Kosher Slaughter

Not only were Jack Ray’s comments tasteless and senseless, they were totally false.

The “rabbi” that Ray referred to is not always a rabbi. The specification is that the butcher be a man well-versed in the Torah (so that he will know that he is not to cause the animal any unnecessary pain) and also because he will recognize that he is taking another life--a thing never to be taken lightly--even if it is an animal’s life.

For further reference, Jews are not supposed to hunt--this would cause an animal pain that it should not endure. In fact, fishing with anything other than a net is prohibited for the same reason. Orthodox Jews who eat kosher meat know this.

All the people who eat the meat sold at kosher establishments eat it because they know the animal was treated in the most humane way possible--their consciences are clear in that fact, Mr. Ray.

Why didn’t you tell us what you ate last night for dinner, so we can scrutinize the humanity of your menu?

MARY JONES

Simi Valley