The Torah Encyclopedia Of The Animal Kingdom

"The Torah Encyclopedia of the Animal Kingdom is a milestone in publishing. It includes: Entries on every animal found in the Torah, Prophets and Writings, every reference to the animal in Scripture, a vast range of sources from the Talmud and Midrash, detailed analyses of the identities of these animals, based on classical Jewish sources and contemporary zoology,the symbolism of these animals in Jewish thought throughout the ages, zoological information about these animals and fascinating facts, lessons that Judaism derives from these animals for us to use in our own daily lives, Laws relating to the various different animals, and stunning, full-color photographs, that bring the Scriptural and Rabbinic descriptions to life"--

Exploring the earliest literary evidence for human-animal relations, this volume presents and analyzes biblical and Mesopotamian (Sumerian, Assyrian, and Babylonian) sources from the third millennium BCE through to the consolidation of the biblical literature in the first millennium BCE. Key Features: Provides the first comprehensive study of these texts from an ethical perspective. Examines proverbs, popular aphorisms, myths, epic literature, wisdom literature, historiography, prophecy, and law codes. Applies methodology from current contemporary biblical and ancient Near Eastern scholarship and human-animal ethics, thereby raising new questions that lead to fresh insights. ​An Ethical View of Human Animal-Relations in the Ancient Near East is essential reading for scholars and graduate students of animal ethics, applied ethics and biblical studies.

In The Wandering Throne of Solomon: Objects and Tales of Kingship in the Medieval Mediterranean Allegra Iafrate analyzes the circulation of artifacts and literary traditions related to king Solomon, particularly among Christians, Jews and Muslims, from the 10th to the 13th century. The author shows how written sources and objects of striking visual impact interact and describes the efforts to match the literary echoes of past wonders with new mirabilia. Using the throne of Solomon as a case-study, she evokes a context where Jewish rabbis, Byzantine rulers, Muslim ambassadors, Christian sovereigns and bishops all seem to share a common imagery in art, technology and kingship.

Man and Beast presents a comprehensive Jewish perspective on our relationship with the animal kingdom. From the blessings to be recited when visiting the zoo, to understanding what exactly sets us apart from animals, to the issues involved in keeping pets - an entire framework is presented.

The Animal Kingdom in Jewish Thought addresses several areas of life in which the animal world plays a dominant role, all of which are steeped in Jewish law, custom, and tradition. Shlomo Toperoff presents a detailed study of sixty-five different species of animals, all found in the Bible and reviewed in alphabetical order. The first chapter begins by enumerating the laws of the Sabbath and Festivals as they relate to animals. The reader will learn that the Sabbath, the weekly day of rest, applies not only to human beings but also to the beasts of the field. The rabbis of the Talmud discuss extensively the degree to which the laws of the Sabbath may be violated for the purpose of rescuing an animal in danger. From feeding an animal on the Sabbath to putting a fish back into its tank, Jewish law displays a distinct sensitivity to the animal and its dependence upon man for its well-being. Animal welfare, a long-held concern of animal activists and pet owners, finds its roots in the Bible and in Jewish tradition, where mankind is warned not to hurt even the smallest of insects. Naming a newborn child after certain animals is a long-standing Jewish tradition. Toperoff provides an extensive list of biblical characters who have been named after animals. After discussing the various sources of post-talmudic literature that cover animal issues, from the Kuzari to Maimonides to Rav Kook, Toperoff dedicates an entire chapter to Perek Shirah, a small book by an unknown author, probably written in the tenth century, which has three parts: heaven and earth, plants, and animals. All three share one common aim: they all owe their allegiance to their Creator and sing songs of praise unto Him.

Explains the differences between such animal look-alikes as cheetahs and leopards, frogs and toads, crocodiles and alligators, seals and sea lions, and rabbits and hares.

Human beings' responsibility to and for their fellow animals has become an increasingly controversial subject. This book provides a provocative overview of the many different perspectives on the issues of animal rights and animal welfare in an easy-to-use encyclopedic format. Original contributions, from over 125 well-known philosophers, biologists, and psychologists in this field, create a well-balanced and multi-disciplinary work. Users will be able to examine critically the varied angles and arguments and gain a better understanding of the history and development of animal rights and animal protectionist movements around the world. Outstanding Reference Source Best Reference Source