By the Grace of G-dLag B’Omer, 5725Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

I do not know if the matter which I wish to bring here to your attention comes within your sphere of interests. However, in view of your position and influence I trust you will be able to use your good offices in some effective way to prevent an unprecedented interference in Jewish religious affairs by the Legislature in Albany.

I am referring to the Introductory Bill 4393, by the ASPCA, which would affect shechitah (Jewish ritual slaughter of animals) or its preparation.

I should like to emphasize that the method of preparation of the animal for shechitah (which has to do with the position of the animal’s throat) is in fact a part of the shechitah procedure itself. Thus, to discuss legislation relating to any method of shechitah, including preparation, would constitute direct government interference with the religious liberty of the Jewish people, in one to the most vital and sensitive areas of Jewish religious practices.

I trust you will find a way of using your influence in this matter with a view to eliminating any bill of this nature and preclude any discussion on such bill in the Legislature as an invasion of religious liberty.

With blessing,

P.S. The importance of the preparation for shechitah is further underscored by the fact that it is the subject of discussion by Rabbis who are authorities in this field. It is clear that this subject lies exclusively in the domain of the Jewish religious authorities. Any legislation which would compel the use of this or that method of preparation would inevitably violate the fundamental principle of religious liberty in this State, especially in view of the opposition on religious grounds, by segments of the American Rabbinate to certain methods of preparation.