"Ask the Rabbi" by R. Mermelstein

What is your position on sport hunting?

Regarding my position on sport hunting, we cannot take a position for several reasons. Firstly, our readers come from many faiths and walks of life. Hunting is a long established tradition in America, and we represent all Americans. The position of Jewish law as it pertains to sport hunting is fairly clear from a response from the 17th century Jewish legal authority, Rabbi Yechezkiel Landau, as it appears in his work, Noda B'Yehuda. He states that for purposes of animal byproducts, such as hides for use in clothing, whether for personal use or for livelihood purposes, trapping and hunting is permissible. G-d gave man dominion over the world to use its resources wisely. However, he states that since skins and hides are readily available on the market without a Jew having to hunt or trap, there is no reason for a Jew to engage in such activities. Especially if the quarry is a dangerous species, in which case a Jew may not place himself intentionally in a situation by which he may come to injury or worse. Pure sport hunting for the trophy he objects to in vehement terms, where the animal is going to be wasted with no benefit derived from it. It goes without mention that any activity that causes needless suffering to animals is prohibited, as the Torah forbids "Tzar balei chayim" (inflicting pain on animals). Gun Owners Alliance is not pro hunting, but neither does it take the position of certain extremist animal rights groups. Gun Owners Alliance is a single purpose organization with the goal of destroying gun control. I hope this has answered your question.

Sincerely,

Rabbi R. Mermelstein

ADDENDUM NOVEMBER 30, 2001:

Dear Rabbi Mermelstein:

I am a Christian and a kvetch, and I am puzzled by this answer you posted on the JPFO website: The honest among us are fully aware of which religion Jesus Christ practiced, so my question is perhaps more intellectual and desirous of a personal response than a web posting. BTW, my mother is a minister.

Certainly, the Lord and Jesus admonished those who were cruel to their beasts. This is in the old testament and the new. But I have heard from several sources this piece of Jewish scholarship regarding hides and animal by products. In fact, most other things needed for life are available from 'other sources.' If that is so, what is the incentive for a Jew, or for that matter, a Christian who follows the old testament teachings, to do anything except work for another? Clothes, bread, wine, fruit, almost anything is available from other sources. The only need, then, is for money to buy these objects and shelter. Yet, we would indeed be an unproductive society if we limited ourselves to that. We surely would not take up reloading. :D

I also do not understand the hunt of dangerous game. If man is not supposed to place himself in a situation where he may come to injury, or worse, how can Jews be soldiers? How does this reconcile with with self defense and the different times the lord sent the Jews to war? Again, this applies to the old testament teachings. Also, what if the dangerous animal preys upon people?

I would like to understand this more. The thoughts of someone outside my own faith would be enlightening.

Thank you for your time,

R.H.
26 Nov 2001

Dear R.H.

The question to which Rabbi Landau replied was purely in regard to sport hunting. In his view this was not an activity for a nice Jewish boy, unlike any other pursuit such as agriculture or textile manufacturing. He drew his source for this un-Jewish activity of sport hunting from Esau, the model wild man of the Bible. As pertains to hunting of dangerous game and its accompanying prohibition, again the topic was sport hunting. Obviously, there are many dangerous pursuits that are unavoidable (flying in commercial aircraft, for instance!), yet they aren't prohibited -- even if the travel is only for pleasure, e.g. vacations. Obviously, to kill a dangerous animal before it kills others is not only permissible but mandatory. It is permissible to kill a poisonous snake or scorpion in a settlement on the Sabbath, while it is prohibited to take the life of any non-threatening creature on that day of the week. Self defense is an obligation on the Sabbath day, even if it involves taking the life of the aggressor.

Friend, I enjoy reading the exploits of gun writers and professional hunters as much as the next firearms hobbyist. Hunting, at least according to the source mentioned in the post you quote, is not the type of recreation that a Jew should engage in. There are basic exceptions, e.g. a Jewish cattle owner whose herd was being subjected to the predations of wild animals. He could eliminate the predators without question according to Jewish law, using any means necessary, as they threaten his (or her) livelihood. I think you get the idea.

Hope this helps to clear up your confusion.

Best,

Rabbi R. Mermelstein