In a truly menschy move, more than 70 rabbis from around the world and from across the spectrum of denominations have signed a declaration urging Jews to switch to a vegan diet. The new statement comes at a great time; Jewish people are observing the High Holy Days right now and are getting ready to fast on the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, this Saturday. They will break their fast with a huge meal on Saturday night—and there is no better way to ring in a new, more ethical year than with a feast that excludes all animal suffering.
Issued by the Jewish Vegetarian Society in Britain and the American group Jewish Veg, the declaration states:
“We, the undersigned rabbis, encourage our fellow Jews to transition toward animal-free, plant-based diets. This approach to sustenance is an expression of our shared Jewish values of compassion for animals, protection of the environment, and concern for our physical and spiritual well-being.”
Thanks to the hard work and donations of many people, In Defense of Animals’ Interfaith Vegan Coalition, co-founded by Lisa Levinson and myself had a well-received presence at the Parliament of World Religions. The theme of the Parliament was “The power of love and the promise of inclusion.” Eight thousand people from around the world attended this historic event. Plenaries, talks, and panels went on all day and into the evenings from November 1 to the 7th in Toronto, Canada. We felt it was essential for the animals and the vegan message to be represented there and to reach as many people as we could.
