The Ritual Slaughter Question, or Is Shechita Cruelty to Animals? 1^st Edition 1867 in German by Dr Meyer Kayserling (1829–1905) 

RARE EDITION

The book Die rituale Schlachtfrage oder Ist Schächten Thierquälerei? (The Ritual Slaughter Question, or Is Shechita Cruelty to Animals?) is a significant historical defence of traditional Jewish dietary practices, published in 1867 by the Swiss firm H. R. Sauerländer based in Aarau. 

The book addresses the growing 19th-century political and social controversy surrounding shechita (the Jewish method of ritual animal slaughter). Amid contemporary allegations from animal welfare groups and secular authorities that the practice was inherently cruel, this work presents a structured counterargument. It functions primarily as a scientific, legal, and theological evaluation, gathering medical and veterinary testimonies from numerous European experts, professors, and physiologists of the era. By contextualising these expert findings, the author demonstrates that the rapid incision required by Jewish law ensures an immediate loss of consciousness, arguing that the practice is swift, humane, and free from unnecessary animal suffering.

The author, Dr Meyer Kayserling (1829–1905), was a distinguished German-Jewish rabbi, historian, and academic. Born in Hanover, he received a rigorous education, studying under notable rabbinical figures like Samson Raphael Hirsch before pursuing university studies in philosophy and history at Halberstadt, Prague, Würzburg, and Berlin. He was highly influenced by the pioneering German historian Leopold von Ranke, who inspired him to apply modern empirical research methods to Jewish history. In 1861, Kayserling was appointed as the Rabbi of the Swiss Jewish community in Aargau, a position he held until 1870. During his time in Switzerland, he was a vocal advocate for Jewish civil rights, equality, and religious freedoms, with this 1867 volume serving as a core part of his advocacy efforts. He later moved to Budapest to serve as a prominent communal rabbi and preacher for the remainder of his career. Kayserling is best remembered today as a pioneering historian of Sephardic Jewry, having published extensively on the history of the Marranos and Jews in Spain, Portugal, and their contributions to the exploration of the Americas.

1^st Edition 1867, Dr Meyer Kayserling (1829–1905), distinguished German-Jewish rabbi, historian, and academic. Published, H. R. Sauerländer, Aarau, Switzerland. Mottled boards, leather spine, gilt lettering, Sanitats Collegium Stamps, inscription, 5 Library of the Summit Departments, No 301, pages tanned, minor scrape to back board, 95+2 pgs. Very Good overall condition (commensurate with age) of a very rare edition.

Please see photographs.

Size – 8 ½ inch (Height)

Size – 5 ½ inch (Width)

Weight – 175g

Please feel free to browse my other listings.

Thank you for viewing and happy shopping!