Weekly Newsletter from Christian Vegetarian Association CVA - July 4, 2025
From Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA)

The following essay was submitted to the CVA for publication, and the author prefers to remain anonymous.

Red Heifer Sacrifice — Religious Duty, Moral Dilemma, or Abhorrent Act?

More than once, a significant story about a troubling situation involving five red heifers being prepared for sacrifice repeatedly appeared on the news. However, the lack of widespread concern regarding this news item indicates that few people fully appreciate how dangerous and ethically problematic the prospective sacrifice is.

In recent years, a strong movement has arisen among evangelical Christians and religious Jews which involves the revival of animal sacrifice within the Holy Land. Their motivations might differ,[1] but they share the common goal of building the Third Temple; and they perceive both the specific location and exact ritual as crucial to their respective views. This trend is morally and theologically problematic, and the move to position the sacrifices on the Temple Mount where the Al-Aqsa Mosque is also located threatens to cause a massive conflagration in the Middle East. Meanwhile, many Israelis have adopted either a vegetarian or vegan diet out of moral consideration for animals;[2] and these people would tend to oppose such a move for ethical, political, or religious reasons.

In September 2022, five red heifers bred for the expressed purpose of animal sacrifice[3] were flown from a farm in Texas[4] to Israel; and people came from all over the world to see them. For a while, the heifers appeared to fulfill major criteria because they initially showed no black hairs and had never given birth to calves. They were held in two separate locations, in preparation for this event.[5] Momentum for the sacrifices was building. The sacrificers practiced the ritual meticulously[6] to ensure that no mistakes occurred. Sometime between March and early April 2024, an altar was built in the Valley of Kidron. Itamar-Ben Gvir, a prominent Israeli politician, supported the building of the Third Temple;[7] and he also encouraged other Jewish believers to pray at the Temple Mount.[8] The Temple Institute helped plan every detail relating to this religious ceremony as well.[9] Furthermore, a replica of the Tabernacle was built in Timna Park so that tourists could see a model of a proper Jewish temple.[10] Early on in 2025, the whole plan seemed to fall through when the religious leaders disqualified all of the heifers from sacrifice, basing their decision on strict traditional criteria.[11] Despite this development, tourists still visit Shiloh so they can see these five beautiful cows.[12]

Unfortunately, however, the Temple Institute and other supporters of the sacrifice are determined to keep trying to find the perfect heifer for the ceremony until they eventually locate her.[13] For religious Jews, the red heifer sacrifices are a crucial part of their eschatology (end-times teaching) since a tenth heifer sacrifice is meant to usher in the coming of the Jewish Messiah.[14] In addition, their ashes are needed to purify those who have had contact with dead bodies so they can once again be clean and worship in the presence of the Lord.[15]

However, many Jewish people object to this plan.[16] Some state that these devout worshippers will help to cause catastrophic strife in the Middle East, such as religiously motivated conflict between Israel and her neighbours.[17] Others believe that the practice of animal sacrifice conflicts with the Judaic principle of compassion for animals,[18] which is also known as tza'ar ba'alei chayim. Therefore, strong theological, animal welfare, and geopolitical reasons exist for humane persons to oppose the project in question.

Firstly, the Jewish tenet of tza'ar ba'alei chayim[19] favours alleviating any needless suffering of animals.[20] However, Jewish people disagree on how to interpret and apply this principle, such as whether or not to eat meat.[21] Additionally, some Christians believe that the later prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures opposed the practice of animal sacrifice itself (see Micah 6:6-8; Isaiah 1:11-13, 1:16-17; Amos 5:22-24, and Hosea 6:6); however, other Christians disagree with this interpretation of their sayings.[22] Given Christianity's foundation in the Hebrew Scriptures, these teachings and principles apply to Christians, in the sense that animals have inherent value and should therefore be treated with respect.

Secondly, the building of the Third Temple could require that the demolition of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.[23] If this event occurred, it would inflame the entire Muslim world against Israel and its allies.[24] Therefore, such a tragedy should be averted as much as possible, in order to protect human lives.

Thirdly, I think the theology that underlies the sacrifices is mistaken. Many Christians believe that the creation of Israel was a necessary step toward to the fulfillment of prophecies related to the Second Coming (and they cite passages such as Ezekiel 36:24-28, Jeremiah 16:15-16, and Isaiah 66:7-8).[25] I share their pre-tribulationist view that the Rapture will precede the seven-year reign of the Anti-Christ, which has been foretold in the book of Daniel.[26] According to the prophecies of Revelation, the Anti-Christ rules throughout the Tribulation era — a time of massive warfare and death for all those who live on earth during that period.[27] (See 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-54.) However, I do not concur with them that we should look forward to these events. Faithful Christians will be raptured and avoid the conflict; but the suffering of humans and animals left behind will be immense until Jesus returns to establish the Millennial Kingdom. Importantly, I believe that the Rapture will occur only when God wants it to. It is presumptuous, and perhaps even blasphemous, to claim that the sacrificers can force God to initiate the apocalypse prophesied in Revelation. Based on my understanding of this situation, I believe they are unwittingly helping to bring about the reign of the Anti-Christ by assisting with these sacrifices. Although the Bible has prophesied these events will occur no matter what people do, none of it has to take place in our lifetimes. The reason is that Christians have a moral duty to be the "salt of the earth" by behaving responsibly and ethically; also, God respects humanity's free will enough to delay the coming judgement if people are willing to repent of their wrongdoing and live for him, as shown in the story of Jonah. Instead of trying to hasten the arrival of the end-times, Christians should seek to save souls for heaven.

Strangely, many Christians who support reinstituting red heifer sacrifices in the Holy Land[28] also believe that Jesus' death on the cross[29] finished all sacrifices forever[30] (Hebrews 9:12-14, Hebrews 9:22-28, Romans 8:3-4). If Jesus Christ shed his blood for sin once for all, animal sacrifices are not needed for any reason — certainly not to herald the end-times. Nowhere does the Bible claim that the red heifer sacrifice itself is necessary for the Rapture to occur. Therefore, people of conscience should actively oppose killing these innocent cows.

How, then, could those concerned about this situation respond so that this event might be averted? After much thought, I believe that faithful Christians must first seek to understand Christian and Jewish theology and principles, including Biblically-based perspectives of animal sacrifice.[31] We can then offer those who support any potential heifer sacrifice alternative, Bible-based perspectives on the subject. Furthermore, we should diligently watch organisations such as the Temple Institute so that we can discover and promptly foil any further attempts to implement animal sacrifice in Israel, and stand with our Jewish and Christian brothers and sisters who also oppose this project. If we see that another red heifer sacrifice could occur, we must collectively protest plans for any future sacrifice in Israel, in Washington, DC, at Israeli embassies, and at any other appropriate venues.[32] The immediate issues include the possibility of any red heifers facing this destiny hereafter, and the geopolitical implications of sacrifices on the Temple Mount if such an outcome should take place. The long-term implications include undermining the goal of having a just society, which is impossible in a world where innocent individuals are sacrificed.



[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-war-hamas-red-heifers-from-texas-jerusalem-jewish-temple-al-aqsa/
(Footnotes are used solely for their information, regardless of perspective.)
[2] https://explore.britannica.com/explore/savingearth/heres-why-israel-is-the-vegan-capital-of-the-world
https://www.israel21c.org/why-israelis-are-leading-the-vegan-revolution/
[3] https://twitter.com/templeinstitute (you will find the relevant videos regarding "five red heifers enjoying life in Israel" in September and October 2022)
https://www.facebook.com/templeinstitute/videos/627767238738594
[4] https://www.jns.org/an-indiana-farmers-journey-to-caring-for-red-heifers-brought-to-israel-from-texas/
https://www.jpost.com/judaism/article-717650
[5] https://www.oneforisrael.org/bible-based-teaching-from-israel/the-astonishing-significance-of-red-heifers-in-our-day/
[6] https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-practise-red-heifer-ritual-al-aqsa
[7] https://search.brave.com/search?q=Itamar-Ben+Gvir+supports+rebuilding+of+the+temple&summary=1&conversation=5dddbae0eaae6211179f5d (Please read the AI-written description for further understanding of this topic)
[8] https://www.timesofisrael.com/cabinet-ministers-warn-ben-gvir-endangering-israel-with-reckless-temple-mount-moves/
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-04-24/ty-article-magazine/.premium/the-israeli-extremists-who-want-to-rebuild-the-temple-and-the-ministers-who-back-them/0000018f-0f34-d97f-abcf-efbd07d50000
[9] https://www.cogwriter.com/news/prophecy/temple-institute-has-potential-dates-for-sacrifice-of-the-red-heifer-could-be-less-than-one-year/
https://harvestprophecyhq.com/red-heifers-third-temple-rapture/
https://templeinstitute.org/red-heifer-introduction/
https://international.la-croix.com/world/in-jerusalem-the-red-heifer-worries-religious-and-political-leaders
[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fcUVe6S4vg - Tabernacle of Moses Replica in Timna Park
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE7O_nfbzko - Tour of the Tabernacle Replica in the Wilderness in Timna Park, Israel.
[11] https://charismanews.com/news/red-heifer-ceremony-now-canceled-rabbi-gives-update/
[12] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FasOWRFfabU - A Passover Peek at the Red Heifers in Shiloh!
[13] https://templeinstitute.org/red-heifer-introduction/
https://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/red-heifer-faith-politics-and-the-search-that-has-hit-a-dead-end/
[14] https://www.gotquestions.org/red-heifer.html
https://templeinstitute.org/red-heifer-the-tenth-red-heifer/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_heifer
https://firmisrael.org/learn/what-is-a-red-heifer-in-the-bible-and-today/
[15] https://wheelermethodist.org/blog/has-the-red-heifer-been-sacrificed/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/red-heifer-temple-institute/amp/
[16] https://explore.britannica.com/explore/savingearth/heres-why-israel-is-the-vegan-capital-of-the-world
https://www.israel21c.org/why-israelis-are-leading-the-vegan-revolution/
[17] https://religionunplugged.com/news/2023/11/8/israel-hamas-war-unblemished-red-heifers-key-to-understanding-conflict-in-the-middle-east
https://www.newsweek.com/israel-gaza-hamas-temple-mount-islam-jews-jerusalem-red-heifers-jerusalem-religion-1886787
[18] https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/a-vegan-view-of-the-biblical-animal-sacrifices/
[19] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tza'ar_ba'alei_chayim
[20] https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/341181/tzaar-baalei-chaim-and-chicken-benefits.html
http://everything.explained.today/Tza'ar_ba'alei_chayim/
https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/72303?lang=bi
https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/33236?lang=bi
https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/72303?lang=bi
https://www.sefaria.org/topics/tsaar-baalei-chayim?sort=Relevance&tab=notable-sources
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/ethical-treatment-of-animals-in-judaism/
https://dinonline.org/2011/09/13/cruelty-to-animals-halachos-of-tzaar-baalei-chayim/
[21] https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/restoring-the-overlooked-mitzvah-of-tzaar-baalei-chaim/
https://www.yeshiva.co/midrash/31828
https://www.quest-cdecjournal.it/tzaar-baale-hayyim-jewish-animal-rights-advocacy-and-vegetarianism-from-rabbi-avraham-yitzhak-ha-kohen-kooks-a-vision-of-vegetarianism-and-peace-to-jonathan-safran-foe/
[22] https://wtctheology.org.uk/theomisc/prophetic-critique-sacrifice/
https://yalebooks.yale.edu/2017/11/05/does-the-bible-really-reject-sacrifices/
[23] https://www.quora.com/Can-the-Third-Temple-for-the-Jews-be-built-around-the-Al-Aqsa-Mosque-on-Temple-Mount-in-Jerusalem-without-demolishing-anything
[24] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/do-israeli-jews-really-seek-to-demolish-al-aqsa-mosque/2171703
https://www.countere.com/home/a-red-heifer-is-the-secret-to-understanding-the-israel-hamas-war
https://thepeoplesvoice.tv/israel-prepares-for-historic-red-heifer-sacrifice-a-sign-of-the-end-times/
[25] https://chosenpeople.com/is-the-modern-state-of-israel-2/
https://free.messianicbible.com/feature/november-remind-us-israel/
https://reasons.org/explore/blogs/todays-new-reason-to-believe/what-does-the-bible-say-about-the-modern-nation-of-israel
https://www.bibleprophecyandinspiration.com/?p=170
https://www.openbible.info/topics/israel_becoming_a_state
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/nov/30/unveiling-mysteries-of-israel-four-biblical-prophe/
[26] https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/understanding-the-book-of-daniel/daniel-11/
https://corechristianity.com/resources/articles/how-to-understand-the-end-times-prophecies-in-daniel
https://www.revival.tv/sermons/daniel/the-coming-antichrist/
https://www.bibleuniverse.com/articles/the-anti-christ-daniel-7-and-revelation-13
[27] https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/rapture-bible-verses/
https://www.lwf.org/articles/end-times-understanding-the-great-tribulation
https://www.blueletterbible.org/study/larkin/dt/23.cfm
https://bible.org/illustration/events-tribulation-period
https://www.gracefilledpathways.com/great-tribulation-in-revelation/
https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-tribulation/
https://www.gotquestions.org/Great-Tribulation.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Tribulation
[28] https://thethink.institute/articles/the-red-heifer-prophecy-was-fulfilled-by-jesus-christ
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/end-times/red-heifers-end-times-are-coming.html
https://www.ncronline.org/earthbeat/viewpoints/red-heifer-ceremony-god-purifies-people-through-earth
[29] https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1041&context=studiaantiqua
[30] https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/why-did-god-require-animal-sacrifices-in-the-bible-does-it-serve-any-purpose-today.html
https://www.esv.org/Mark+15:22%E2%80%9338;Matthew+27:33%E2%80%9351;Luke+23:32/
https://www.newsweek.com/israel-gaza-hamas-temple-mount-islam-jews-jerusalem-red-heifers-jerusalem-religion-1886787
https://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Topical.show/RTD/cgg/ID/9827/Christs-Sacrifice-Superior-Animal-Sacrifices.htm
https://www.simplybible.com/f13b-ldays-last-sin-offering.htm
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Animal-Sacrifices,-As-A-Type-Of-Christ
https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/the-sacrifice-of-praise-and-animal-sacrifice/
[31] https://www.gotquestions.org/animal-sacrifices-in-the-Old-Testament.html
https://www.learnreligions.com/tabernacle-offerings-700113
[32] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6Wb6E0v84M - Third Temple Sacrifice Begins! Red Heifer & the Modern Levites
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVoC5tMqAOk - Red Heifer Sacrifice Update - Are The red heifers Ready?
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6EUo6aPu4Po - Location Where the Ashes of the Red Heifer Were Offered @HolyLandSite
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/715579828282955090/
https://templeinstitute.org/red-heifer-the-ceremony/
https://mountofolives.co.il/en/%D7%9B%D7%9C%D7%9C%D7%99-en/the-site-of-the-burning-of-the-red-heifer-on-the-mount-of-olives/

2025 Newsletters Archive