Fowl Play: Throw a Chicken in the Air

Amongst the harder Jewish traditions to explain to Jews and non-Jews alike is kaparot. This symbolic “atonement” rite, conducted in preparation for Yom Kippur, involves waving a chicken over one’s head three times while reciting the appropriate text.

The chicken is then slaughtered in accordance with halachic procedure, and its equivalent monetary value is given to the poor — or, as is more popular today, the chicken itself is donated to a charitable cause.

Before I hear cries of “fowl play,” bear in mind that during this ritual, the chicken is treated as humanely as possible. After all, Jewish law forbids causing unnecessary pain to any of God’s creations.

In fact, kosher slaughter, or shechita, is widely considered the most painless method of butchery. The animal’s trachea and esophagus is cut with a sharp, flawless knife, rendering it insensate almost immediately.

Please note: I’m not heartless or naive. I won’t tell you that the slaughtered animal feels nothing. In fact, since becoming the rabbi of a liberal arts school (New York’s Pratt Institute) I’ve become more sensitive to these issues. I cater to a large number of vegetarian students, literally: when we gather for Shabbat meals, I forgo my beloved chicken matzo ball soup in favor of a mushroom, barley and asparagus medley, out of respect for their preferences.

Because of my students’ concerns, I’ve paid more attention to the controversies surrounding kaparot in recent years. Animal rights groups including PETA say these large annual gatherings leave unsanitary conditions, which is a legitimate cause for concern. Occasions when the chickens are simply thrown away (because the cost of cleaning and processing them for food is considered too high) must be discouraged.

PETA also argues that the underlying message of the ritual could be retained if prayers were simply recited over donated money, rather than a doomed chicken. Indeed, I encourage those uncomfortable with traditional kaparot to explore this reverent alternative.

However, even this variation of kaparot poses a problem. Yes, the money is used to feed the poor over the holidays—but if the meal being paid for turns out to be chicken (and there’s a good chance it is) then a chicken will still be slaughtered. At the end of the day, has anything been gained by altering a Jewish ritual dating back thousands of years?

Now, here is a timely (and more lighthearted) question – what is worse? Sacrificing meat for charitable and religious purposes, or wearing it as clothing?

Pop star Lady Gaga’s now infamous “meat dress” (and matching purse, hat and shoes) which she wore to a music industry award ceremony earlier this month, was a follow up to the meat bikini she wore on the cover of the Japanese edition of Vogue. Naturally, as a rabbi I can’t help but wonder if any of this meat was kosher. The media went wild with questions of its own: Why did she wear a meat dress? And who made it? Lady Gaga maintained that her dress (designed by Franc Fernandez) was a protestation of discrimination against gays.

Lady Gaga didn’t exactly reveal herself to be a font of great wisdom, and responded to questions with banal, pop spirituality sound bites: “If we don’t stand up for what we believe in and if we don’t fight for our rights,” she explained, “pretty soon we’re going to have as much rights as the meat on our own bones. And I am not a piece of meat.”

Lady Gaga might think she’s making a deep and profound point, but her stunt actually seems pretty shallow. Millions of people go to bed hungry every night, yet food is “sacrificed” to create wearable “art” that will be thrown away in a few hours, all so a performer can briefly capture the spotlight on the red carpet.

I know I’m a rabbi and not an “artist” like Lady Gaga, but none of that sounds very kosher to me.

Simcha Weinstein is an internationally known best-selling author. His first book, Up, Up and Oy Vey! received the Benjamin Franklin Award for the best book of 2007. He has appeared on CNN “Showbiz Tonight,” and NPR, and has been profiled in leading publications including The New York Times, The Miami Herald and the London Guardian. He is a regular contributor to the Jerusalem Post and Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA). He chairs the Religious Affairs Committee at the renowned New York art school, Pratt Institute. His latest book Shtick Shift: Jewish Humor in the 21st century (Barricade Books: 2008) is on sale now.

Meet Rabbi Simcha Weinstein at Montreal Jewish Public Libary

Up Up and Oy Vey! How Jewish History, Culture, and Values Shaped the Comic Book Superhero
by Rabbi Simcha Weinstein
at the Montreal Jewish Public Library 5151, Côte Ste-Catherine Road
Thursday October 7, 2010 7:30 p.m.

While the Jewish contribution to film, theatre, music and comedy has been well documented, the Jewish role in the creation of the All-American superhero has not been – until now! From the birth of Krypton in Cleveland to Batman, Hulk, Spider-Man, the X-Men and more, Rabbi Weinstein will chronicle the unusual story behind the origins of the planet’s most famous superheroes.

Rabbi Simcha Weinstein is an internationally known best-selling author who is also a popular television and radio guest, having appeared on CNN Showbiz Tonight, NPR and other programs. He has also been profiled in many leading publications, including the New York Times, the Miami Herald, the Seattle Times and the London Guardian.

Books and autographs available.

$5 members/students*
$10 non-members
Advance tickets: (514) 345-6416
Info: (514) 345-2627 ext. 3006

* Tickets at the member rate must be purchased in advance.
Students pay member rate at all times.
Call for details. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the event.
Free parking at the YM-YWHA.

Sponsored by the Helen Bassel Endowment.

Hookah in the Sukkah

Rabbi Simcha invites you to A Pratt JSU Event
Hookah in the Sukkah
Monday 27th September 7pm
in the Pratt Sukkah
(courtyard outside of the chapel)

Art School Rabbi Rosh Hashanah Special

Rabbi Simcha.com is pleased to present the Art School Rabbi Comic, an on going satirical series about Rabbi Simcha’s life as campus rabbi

In this seventh episode Rabbi Simcha learns a Rosh Hashanah lesson. Please use the comments form below. We welcome all feedback and look forward to hearing your ideas for future storylines.

Art School Rabbi is illustrated by talented artist Dave Ben-Yshay.
Check out his amazing website Shkoyach – The New Age Jewish Comic Strip.