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Answer: Prior to the Flood, people were vegetarians; even animals could only eat other animals that were already dead. But after the Flood, Noach & the generations following were permitted to eat meat (9:23-24). Why? This may be because the flood-waters had destroyed all the vegetation, and there was nothing else to eat. Ramban says this is the "reward" which Noach earned by protecting the animals in the Ark and saving them. Others say that the animals acted in corrupt ways - unlike those in the Garden of Eden - and so are undeserving of being left alone. Rav Kook says that Man had descended to a lower level and, had he not been permitted to eat animal flesh, would have resorted to eating human flesh. He also says that Man needed to express his mastery over animals so as to prevent him mingling and mating with them.
Rav Kook - who, contrary to popular opinion, was NOT a vegetarian - said that in the End of Days, when both man and animals will be brought to a higher level, we will return to a vegetarian diet. This will apply even to animals, as Yeshayahu says, (11:6-7): "And the lion shall eat straw like the ox." Exactly how the positive commandment to eat the lamb offering on Pesach will be maintained is an open question.
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
