Do Not Eat the Flesh of an Animal While It Is Still Alive
G-d created living creatures in the world, and we must respect their existence. As opposed to the flora, which is renewed continuously, harm to animals is irreversible. Although the Torah is not negating the eating of meat, it sets strict limits to the ability of a person to use animals for his needs. This commandment, which obliges us not to be indifferent even to the suffering of an animal, enhances also our obligation to be aware of another person’s sorrow, not to hurt him and to help him come out of his stress.
The practical implementation of this commandment
Prohibition to eat a limb or tear out a limb from an animal while it is still alive.
A Slightly Deeper Look
G-d gives man “dominion over the fish of the sea, the fowl of the heaven, over cattle, and over all of the earth.”
We are caretakers of G-d’s creation. Ultimately our responsibility extends beyond our family, even beyond society, to include the world of nature.
Eating meat so fresh that the animal is still alive may be healthy, but it is cruel, even barbaric, displaying a decadent insensitivity to the pain of others.
This law is the touchstone, if you will, that measures how well the other six laws are being observed.
When man fulfills his potential, the whole of creation is nurtured and elevated to realize its goal. This transforms the world into a beautiful gem – a place where G-d can dwell.