‘Zoo Rabbi’ opens Israeli biblical animal museum
A controversial figure in Jewish society has opened the Biblical Museum of Natural History, offering a look at animals depicted in the Torah.
Known as the ‘Zoo Rabbi,’ Natan Slifkin has collected exhibits, taxidermy and live animals over many year which are now on display in the facility in Beit Shemesh.
"For many years, I have been teaching about animals in the Torah and leading tours of zoos, and this I found would be the best way to present the material, with the animals actually present," Slifkin said to The Jerusalem Post.
"You can see them in front of you and people can touch many of them. This is the way to give the most powerful experience."
Although the museum is only at the soft opening stage, reaction so far has been encouraging.
"People are so amazed to see that these animals are part of the Torah, part of the Land of Israel and used to live here," he said.
Manchester, UK born Slifkin has previously stoked the ire of Orthodox Jewish society with a number of books detailing his take on the relationship between the Torah, science, evolution and zoology.
However, the museum purposely lacks any contentious exhibits.
"This museum is about the animals of the Torah. The idea is to create an educational experience that is equally beneficial no matter what kind of background a person has," he added.
Slifkin also said he believes his controversial past will have no impact on visitor numbers at the museum.
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