Shechita; “Know the Facts!”
Whilst on campus you may encounter challenges on the subject of Shechita — the Jewish method of slaughtering. Be aware of these facts:
Shechita consists of a swift cut with a razor sharp knife, which severs the trachea and oesophagus as well as carotid and jugular blood vessels. Blood pressure and oxygen supply to the brain drops immediately and the animal looses consciousness virtually instantaneously. (If even the slightest notch is found on the knife blade, the Shechita would be invalid and the meat deemed non-Kosher.)
It is our belief that Shechita is the most humane method of slaughter and authoritative scientific opinion bears out that the Shechita method is certainly as humane as any other type of slaughter.
Jews have nothing to be ashamed of where compassion to animals is concerned. A few examples:
Tsaar Bar L’chaim - avoiding cruelty to animals is a fundamental Talmudic injunction.
Jewish tradition teaches that avoiding cruelty to animals was one of the seven “Noachide” laws given to mankind after Noah’s flood.
Halacha lays down that one must feed ones animals before partaking of ones own meal.
The famous halachist, Reb Yechezkal Landau of Prague (l8th C.) ruled that hunting for sport is strictly forbidden and stated that such activity is unknown in Jewish society.
The RSPCA (Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was founded by a Jew, Louis Gompertz.