Before the flood human beings were not allowed to eat animals, they were vegetarian.
But after Noah taking care of all the animals in the ark, day and night , G-d allowed humanity to consume them. The question is “If Judaism requires us to be kind to animals, shouldn’t we be commanded not to eat them?”
Rabbi Aaron Moss gives a very good explanation to this question.
The Talmud teaches that the reason Adam and Eve were created after all other creatures was to teach them a dual lesson: humans can be either the pinnacle of creation, or the lowest life form. If we act appropriately, then everything was created for them; but if they debase themselves, then they should remember that “even a flea preceded you.”
Our Torah teaches us that we are what we eat. Everything you ingest goes into your system taking the nutrients and infusing you with energy. If we don’t eat we can’t live and function. When we eat kosher food and say a blessing we are elevating the sparks of what is being consumed. For example, if I eat a tomato, and then expend the energy that that tomato gave me in performing an act of kindness, the tomato has become a partner in my action, thus making the world a better place, something a tomato can’t do on his own and will also elevate the tomato and make it holy by giving it a purpose in the service of G-d.
It is true that there are some foods that are more coarse than others.
For example meat is the coarser one of all.
The Rebbe Lubavitch, Menachem Mendel Shneersohn explained that meat should only be eaten on Shabbat,Holidays or very special occasions because it is harder to elevate. When we eat any food and specially meat we have to do it mindfully and with holiness because you have the opportunity to elevate the animal in the service of G-d, if not we are eating like gluttons for our own satisfaction.
If the physical world is only a reality, then when you eat an animal you are being cruel, but when you see the spiritual world just as real, if not more, then eating can become very holy by giving a higher purpose to what you are eating.
Shabbat Shalom
Live a little higher
