Dear Abbot Letters, written from the Jewish perspective.

Dear Chicken Lover,

As a member and firm believer in the Jewish ritual, and the teachings of the Torah I think you already know the answer to your question.  You have taken the time to list several reasons why you are concerned with becoming a partner in this business, your description of the living condition of these animals, as well as the treatment of these animals they endure to be manipulated to grow fast are all reason that as  a Jew you should consider.  It is far more complex than being faithful and making the decision to only eat kosher foods but rather to understand what is kosher food.  As you probably know kosher meat, and poultry products come from farms and kosher slaughter houses that are in accordance to Jewish law.  These laws include the actual act of slaughter and the process of draining the animals blood, even the butcher, who is a man well trained in Jewish law, historically the butcher and the rabbi would often be the same man; for to eat the blood of an animal is forbidden by the Torah in Leviticus 7:26-27.  The conditions that these animals are placed in are contrary to common Jewish ideals of tsa'ar ba'alei chayim (the injunction against causing unnecessary pain to animals). As you pointed out in your letter you know that these conditions and the treatment of these animals is cruel, and despite it being a good opportunity for you I urge you to follow your faith, and listen to that inner  voice that has already told you this is not compassionate treatment of these animals.

In Shalom,

Abbot

Torn between two choices,

I have read your letter and know you are concerned about your work schedule putting stress on a new marriage.  Let me ask you some questions first, how is it that you have met the woman you love?  You have made time for your relationship to mature to the place you are today.  This is time that you have already balanced with your schedule.  Your work is very rewarding and important, and so I ask why do you have to be torn at all?  Written in the Talmud the Jewish community is taught that 40 days before a son is conceived a voice in heaven announces his “bashert” or soul mate, a match made in heaven.  This is not to say that any marriage including one with your bashert is without complications, all marriages require an abundance of effort, dedication and energy.  My point being that is you want to marry her, if you feel she is your bashert as long as your love, dedication, and energy is in line with making this relationship work, you will continue to find a way to balance both positions in your life.  As written in Genesis 2:18 God has not intended man to be alone, he created a partner for man.  Love, companionship, and intimacy are the core purposes of marriage if you have found this than you should ask your love to marry you.  Continue to do the work that you do for you feel fulfilled, while doing it and I believe that you can do both, and I wish for you to feel the fulfillment and joy that a loving companionship can brings.

In Shalom,

Abbot