Vegetarian Judaism
Categories: Food and Cooking, Religion / Spirituality / Philosophy, Science / Technology / Medicine
Publisher: Micah Publications
A compelling and informative argument for vegetarian diet, based on both Jewish religious insights and science
An examination of dangerous aspects of the modern meat industry, the relationship of modern meat to chronic diseases, and the new pathogens infecting our meat, including salmonella, which now affects 80% of chickens; e.coli 0157, the number one cause of kidney failure in children; and campylobacter, which can cause fatal nerve damage and has been associated with arthritis and meningitis. In readable, powerful language, the author examines such issues as Mad Cow Disease, which is linked to Jacob-Creutzfeld disease, a fatal deterioration of the human brain, the potential misuse of genetic engineering in food animals, and the illusion of safety in irradiation.
Applying traditional Jewish principles to her analysis, Kalechofsky concludes with Rabbi David Rosen’s judgment that “…meat consumption has become halachically unjustifiable,” and that it is now time to make vegetarianism into the new kashrut.
Includes practical information about organizations and activism.
Reviews
“Kalechofsky offers a sensible defense of Judaism’s view of animals, suggesting ways in which vegetarianism is not only compatible with but actually fulfills the basic teachings of Judaism.”
Choice
“Writing in a direct, smart, but easily readable style, the author examines in detail the history of our relationship to meat and to ideas of kashrut….a good all-around modern treatment of a subject of growing interest throughout the Jewish community. Recommended for all libraries.”
Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter, Sept/Oct., 2000
“A gold mine of information and ideas about Jewish history as a guide to modern dietary choices and values….The book proposes, and gives substantive evidence for the proposition, that a vegetarian Judaism is the historical fulfillment of our dietary commandments and of our ethos…
Karen Davis, PhD, Poultry Press (Vol 9, No 3, Fall, 1999)
“…applies Jewish principles and looks at traditional sources promoting vegetarianism….will be a useful book for parents and grandparents of vegetarians.”
Josie Mowlem, Jewish Book World
“Anyone who is concerned about how food ends up on their plate and the effects of animal agriculture will be enlightened by Kalechofsky’s work…. her enthusiasm and command of language render even familiar material the power to inspire….”
Susan Kalev, Satya
“…carries a universal message….Readers are left in no doubt that the only difference between kosher (ritually clean) and non-kosher meat occurs at the instant of slaughter, for the animals have all been subjected to the same cruel existence up to that point….
David Ryde, for Oxford Vegetarians
“…contains a wealth of historical information with chapters on kashrut….The chapter on Pikuach Nefesh is a comprehensive and balanced summary of the harm to human health from eating an animal-food based diet, that speaks to all readers, not only those concerned with Judaism….”
Emanuel Goldman, Ph.D., Prof. of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Med. School, columnist in Vegetarian Journal
“Vegetarian Judaism combines the author’s literary talent and wit with her knowledge of kashrut and her zeal for the vegetarian way of life….”
San Diego Jewish Times
“This powerful, inspiring, and important book deserves to reach as wide an audience as possible.”
Charles Patterson, Ph.D., author of The Civil Rights Movement and The Oxford 50th Anniversary Book of the United Nations
“…a notable contribution to the subject of Jewish vegetarianism….”
Rabbi Noach Valley, Jewish Vegetarian Newsletter