Selected Reform Responsa 223

JEWISH INVOLVEMENT IN GENETIC ENGINEERING 1989

QUESTION: May a Jew genetically alter a mouse or may a Jew use a mouse if it has been genetically engineered by a Gentile? What is the status of animals in Jewish law?(Arthur P. Gershman, Arlington Virginia )

ANSWER: Genetic engineering is a field which is still in its infancy but we can expect major advances in this area in the future. At the moment it is possible to introduce permanent genetic dianges in plants, animals and human beings. There are many questions about the control which needs to be exercised and the dangers which may arise from new, altered, or hitherto unknown, substances formed through these methods. Unusual safeguards have been proposed both by the scientific community, national and international agencies. Such caution is wise and we should proceed carefully even when we are dealing with animals. This responsurn is not intended to discuss genetic engineering in human beings

We will, perhaps, begin with the question of the status of animals in relation to human beings and then turn to genetic engineering.

The Biblical statement in Genesis(2.26) placed people above animals and enabled them to rule them and therefore to use themin any way that. seemed appropriate and certainly to save a life(pikuah nefesh). So, for example, cattle could be used for foodor for various kinds of work(B. M. 86b; Hag. 3b; Meila 13a, A. Z. 5b, etc). Consumption or sacrifice was limited to those deemed clean(Lev 11.3 ff): the list included both animals, birds, as well as fish. Other animals which were unclean could be used by man in variousways. There were few limits on the manner of catching or housinganimals as long as it was humane so a varieties of means of catching birds was discussed in the Talmud (B. M. 42a; Taanit 22a, Shab. 78b; Ber. 9b; etc.)