Glatt Kosher and "La Vache Qui Rit"

Recently, an advertisement for glatt kosher meat products appeared in The Jewish Standard, a newspaper which serves the Jewish communities in parts of Bergen, Passaic and Union Counties here in the northern tip of New Jersey.  It's a prime market, if you want to reach a large Jewish readership.

The Standard caters to a diverse Jewish audience. Some of its readers observe the laws of kashrut, many don't and still others adhere to the laws of glatt kashrut that are enumerated in the books of the Sanhedrin.  NOT!  Without going into the gantze megillah, the word glatt has been extended from its original narrow meaning to include dairy products, food preparation and delivery - generally implying a higher standard of religious observance.

Our religion also demands compassion, chesed and gemilut hasadim (acts of loving kindness).  And that's why the ad caught my attention. I had a beef with a cartoon which features an upside down cow with a smile on its face. The cow's position is reminiscent of the way in which these animals are slaughtered - hanging from their legs, so as to allow blood to drain quickly.  This is supposed to be the most humane way to slaughter cows. Perhaps. Agriprocessors may now be old news, but the idea of Hecksher Tzedek, a moral kind of kashrut, should not be.

An image of a laughing cow, "La Vache Qui Rit", may be appropriate for the dairy industry.  Milking cows probably does not cause pain. But in the context of fleischig dining, I cannot stomach the idea of a cow smiling as it loses its life so that humans may eat.

If that's how glatt kosher is portrayed these days, this omnivore may be driven closer to adopting the practice of herbivores.  I can get my protein in other ways. 

Let's hope that this roast delivers a message to the advertiser and their customers. A cartoon can make a powerful statement.  If they wanted a ribbing, they got it. I won't be buying their products. Perhaps someone will make a change in their advertising, so that it becomes consonant with the Hecksher Tzedek.

B'tayavon!