By Rabbi Yerachmiel D. Fried

Dear Rabbi,

Do animals have souls and does a pet need a burial?

Melissa L.

Dear Melissa,

I’m assuming that you or a friend has lost a pet, which is a very painful experience, leading to much thought and introspection.

Although animals have intelligence and can feel pain and emotions, Judaism teaches us that they do not have a “soul” as a human being does. The Torah, in the story of creation, says that only mankind is endowed with a soul, a spark of the Almighty. Only man is created in the “image of G-d,” which emanates from the combination of body and soul.

However, the Sages explain that there is a degree of holiness in animals, which have a different level of “animal soul” while they are still alive. That soul doesn’t give the animal free choice like a person, as an animal lives by intuition. That soul is also not eternal like a human soul, but lives only as long as the animal does. Because of this holiness, Judaism frowns upon activities that cause pain or distress to animals, such as hunting for sport, rodeos and the like.

This is known as the prohibition of “tzaar baalei chaim” — causing unnecessary pain to animals.

Therefore, strictly speaking, an animal doesn’t require a burial, as burial is done as a testimony to our belief in the eternity of the soul. However, Judaism places a very high priority on appreciation and not degrading even inanimate objects from which we derive benefit, as all good is from G-d.

You may bury a pet whose love and companionship you enjoyed, to show thanks to G-d for the benefit you derived from it while it was alive. This burial should also bring you or your friends some comfort and closure.

Sincerely, Rabbi Yerachmiel Fried

Rabbi Yerachmiel D. Fried is dean of DATA-Dallas Area Torah Association.