A statement has been issued here in behalf of 800 rabbis declaring that electrical stunning of animals before slaughter, proposals for which are being considered in certain Scandinavian countries, would violate Jewish ritual laws on slaughter.
The statement was made public by the Agudath Israel, extreme orthodox organization, which said leading rabbis of Eastern Europe, led by Oser Grodzienski, “the sage of Wilno,” Poland, had signed the declaration.
“We have learned of plans in some Northern countries to introduce electrical stunning,” the statement said. “We declare to the Jews of the world that this definitely is forbidden by Jewish religious law. It is the duty of the spiritual and lay leaders of the Jewish people to prevent such desecration of the law.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.