 2019 1:41 PM
In the author's bio, she says she's a school counselor. I assume she already deals with numerous people with special needs.
tova saul, January 31, 2019 3:01 PM
according to your logic......
.....it should be halachically forbidden to help animals, because people are more important.
Also, when guessing an animal rescuers contributions to human welfare, be careful of assumptions. They may be doing far above the average.
Anonymous, February 3, 2019 6:54 PM
People with special needs deserve to have their needs provided for, but they are not yours to patronize, use for your own selfish "inspiration", or be your replacement for a pet.
(13) Bob Burg, January 30, 2019 1:31 AM
Thank you. Fantastic article!
Thank you for writing this fantastic article regarding the importance of caring for animals. Empathy for animals is one major sign of a righteous, compassionate human. Sounds like you and your husband are fantastic parents and doing a wonderful job of raising your girls!
(12) Lynda J, January 30, 2019 12:49 AM
Great parents good outlook
Something to think about for future years; Now you can go one step further with your rescued dog when perfectly trained I wish you to look up PAC people animal connection; When qualified you visit the chosen hospital like me UCLA Santa Monica. I visit the sick on a chosen scheduled basis; now you really learn gratitude appreciation and the joy of living; Every time you leave the hospital you wear a smile from the joy you have left behind.
(11) Mike, January 29, 2019 11:06 PM
Great advice-Rescue the unwanted
Rescuing an animal which is unwanted and in many instances abused and/or abandoned is such a great mitzvah. Your new family member will get a loving home and you will be blessed with love that another human is incapable of giving. It is a pity that my religious friends seem to shun pets and don't believe in sterilization to reduce the many stray dogs and cats.
(10) Tony Rice, January 29, 2019 10:51 PM
Judaism's appreciation of all God's creatures
A very moving article and demonstrates how animals can and should be regarded as part of the family but the comment that it shows Judaism's appreciation of animals, but one must forget that in the days of original Eretz Israel, when the true form of Judaism was in force, animals and birds were sacrificed to atone for the sin committed by the purchaser of the creature, the nature of which was chosen in accordance with the " misdemeanour " committed. Ok, that no longer takes place but there was the call a few years back that animal sacrifice be reintroduced, but which has not happened, presumably due to a rightly anticipated worldwide condemnation. So ?
(9) Anonymous, January 29, 2019 10:25 PM
Tsar baalim chaim
All animals need compassion and rescuing. Including animals that are brutalized, then sent to a slaughterhouse and killed for food. Many Jewish people have recognized that there is no compassionate way to kill an animal so kosher does not exist.
(8) golda fried, January 29, 2019 9:02 PM
Thank you Rachel for your heartwarming article!
I love reading your work- please keep the articles coming!
(7) Edna Gorin, January 29, 2019 6:46 PM
a very nice example to be read and followed. Really read the whole article and was pleased to find the associations with what the Torah teaches.
As I wrote above this article is really to be understood as a very good example to be followed, compassion for animals, their soft and warm company, the associations with sayings from the Torah.
Especially the way to connect ancient scriptures with nowaday world issues such as being good to animals and the love they provide us. I had a dog, a labrador and he changed me a lot, I learned so much from him, he died at an quite early age from cancer but I hope we gave him the home he deserved. His name was and is in our memories: Bioy.
(6) Anonymous, January 29, 2019 6:24 PM
THERE IS NO LOVE LIKE A PET'S LOVE
I have had 2 dogs in the past. Bobo has gone to his reward but Coco is still with me. I can't imagine life without her. She sits beside me when I'm sad and listens to me sing without comment. The best companion ever!
(5) Roland Koster, January 29, 2019 4:46 PM
Here in Israel, many observant jews are disgusted by the thought of adopting a pet. They consider dogs as impure (tameh) and will even cross the street so as not to get too close of a dog even walked on a leash.
Strange to discover such a difference in behavior between americans and israeli jews !
(4) Tova Saul, January 29, 2019 3:59 PM
There aren't enough thank you's to you and Aish
What a refreshing experience to read something so perfectly and intelligently pro-animal. Lord knows, we need more people like you in the frum world. God willing, your common sense and compassion will spread.
(3) Anonymous, January 29, 2019 2:18 PM
Rescuing and buying
Wonderful article about the mutually beneficial values of providing a forever home for a pet. We adopted a 10 year old poodle 4 years ago from a reputable rescue group that matched us perfectly, and we have enjoyed these 4 years together. Then you followed your article that advocated the benefits of adoption with an advertisement for purchasing puppies?
Rachel, January 29, 2019 6:32 PM
Ad?
I am the author, but I have no control over the ads that Aish has on their website. I wish there was a way to make that advertisement disappear... or perhaps replace it with one for a national rescue group!
Dvirah, January 29, 2019 8:03 PM
Server, not Author
The choice of add, even its presence, is due to the internet server only.
Anonymous, January 29, 2019 8:34 PM
Google is cute like that.
(2) cynthia (Chaya) Simpson, January 28, 2019 5:02 PM
Wonderful! You are a GREAT Mother!
Wonderful! This is so moving and telling...you are a great Mother and are doing all the right things. It is obvious that your children are sensitive and will become productive and accomplished women! I am 72 years old and a former educator and I can sense these things!
(1) Anonymous, January 28, 2019 12:01 PM
Pets or other animals, too?
This is a wonderful article and congrats to your wonderful children.
But how do you feel about non-pets? What do you teach your daughters about them? Do you make a distinction between animals who have been chosen as pets and the unfortunate ones chosen as "food"?
Rabbi Steve, January 28, 2019 9:20 PM
Do you make a distinction between your friend and a random stranger?
tova saul, January 29, 2019 4:01 PM
huh?
Anonymous posed a good question, very worth pondering.
Rabbi Steve, January 30, 2019 9:38 PM
Pets are no different from other animals, except we have a personal relationship with them. Personal relationships count for a lot.
Anonymous, January 29, 2019 6:40 PM
non-pets
Animal cruelty of any kind is not acceptable - even if it's a "food" animal. I try to purchase as many products as possible that are cruelty-free.
Anonymous, January 29, 2019 8:04 PM
Food
Plants are also life.
Anonymous, January 31, 2019 3:07 PM
In discussions about compassion toward animals.....
.....quite often males say "Plants are also life". I wonder what compels them to say this?
Anonymous, February 3, 2019 6:57 PM
Quite often anonymous Internet commenters assume others are male. I wonder why?
BTW, Plantae are very much alive. They even communicate with each other using chemical signals. Their lives also work very differently from ours. For example, a tree can be split into other trees by chopping off a branch and planting the cutting elsewhere. Imagine if someone could clone a human by chopping off their finger, and the person would grow back a finger while the finger would grow into a whole person? For trees, that's just how it works.
Eli Willner, January 29, 2019 9:35 PM
Deleted comment
This comment has been deleted.
Nancy, February 1, 2019 9:44 AM
Animals used for food don't serve a physical need. Humans don't need to consume any animal products, and in fact live better without them. You might 'want' to eat them, but you don't 'need' to.
Anonymous, February 3, 2019 6:58 PM
That's not accurate. In warm climates, it is possible to be a healthy vegetarian. But just ask an Inuit person to tell you what his life would be like as a vegan.