by Rabbi Howard Jachter
In Teshuvot Yechaveh Daat (3:66), Rav Ovadia Yosef discusses the Halachic propriety of attending a bullfight and visiting a zoo. Although the first question appears obscure and the answer to the second question seems obvious, this Teshuva teaches vital lessons regarding our evaluation of cultural activities of the non-Jewish world. This insightful Teshuva has many other Halachic and Hashkafic (relating to Jewish Thought) implications that we shall elucidate in this essay.
Bullfighting
Similarly, the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh (Vayikra 17:11) asserts that we have no right to kill an animal needlessly. This, he writes, explains the seemingly odd requirement of the Mishna (Sanhedrin 2a) to convene a panel of twenty-three judges to determine if an animal deserves to be put to death. Indeed, the Rama (Darchei Moshe Orach Chaim 316:2) writes that one who hunts with dogs will not participate in the feast of the Livyatan upon the arrival of the Mashiach.