From Indiana to Israel A Farmer’s Mission to Care for Red Heifers from Texas

This spring, a small conference on the laws related to the red heifer in Israel’s biblical heartland drew unexpected attention from both Hamas and Hezbollah, who posted the event's ad on their Telegram pages. Months earlier, a Hamas spokesman in Gaza cited the relocation of five red heifers to Israel from Texas as a catalyst for the October 7 massacre.

“It seems like the whole world is talking about the red heifers except in Israel,” said Moriyah Shapira, spokeswoman for Ancient Shiloh, where the biblical Tabernacle once stood and now serves as home to these sacred animals.

The heifers, reddish-brown calves essential for the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple, have intrigued Christians and Muslims alike. “They understood the importance of red heifers more than us,” Shapira noted.

Indiana farmer Larry Borntrager, 76, encountered the prized cows during a wartime trip to Israel last fall. Shocked by their poor accommodations, he took it upon himself to improve their living conditions. The retired dairy farmer quickly befriended the animals, cleaned their shed, renovated their stalls, and installed fans for the summer heat.

In the following months, Borntrager has regularly visited and cared for the heifers. Three of the five animals will soon be bred via artificial insemination to produce more eligible offspring, as routine checks by rabbis have disqualified them due to minor blemishes.

The journey of these heifers is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Texas to a special breed known as Red Angus, they were sought after by a Jerusalem-based group offering $15,000 per cow. After extensive qualifications via Zoom and in-person checks, five unbranded calves were selected and flown to Israel as pets, bypassing livestock import restrictions.

Despite international attention, the likelihood of these heifers being ritually sacrificed remains distant. The red heifer, or Parah Adumah, is mentioned in the Book of Numbers as a purification ritual tool. Only nine such sacrifices occurred from Moses to the destruction of the Second Temple, with the tenth prophesied to be offered by the Messiah.

Currently, a new visitor center is under construction at the site, slated for completion this fall. Meanwhile, the heifers, named Tikva (Hope), Geula (Redemption), Segula (Virtue), Techiya (Rebirth), and Nechama (Comfort), continue to thrive under Borntrager's care.

Borntrager, who has Amish ancestry and identifies as a Noahide, first felt drawn to Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. His connection deepened over the years, eventually leading him to care for the red heifers. “This little thing I am doing is my contribution,” he said. “It’s most enjoyable for me to take care of them. I feel it’s rewarding.”

As the calves grow, they symbolize a blend of ancient prophecy and modern dedication. Their presence in Israel not only bridges cultural and religious divides but also offers a glimpse into the enduring significance of biblical traditions.

Stay informed about this and other fascinating stories by subscribing to our newsletter.