About Zoo Torah

Zoo Torah includes five primary areas of study: Inspiration, identification, symbolism, interaction, and resolution. These are summarized below.

Inspiration

Drawing inspiration from the beauty and wonder of the natural world is valued by all, and Judaism rates it as a religious obligation. There are an endless number of inspirational phenomena to be found with the animal kingdom.

Identification

The Torah lists many different animals, and the identification of many of these is not at all straightforward. Analyzing the clues provides conclusions that are often surprising. Important lessons about Torah analysis and Jewish concepts, and interesting information about animals, is imparted along the way. Identification also means determining which animals are kosher, and how to classify them.

Symbolism

Every animal possesses unique attributes and characteristics which symbolize different concepts and from which we are to learn different lessons. Zoo Torah draws upon contemporary zoological knowledge as well as a wealth of classical Jewish sources to convey these lessons.

Interaction

Judaism provides a unique framework for determining how man should relate to the animal kingdom. These issues include kindness to animals, vegetarianism, using animals for different human needs, conservation, and so on.

Resolution

In the course of studying statements in the Torah, Talmud and other rabbinic writings concerning animals, conflicts sometimes arise with modern zoology. Zoo Torah analyzes different methods of approaching such conflicts.