Moses and King David were chosen for leadership, and Rebecca was deemed suitable to be a wife for Isaac, because they were kind to animals. Concern for animals is even expressed in the Ten Commandments, in a verse that is recited every Shabbat morning as part of kiddush. Many Biblical laws command proper treatment of animals. In contrast to these powerful Jewish teachings, most animals raised to produce food spend their entire lives under brutal conditions in crowded cells, where they are denied fresh air, exercise, and freedom of movement. Sharing with Hungry People Helping the hungry is fundamental in Judaism.
Farmers are to leave the gleanings of the harvest and the corners of the fields for the poor.
Protection of the Environment Judaism teaches that the earth is the Lord's and that people are to be partners and co-workers with God in protecting the environment. The Talmudic sages indicated great concern about reducing pollution. In contrast to Jewish environmental injunctions, meat-centered diets involve extensive soil depletion and erosion, air and water pollution related to the widespread production and use of pesticides, fertilizer, and other chemicals, and the destruction of tropical rainforests and other habitats. Contrary to the fundamental Jewish teaching of bal tashchit , flesh-centered diets require up to 20 times more land, ten times more energy and water, and far more pesticides, fertilizer, and other resources, than vegetarian diets. While not a pacifist religion, Judaism mandates a special obligation to work for peace.