Jewish law includes a fascinating command: feed your animals before you feed yourself. This is based on the Talmud in Tractate Berachot which (40a) states: “Rav Yehuda said in the name of Rav: One may not eat before feeding one’s animal as the Torah states (Devarim 11), ‘And I shall give grass in your field for your animals, and you shall eat and be satisfied.’” At first glance, it seems like a simple act of kindness, but this law reveals a profound insight into the human condition and our relationship with the natural world.
When an animal is hungry, it becomes its hunger. It has no ability to reflect on the experience, to remember past meals, or to anticipate future ones. A dog doesn’t think, “I’m hungry now, but my owner will surely feed me soon.” Animals live entirely in the present moment, immersed in their immediate emotions and instincts.
Humans, however, are different. We are endowed with a transcendental soul, granting us the ability to step back from our emotions. When we feel hunger, we can recognize it without becoming consumed by it. We can recall that we’ve been fed before and trust that we’ll eat again. This ability to delay gratification and reflect on our experiences sets us apart from animals.
By requiring us to feed our animals first, Jewish tradition teaches us empathy. It reminds us that animals cannot manage their needs in the same way we can. By prioritizing their care, we elevate our own humanity, demonstrating compassion and responsibility toward those who depend on us.
This simple law carries a profound message: being human is about transcending instinct, embracing empathy, and exercising our unique capacity for self-awareness. It’s a timeless lesson that continues to guide our interactions with the world around us.
