Shalom everyone,
This update/Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) Online Newsletter has the following items:
1. Much new material at the JVNA Web Site
2. “Thou Shalt Not Eat Meat”/Challenging Jews on Their Diets
3. JVNA Press Release on the Swine Flu Controversy
4. Veggie Pride Parade 2009 Scheduled
5. My letter re Swine Flu
6. Update on Israel's Water Crisis
7. Plans Made for Fasting to Reduce Animal Abuses
8. Video Relates Factory Farming to the Swine Flu Pandemic
9. Ask the Rabbi: Promoting Vegetarianism and Veganism/My Responses
10. Connections Between the Swine Flu Pandemic and Factory Farming
11. Interreligious Environmental Conference Scheduled
12. The Swine Flu Crisis Lays Bare the Meat Industry's
Monstrous Power
13. Powerful Quote on the Negative Environmental Effects of Animal-Based Diets
14. Our Message Being Spread Widely
15. Great Article Discusses Impact of Jews on the Animal Rights Movement
16. Excerpts From Canfei Nesharim Newsletter
17. Seeking Jewish Teens to Help Promote Vegetarianism
18. Seeking Congressional Action to Help Eliminate Factory Farming
19. NY City Elected Officials to Discuss Animal Welfare
20. Update on Podcast Project
21. Jewish Vegetarian Woman Offers $2,000 for Help Finding Her Soul Mate
Some material has been deferred to a later update/newsletter to keep this one from being even longer.
[Materials in brackets like this [ ] within an article or forwarded message are my editorial notes/comments.]
Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the JVNA, unless otherwise indicated, but may be presented to increase awareness and/or to encourage respectful dialogue. Also, material re conferences, retreats, forums, trips, and other events does not necessarily imply endorsement by JVNA or endorsement of the kashrut, Shabbat observances, or any other Jewish observances, but may be presented for informational purposes. Please use e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, and web sites to get further information about any event that you are interested in. Also, JVNA does not necessarily agree with all positions of groups whose views are included or whose events are announced in this newsletter.
As always, your comments and suggestions are very welcome.
Thanks,
Richard
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1. Much new material at the JVNA Web Site
Much new material has been posted at the JVNA web site. Many thanks to our anonymous volunteer for her splendid work.
a. Many JVNA press releases have been posted at:
http://www.jewishveg.com/media.html
These involve global warming, Postville, health issues and much more. Please take a look and suggest ways to use these and future press releases.
b. CHAPTERS FROM JUDAISM AND GLOBAL SURVIVAL, by Richard Schwartz (Lantern Books, 2002) have been posted in a section near the end at JewishVeg.com/schwartz.
Here are the chapter topics:
1. Involvement and Protest
2. Human Rights and Obligations
3. Social Justice
4. Ecology
5. Environmental Issues in Israel
6. Hunger
7. Peace
8. International Issues and Globalization
9. Energy
10. Global Climate Change
11. Population Growth
12. Vegetarianism -- A Global Imperative?
13. Conclusion
Please consider using these chapters for resources and quotes for your letters, articles and talking points.
c. MY VIDEO AND AUDIO INTERVIEWS AND TALKS are also near the bottom at JewishVeg.com/schwartz.
"Should Jews Be Vegetarians?," Flatbush JC on November 16, 2008 (.mp4 file)
podcasts [Many recordings of interviews of and talks by Richard Schwartz]
d. Three of my new new articles are now at JewishVeg.com/schwartz:
One on Passover:
One on Birkat Hachamah
One on Activism to Reduce Global Threats
There are over 140 articles and about 20 podcasts at that web site. Please let others know about this resource. There is much additional information at the JVNA web site (JewishVeg.com).
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2. “Thou Shalt Not Eat Meat”/Challenging Jews on Their Diets
Because our efforts to get vegetarianism onto the Jewish agenda have had limited success, I have written the article below and I hope to send it to the Jewish media and to rabbis and other Jewish leaders. Suggestions very welcome. Many thanks.
Thou Shalt Not Eat Meat
Richard H. Schwartz
Thou shalt not eat meat?? Have I gone completely crazy? Am I not aware that the Torah gives people permission to eat meat and goes into some detail in discussing which animals are permitted to be eaten and which are not? And that the Talmud has much material on the laws of kashrut related to the preparation and consumption of meat? And that various types of flesh products have been strongly associated with Sabbath and festival celebrations?
Yes, but I still think that it is still necessary, actually essential, to make the case why under current conditions, this issue should be seriously considered.
One of the key reasons is that the world is rapidly approaching an unprecedented catastrophe from global warming and other environmental threats, and animal-based agriculture is a major contributor to these threats. Pikuach nefesh (the mandate to do whatever is necessary to save a human life) is arguably Judaism's most important mitzvah, because it overrides all other mitzvoth, except these forbidding murder, idol worship and sexual immorality, which are not applicable to the issues under consideration. And we are not dealing now with the possibility of saving just one life, but all of humanity.
Please consider:
* There are almost daily reports of the effects of global climate change, including severe heat waves, storms, droughts, floods and wildfires, and the melting of glaciers and polar icecaps.
* While these effects are due to an increase of about 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit in the past 100 years, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a group composed of the world's leading climate scientists, projects an increase of from 3 to 11 degrees Fahrenheit in the next 100 years, which would result in an unparalleled disaster for humanity..
* Some climate scientists, including James Hansen of NASA, are warning that global climate change may spin out of control within a few years with ext reme consequences unless major changes are soon made.
* Israel is especially threatened by global warming. It is now experiencing the worst drought in its history, and the reduced rainfall the last few years has so diminished the level of the Sea of Galilee that the pumping of water from it had to be stopped. In 2007 a report by the Israel Union for Environmental Defense projected that if current trends continue, Israel will experience major heat waves, storms and floods, a decrease in average rainfall of 20 to 30 percent and an inundation of the coastal plain where most Israelis live by a rising Mediterranean Sea.
* According to a 2006 UN Food and Agriculture Organization report, animal-based agriculture emits more greenhouse gases (18% in CO2 equivalents) than all the cars, ships, planes and other means of transportation combined (13.5%), and this difference will sharply increase because the number of farmed animals is projected to double in 50 years. Hence, without a major societal shift to plant-based diets, it will be impossible to obtain the greenhouse gas emissions that climate experts think are essential to avoid the worst effects of global warming.
* Animal-centered agriculture also causes other environmental problems, including soil erosion and depletion, the rapid extinction of species, air and water pollution, and the destruction of tropical rain forests, coral reefs and other valuable habitats. An animal-based diet requires up to 14 times as much water as a vegan diet.
The many negative effects of animal-based diets was well summed up by the editors of World watch magazine in thir July/August 2004 issue: "The human appetite for animal flesh is a driving force behind virtually every major category of environmental damage now threatening the human future. Deforestation, erosion, fresh water scarcity, air and water pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, social injustice, the destabilization of communities, and the spread of disease."
A second major reason that Jews should avoid eating meat is that high meat consumption and the ways in which meat is produced today conflict with at least six basic Jewish teachings:
1) While Judaism mandates that people should be very careful about preserving their health and their lives, numerous scientific studies have linked animal-based diets directly to heart disease, stroke, many forms of cancer, and other chronic degenerative diseases.
2) While Judaism forbids tsa'ar ba'alei chayim, inflicting unnecessary pain on animals, most farm animals -- including those raised for kosher consumers -- are raised on "factory farms" where they live in cramped, confined spaces, and are often drugged, mutilated, and denied fresh air, sunlight, exercise, and any enjoyment of life, before they are slaughtered and eaten.
3) While Judaism teaches that "the earth is the Lord's" (Psalm 24:1) and that we are to be God's partners and co-workers in preserving the world, modern intensive livestock agriculture contributes substantially to soil erosion and depletion, air and water pollution, overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the destruction of tropical rain forests and other habitats, global warming, and other environmental damage.
4) While Judaism mandates bal tashchit, that we are not to waste or unnecessarily destroy anything of value, and that we are not to use more than is needed to accomplish a purpose, animal agriculture requires the wasteful use of grain, land, water, energy, and other resources.
5) While Judaism stresses that we are to assist the poor and share our bread with hungry people, over 70% of the grain grown in the United States is fed to animals destined for slaughter, while an estimated 20 million people worldwide die because of hunger and its effects each year.
6) While Judaism stresses that we must seek and pursue peace and that violence results from unjust conditions, animal-centered diets, by wasting valuable resources, help to perpetuate the widespread hunger and poverty that eventually lead to instability and war.
We could say "dayenu" after each of the arguments above, because each constitutes by itself a serious conflict between Jewish values and current practice that should impel Jews to seriously consider a plant-based diet. Combined, they make an urgently compelling case for the Jewish community to address these issues.
This view is reinforced by some statements by Rabbi David Rosen, former Chief Rabbi of Ireland. He believes that even if eating meat is considered a mitzvah, which he doesn't. it would be a mitzvah haba'ah b'aveirah (a mitzvah based on transgressions). He asserts that “the current treatment of animals in the livestock trade definitely renders the consumption of meat as halachically unacceptable as the product of illegitimate means,” and that “as it is halachically prohibited to harm oneself and as healthy, nutritious vegetarian alternatives are readily available, meat consumption has become halachically unjustifiable.”
Finally, the view that Jews should not eat meat is reinforced by an extension of an article, “Thou Shalt Not Smoke,” by Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, a prolific Orthodox scholar and author. His strong arguments based on health reasons are also applicable to eating meat and, as indicated above, there are many additional reasons for not eating meat.
Rabbi Twerski concludes, “Cigarette smoking causes disease and death. “Those who have the capacity to eliminate a wrong and do not do so bear the responsibility for its consequences.” [his emphasis.] These are harsh words, but they are not mine. They are the words of the Talmud, Tractate Shabbos 54b. Since the eating of meat not only causes disease and death, but also greatly harms billions of animals, contributes significantly to global warming and many other environmental threats, uses water, energy, land and other resources very inefficiently and contributes to widespread hunger, his conclusion is even more applicable to the consumption of meat.
For many years I have argued that Jews have a choice in their diets, but that choice should consider the negative effects of animal-based diets on Jewish teachings, such as those mentioned above. Unfortunately, this has had little effect as the world moves increasingly toward a catastrophe beyond anything since the great flood in the time of Noah. Hence, while it may initially seem very foreign to Judaism, I think it is essential to argue that “Thou shalt not eat meat.”
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3. JVNA Press Release on the Swine Flu Controversy
PRESS RELEASE
JEWISH GROUP URGES SWINE FLU OUTBREAK BE SEEN AS WAKE-UP CALL TO CONSIDER HEALTH AND MORAL ISSUES RELATED TO DIETS
For Immediate Release:
April 28, 2009
Contact:
Richard H. Schwartz, President of the Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA)
Phone: (718) 761-5876 Cell: 917-576-0344
Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) today issued the following statement:
The current widespread breakout of swine flu, related to the close confinement of thousands of animals in unsanitary conditions, where their manure piles up and viruses can proliferate and easily spread and mutate
[http://www.humanesociety.org/farm/news/ournews/swine_flu.html and
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/apr/27/swine-flu-mexico-health and
http://www.grist.org/article/2009-04-25-swine-flu-smithfield/]
should be the latest wake-up call to the need to consider the many ways that animal-based diets are inconsistent with basic Jewish teachings. One is tempted to consider the song dayenu (“It would be enough”) sung at Passover seders, because of the many reasons that by themselves should be enough for Jews (and others) to shift to plant-based diets. Please consider:
1) While Judaism mandates that people should be very careful about preserving their health and their lives, numerous scientific studies have linked animal-based diets directly to heart disease, stroke, many forms of cancer, and other chronic degenerative diseases. Dayenu!
2) While Judaism forbids tsa'ar ba'alei chayim, inflicting unnecessary pain on animals, most farm animals -- including those raised for kosher consumers -- are raised on "factory farms" where they live in cramped, confined spaces, and are often drugged, mutilated, and denied fresh air, sunlight, exercise, and any enjoyment of life, before they are slaughtered and eaten. Dayenu!
3) While Judaism teaches that "the earth is the Lord's" (Psalm 24:1) and that we are to be God's partners and co-workers in preserving the world, modern intensive livestock agriculture contributes substantially to soil erosion and depletion, air and water pollution, overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the destruction of tropical rain forests and other habitats, global warming, and other environmental damage. Dayenu!
4) While Judaism mandates bal tashchit, that we are not to waste or unnecessarily destroy anything of value, and that we are not to use more than is needed to accomplish a purpose, animal agriculture requires the wasteful use of grain, land, water, energy, and other resources. Dayenu!
5) While Judaism stresses that we are to assist the poor and share our bread with hungry people, over 70% of the grain grown in the United States is fed to animals destined for slaughter, while an estimated 20 million people worldwide die because of hunger and its effects each year.
6) While Judaism stresses that we must seek and pursue peace and that violence results from unjust conditions, animal-centered diets, by wasting valuable resources, help to perpetuate the widespread hunger and poverty that eventually lead to instability and war. Dayenu!
We have indicated "dayenu" after each of the arguments above, because each constitutes by itself a serious conflict between Jewish values and current practice that should impel Jews to seriously consider a plant-based diet. Combined, they make an urgently compelling case for the Jewish community to address these issues.
A shift toward vegetarianism is especially important today, with almost daily reports of severe droughts, floods, storms and wildfires and the rapid melting of glaciers and polar icecaps and with some climate scientists, including James Hansen of NASA, warning that global climate change may spin out of control within a few years with extreme consequences unless major changes are soon made.. According to a 2006 UN Food and Agriculture Organization report, animal-based agriculture emits more greenhouse gases (18% in CO2 equivalents) than all the cars, ships, planes and other means of transportation combined (13.5%), and this difference will sharply increase because the number of farmed animals is projected to double in 50 years. Hence, without a major societal shift to plant-based diets, it will be impossible to obtain the greenhouse gas emissions that climate experts think are essential to avoid the worst effects of global warming.
Israel is especially threatened by global warming. It is now experiencing the worst drought in its history, and the reduced rainfall the last few years has so diminished the level of the Sea of Galilee that the pumping of water from it had to be stopped. In 2007 a report by the Israel Union for Environmental Defense projected that if current trends continue, Israel will experience major heat waves, storms and floods, a decrease in average rainfall of 20 to 30 percent and an inundation of the coastal plain wh ere most Israelis live by a rising Mediterranean Sea.
In view of these great threats to Israel, all of humanity and all of creation, JVNA believes that it is essential that the Jewish community fulfill our mandate to be a 'light unto the nations' and lead efforts to address these critical issues.
JVNA is urging that tikkun olam-the healing and repair of the world -- become a central issue in synagogues, Jewish schools and other Jewish institutions. “Judaism has splendid teachings on environmental conservation and sustainability, and it is essential that they be applied to respond to the many current environmental threats,” stated Richard Schwartz, president of JVNA.
JVNA urges rabbis and other Jewish leaders to make Jews aware of these issues and to put the many moral issues related to our diets on the Jewish agenda..
Further information about these issues can be found at JewishVeg.com. JVNA will provide complimentary copies of its new documentary A SACRED DUTY: APPLYING JEWISH VALUES TO HELP HEAL THE WORLD and related materials to rabbis and other Jewish leaders who will consider using them to involve their congregations on the issues.
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4. Veggie Pride Parade 2009 Scheduled
I am scheduled to speak and I plan to march and hand out DVDs at this important event in lower Manhattan, NY City, on Sunday, May 17. Also, JVNA will be sharing a table at the event. I would love to see and chat with people on this list at this event. If you would like to help at the JVNA table or in any other way, please let me know. People can find me handing out DVDs at the gathering before the parade or at the JVNA table after the march. Thanks.
Pamela Rice has done a splendid job of organizing this event. A message from her is below. Please check the web sites indicated for further information about the parade and associated events. Thanks.
Dear Richard:
Following are the two Web pages that give people all the pertinent information:
Press release:
http://www.veggieprideparade.org/dept/pr.htm
Program guide
http://www.veggieprideparade.org/dept/program.2009.htm
Click on box with smilie face to download PDF of the program guide.
also....
HOME PAGE:
http://www.veggieprideparade.org/
Best regards,
Pamela Rice
PS: Thank you so much for your support. I truly appreciate it!
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5. My letter re Swine Flu
May 1, 2009
Editor, Staten Island Advance
Editor@siadvance.com
Dear Editor:
Whole visits to modern meat departments and butcher shops may disguise it, modern 'livestock' agriculture involves corrals filled with sick, mistreated animals pumped full of antibiotics, incredible concentrations of manure, and swarms of buzzing flies, creating a perfect storm for disease, which can result in pandemics like the current one involving swine flu. So, your May 3 front page article, “Health official: pandemic is imminent,” should be an additional wake up call to the need to abolish factory farming of animals and for a shift to nutritious plant-based diets.
Such changes would have many additional benefits, since the production and consumption of animal products contributes significantly to: an epidemic of heart disease, various types of cancer and other diseases that are resulting in soaring medical expenditures and thus major budget deficits; global warming, destruction of tropical rain forests and other valuable habitats, rapid species extinction and many more environmental problems; widespread hunger, as 70 percent of the grain produced in the US and 40 percent produced worldwide are fed to farmed animals.
Hence, a switch toward plant-based diets is not only an important individual choice, but a societal imperative, essential to move our imperiled planet to a sustainable path.
Very truly yours,
Richard H. Schwartz
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6. Update on Israel's Water Crisis
Forwarded message from the Jewish National Fund (JNF):
Israel's usable water supply is at an all-time low.
http://support.jnf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=31daysinmay
Water levels are down owing to four straight years of drought. Precipitation is inadequate, and private consumption is increasing. Quotas for farmers and water rationing for Israelis has already begun in the north and the Sea of Galilee may soon stop pumping [It recently did.].
According to the UN water index, the minimum quantity of water each person needs is 79,200 gallons per year. Israel's water sources can supply only 31,680 gallons per person per year, a scant 40% of the UN minimum. Israel can't survive without water, the essence of life.
This campaign starts today. Your participation in 31 Days in May
http://support.jnf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=31daysinmay
will help JNF alleviate Israel's water crisis by raising funds to build 40 new reservoirs, research and implement new agricultural techniqu es, and develop innovative wetlands technology.
Working the same way as walk-a-thons, JNF's online tool allows you to create your own fundraising page to tap your friends and family for this campaign. Learn more.
Together, over the next 31 days, we can make a positive impact on the lives of Israel's people.
[One major change would be a shift to plant-based diets, since an animal-based diet use up to 14 times as much water as a vegan diet.]
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7. Plans Made for Fasting to Reduce Animal Abuses
Forwarded message:
I would like to request that you please put this information on your next newsletter. I would greatly appreciate it.
All the info is on this site http://www.livevegan.net
We have a Facebook group and we are gathering volunteers.
Fasting to Abolish Animal Slavery [FAAS] is an event to highlight and call for the abolition of all forms of nonhuman slavery. This fasting event will be held on Earth Day 2010 and hopefully thereafter. There is no particular group represented, just a group of individuals (vegetarian and vegans). There will also be information at stalls besides the fasters. It will be in a public setting with hopefully media coverage.
If you need more information, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thanks very much
Kind regards
Trisha
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8. Video Relates Factory Farming to the Swine Flu Pandemic
Forwarded message from Jeff and Sabrina Nelson of EarthSave:
Globalization means big US corporate bacon farms moved to Mexico where you can get cheap, desperate labor - and where the poor, powerless residents can't sue you for the horrific stench and disease produced by the pig manure swamps.
The miserable, stressful lifestyles of the factory farmed pigs makes them sick.
The result?
World pandemic.
Practices of the meat industry constitute a threat to humanity.
So why aren't people in the media talking about the connection between factory farming and human health?
Actually, one vegan newscaster who has her own show on CNN is doing just that.
Watch the videos:
http://www.vegsource.com/articles2/media_swine_flu1.htm
Peas & love,
Jeff & Sabrina
P.S. Please share VegSource e-mails and videos with friends and colleagues.
That's how we grow. Thanks.
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9. Ask the Rabbi: Promoting Vegetarianism and Veganism/My Responses
Below is a message from the Israeli school Eretz Hemdah, which trains students to be judges in Jewish law (halacha). It summarizes my question to them and then provides their response. After their complete response below, I repeat that response, with my comments interspersed..
Question: The attached literature explains why we feel Jewish leaders, including rabbis, should take a leading role in promoting vegetarianism and veganism (not using animal products, including milk and eggs). We await your comments and feedback, as the rabbinic community is relatively silent on the matter.
[We [Eretz Hemdad] very briefly summarize the issues the question included. Readers are invited to learn more at www.JewishVeg.com (a site that was referenced) and react.] The billions of farmed animals produce more greenhouse gases than human transportation, contributing to the looming world ecological disaster, including flooding, heat waves, and droughts in places such as Israel. These animals require enormous amounts of water and animal feed, much of which could feed starving people. Wasting resources in this way violates bal tashchit (the prohibition to waste). Jews are not filling their leadership role of tikkun olam (improving the world). Also, most farming of animals is done in a cruel manner (tza'ar ba'alei chayim).
Answer: The scientific consensus seems to agree with your basic premises.
However, we lack the expertise to confirm or reject the definitive picture you paint of the danger's extent and the most effective ways to act.
For this reason, many rabbis are uncomfortable speaking out.
Because we agree that waiting until all the facts are crystal clear may do om us, we are responding to you in an abridged and theoretical manner to do our part to advance dialogue within the Jewish community.
Few, if any, of us can make a significant impact on world ecology. Thus, when each of us decides about diet, the matter can be equated to the following situation. A person has a serious medical condition. He can decrease the chances of tragedy by a tiny amount if he undergoes a difficult treatment. While it might be wise for him to take the steps, he is not halachically required to do so. Otherwise, anyone with a serious illness would have to spend all of his money to hire the biggest (most expensive) expert in the field to heal him (as our mentor, Rav Z.N. Goldberg, has argued is not so). On the Jewish, national level, if the world would follow our lead, we might have a national obligation to make a significant difference, but we do not think that this is presently the case.
However, we still feel it is noble to try to advance ecological concerns along the lines of the Rabbis' words, “It is not for you to finish the job, but neither are you free to be idle from it.”
There are various steps we can take to improve the situation, of which vegetarianism/ veganism is but one. These include: supporting (when it does not conflict with bigger concerns) “green-minded” candidates for office; spending money on fuel efficiency (efficient cars, home insulation, etc.); investing in companies that research and develop environmentally friendly technology; reducing consumption of animal products and fuels (adjust thermostat, walk and take public transportation more); speak to friends and/or write about such steps.
We reject the claim that raising livestock is bal tachshit. Bal tachshit refers to acts that are directly destructive, such as ripping and chopping down without positive gain (see Rambam, Melachim 6:10). Allocating resources for a desired result in a less than ideal manner or where there are side effects does not violate the prohibition.
Regarding cruelty to animals, although it is unclear what the exact parameters of proper conditions are, it is clear that there are many instances of abuse. We encourage efforts to “clean up the industry.” While veganism is a noble means to limit abuses, by causing there to be fewer animals born to suffer, it does not eradicate the problem and is not required. We support boycotting companies who are known to cause definite tza'ar ba'alei chayim.
In summary, we encourage people to take steps to reduce dependence on animal farming and improving world ecology.
However, this does not mean one needs to be a vegan or a vegetarian.
Eretz Hemdah - Institute for Advanced Jewish Studies, Jerusalem © All Rights Reserved
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Eetz Hemdah's answer is repeated blow, with my comments interspersed:
Answer: The scientific consensus seems to agree with your basic premises.
**** This is an important concession by a well-respected Israeli educational establishment, and much appreciated.
However, we lack the expertise to confirm or reject the definitive picture you paint of the danger's extent and the most effective ways to act.
**** This is why JVNA has long advocated that a commission of rabbis, other Jewish scholars, environmentalists, nutritionists and other experts be set up to objectively study the issues and issue a report.
For this reason, many rabbis are uncomfortable speaking out.
**** Perhaps they could set up forums to explore the issues, without necessarily forming conclusions or issuing statements. We are not dealing with just an ordinary issue here, but factors that concern the future of humanity.
Because we agree that waiting until all the facts are crystal clear may doom us, we are responding to you in an abridged and theoretical manner to do our part to advance dialogue within the Jewish community.
***** This is very much appreciated. I wish other groups were as open to at least considering the issues.
Few, if any, of us can make a significant impact on world ecology. Thus, when each of us decides about diet, the matter can be equated to the following situation. A person has a serious medical condition. He can decrease the chances of tragedy by a tiny amount if he undergoes a difficult treatment. While it might be wise for him to take the steps, he is not halachically required to do so. Otherwise, anyone with a serious illness would have to spend all of his money to hire the biggest (most expensive) expert in the field to heal him (as our mentor, Rav Z.N. Goldberg, has argued is not so). On the Jewish, national level, if the world would follow our lead, we might have a national obligation to make a significant difference, but we do not think that this is presently the case.
**** I think that if there was a major move by Jews toward vegetarianism, with the reasons made clear, this could receive much publicity and perhaps start a movement by others to healthier and more environmentally sustainable diets.
**** Aren't we supposed to try to be a light unto the nations, even if the likelihood of making an impact is small?
**** Rabbi Yosef Carmel has stated that a shift to vegetarianism is important because of pikuach nefesh (saving of human lives). Since pikuach nefesh overrides all other mitzvot (except for these forbidding murder, idol worship an sexual immorality, which are not issues in this situation), isn't this an important reason to act?
However, we still feel it is noble to try to advance ecological concerns along the lines of the Rabbis' words, “It is not for you to finish the job, but neither are you free to be idle from it.”
**** Agreed, of course.
There are various steps we can take to improve the situation, of which vegetarianism/ veganism is but one. These include: supporting (when it does not conflict with bigger concerns) “green-minded” candidates for office; spending money on fuel efficiency (efficient cars, home insulation, etc.); investing in companies that research and develop environmentally friendly technology; reducing consumption of animal products and fuels (adjust thermostat, walk and take public transportation more); speak to friends and/or write about such steps.
**** Absolutely! While we believe that a major shift toward vegetarian (and preferably vegan) diets is essential in trying to reduce global warming, we, of course, also support other steps, such as the ones you mention above.
We reject the claim that raising livestock is bal tachshit. Bal tachshit refers to acts that are directly destructive, such as ripping and chopping down without positive gain (see Rambam, Melachim 6:10). Allocating resou rces for a desired result in a less than ideal manner or where there are side effects does not violate the prohibition.
**** Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, the outstanding 19th century Orthodox leader, author and philosopher, states in Horeb (Section 56, No. 399): “But destruction does not only mean making something purposely unfit for its designated use; it also means trying to attain a certain aim by making use of more things and more valuable things when fewer and less valuable ones would suffice; or if this aim is not really worth the means expanded for its attainment.”
Regarding cruelty to animals, although it is unclear what the exact parameters of proper conditions are, it is clear that there are many instances of abuse. We encourage efforts to “clean up the industry.” While veganism is a noble means to limit abuses, by causing there to be fewer animals born to suffer, it does not eradicate the problem and is not required. We support boycotting companies who are known to cause definite tza'ar ba'alei chayim.
**** I think an investigation of the industry would show that animal abuses on modern factory farms are very extensive. I hope the religious community will investigate the situation. It took the mainly secular Israeli Supreme Court to outlaw the production of pate de foie gras in Israel.
In summary, we encourage people to take steps to reduce dependence on animal farming and improving world ecology.
**** Wonderful! This is MUCH appreciated. Perhaps some of your excellent faculty and students might investigate the issues further and issue a report that will be helpful to the Jewish community.
However, this does not mean one needs to be a vegan or a vegetarian.
**** But, do you believe that, since Jews have a choice, their dietary decisions should b based on an understanding of the realities of the production and consumption of animal products and how they impinge on Jewish teaching related to such issues as preservation of human health, proper treatment of animals, environmental sustainability, resource conservation, helping hungry people and pursuing peace and justice?
**** Many thanks for your very thoughtful response. Kol tuv.
Richard (Schwartz)
Eretz Hemdah - Institute for Advanced Jewish Studies, Jerusalem © All Rights Reserved
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10. Connections Between the Swine Flu Pandemic and Factory Farming
Forwarded message from Michael Gregor, MD, an expert on such issues:
A few commentators have noted the role that "factory farming" may be playing in the emergence of zoonotic swine flu viruses, including the one now spreading in North America:
Here are my comments:
http://www.humanesociety.org/farm/news/ournews/swine_flu.html
And two others that have recently blogged about the possibility:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kirby/swine-flu-outbreak----nat_b_191408.html
http://www.grist.org/article/2009-04-25-swine-flu-smithfield/
The World Health Organization has now declared swine flu a public health emergency. To stay on top of this serious development I recommend the following sources:
http://scienceblogs.com/effectmeasure/
http://crofsblogs.typepad.com/h5n1/
http://www.newfluwiki2.com/frontPage.do
http://afludiary.blogspot.com/
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/
--
Michael Greger, M.D.
Director, Public Health and Animal Agriculture
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20037
fax: (202) 676-2372
http://www.birdflubook.org
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11. Interreligious Environmental Conference Scheduled
Forwarded message from environmental activist Rabbi Lawrence Troster:
Repairing the Garden:
An Introduction to Religious Environmentalism
Wesley Theological Seminary
4500 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20016
May 26, 2009 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Led by: Rabbi Lawrence Troster, Director, Fellowship Program GreenFaith and Beth Norcross, Coordinator, Green Seminary Initiative and Adjunct Faculty, Wesley Seminary
This seminar will introduce the participants to the rich scope of religious environmentalism. It will consist of: a brief survey of the history of the religious environmental movement from its beginnings over forty years ago; an overview of traditional Jewish and Christian views on the God/human/natural world relationship; the viewing of part of a new documentary, Renewal, which features a number of faith communities acting out their commitments to the earth; and specific steps your home congregation can begin taking to protect the earth.
This seminar is particularly geared to religious educators, religious leaders and religious leaders-in-training. However, all interested parties are welcome to attend.
Please bring your Bible with you.
Please direct questions to Beth Norcross at BethNorcross1@aol.com or Larwrence Troster at rabbiltroster@greenfaith.org.
Rabbi Lawrence Troster
Director, Fellowship Program,
GreenFaith: Interfaith Partners for the Environment
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12. The Swine Flu Crisis Lays Bare the Meat Industry's Monstrous Power
The Mexico swine flu outbreak should alert us to a highly globalised industry with global political clout
Mike Davis
guardian.co.uk, Monday 27 April 2009
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/apr/27/swine-flu-mexico-health
The Mexican swine flu, a genetic chimera probably conceived in the fecal mire of an industrial pigsty, suddenly threatens to give the whole world a fever. The
initial outbreaks across North America reveal an infection already traveling at higher velocity than did the last official pandemic strain, the 1968 Hong
Kong flu.
SNIP (due to space limitations)
A related article:
Swine-flu outbreak could be linked to Smithfield factory farms
http://www.grist.org/article/2009-04-25-swine-flu-smithfield/
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13. Powerful Quote on the Negative Environmental Effects of Animal-Based Diets
"The human appetite for animal flesh is a driving force behind virtually every major category of environmental damage now threatening the human future. Deforestation, erosion, fresh water scarcity, air and water pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, social injustice, the destabilization of communities, and the spread of disease." Editors, World Watch, July/August 2004
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14. Our Message Being Spread Widely
Forwarded message (with permission):
Dear Sir,
I write to first appreciate the Jewish vegetarian based in the United States for their tremendous efforts in keeping the World's ecology in balance through vegetarianism. It is indeed a fact that abstinence from breeding and eating of animals is surly the fastest way of saving our endangered earth in the present age. Once again, I say a very big thank you to you all.
I am a Christian by birth, but respect and appreciates all religions of the world, because I see them all fighting for one goal which is God realization. I am also a Lacto Vegetarian who is in support of God's law, that man should love all God's creatures.
I humbly request that DVD of the documentary A Sacred Duty and other DVDs containing the importance of vegetarianism to the world be sent to me. Finally, I would like to contribute my quota academically to the progress of this course if allowed by you. I have a Postgraduate degree in Environmental Biology.
Yours Faithfully,
Nwaka Kehi, Nigeria
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15. Great Article Discusses Impact of Jews on the Animal Rights Movement
www.tikkun.org/article.php/Nathan - 48k -
Thanks to JVNA advisor Sandra Nathan for writing such a wonderful article.
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16. Excerpts From Canfei Nesharim Newsletter
On Eagles' Wings
Counting the Omer Edition
In This Issue
Help us Take Flight
Torah Insight
Environment Matters
Rise to the Madrega
Partners in Flight
Quick Links
Engage your shul
Engage your school
For further information about the items in this newsletter and more about Canfei Nesharim, please visit:
http://www.canfeinesharim.org/
View this month's full newsletter
Help us Take Flight
Would you like to bring Torah and environment education to your shul or day school? Pilot programs are accepting synagogues and schools from across the Jewish community. Your participation will make a difference! Contact us for more information.
Learn what the Torah can teach about the environment - each week! Subscribe today to our weekly Torah commentary.
Buy eco-products in Canfei Nesharim's web store! For every product bought, a donation is made to Canfei Nesharim. And a difference is made for the environment!
Adopt a Tree! Through the Eitz Chaim "Adopt a Tree" Program, you can support a living tree while supporting Canfei Nesharim. Makes great gifts for holidays, birthdays, all year round. Visit and order on their great new website. Or order toll-free at 1-800-660-9077.
Help Canfei Nesharim take flight by sponsoring one of our exciting upcoming products. Dedicate an individual parsha in our upcoming "Jewish Environmental Parsha Initiative" in honor or in memory of a loved one, or many other wonderful opportunities for sponsorship ranging from $100 to $18,000. For more information, email us or call 212-284-6745.
See your name in print! Build your portfolio and writing skills by writing periodic articles for On Eagles' Wings. For more information, email a writing sample to us.
As our organization expands, we are looking for volunteers for synagogue and school program planning, materials development, website maintenance, and other projects. If you'd like to be involved, contact us by email.
Subscribe
Join Our Mailing List
April 29. 2009
5 Iyar 5769
Dear Friends,
At last spring has come. In the Jewish calendar we are Counting the Omer from Pesach to Shavuos, a process which includes not only spiritual but also agricultural and natural meaning. We have also just celebrated the secular holiday of Earth Day, a time to remember the resources Hashem has granted us on this beautiful planet.
This newsletter features some teachings and tips for your own learning, and to share with your community, around this special time of the year.
Wishing you a beautiful Spring,
Evonne Marzouk
Executive Director
P.S. Like what you see? Forward it to your friends and community members!
Torah Insight
Counting the Omer, Refining Ourselves
by Jonathan Neril
Our actions are deeply connected to the environment that we see around us. Our current period of "counting the Omer" offers an opportunity for strengthening and refining our character. As we will explore, this process also contains within it meaningful ways to address, from a spiritual place, some of the pressing issues of our time.
The State of Our Land
The Jewish people have a special responsibility to preserve and protect the Land of Israel. With a growing population of 6.5 million and a land mass the size of New Jersey, it is of critical importance to protect Israel's natural resources and preserve its remaining open space. Israel has led the search for environmentally sustainable and economically sound ways to promote growth while protecting Israel's unique environment. Yet Israel also faces signi-cant environmental challenges which need to be addressed. Explore some of the problems and possible solutions in a new Canfei Nesharim fact sheet.
View the Fact Sheet
Order FREE fact sheets for your community to use during the Omer!
http://www.canfeinesharim.org/
And, in the News:
The Environmental Protection Agency for the first time will require pesticide manufacturers to test 67 chemicals contained in their products to determine whether they disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates animals' and humans' growth, metabolism and reproduction, the agency said yesterday... Read article in the Washington Post
Rise to the Madrega (the level for Action)
Save Water
Every year during Pesach, we pray for the health of the grain crop during the prayer for dew: "Dew-give it to favor Your land;...with abundant grain and wine may you strengthen us...Dew and plenty, may they fill our granaries." In saying and hearing this, we focus on Hashem accepting our prayers for beneficial dew and healthy harvests. During the time of the Omer, we are especially aware of the need for water resources.
What can I do at home?
Look around your house over the next several days and see if you notice an y leaks in your sinks and showers. If you see any dripping, fix it or have it fixed.
Learn More About Saving Water in Your Home
Partners in Flight
This month, Canfei Nesharim extends three eco-friendly cheers to Ruthie Gopin, founder of Carbon-Free Kids. Ruthie, a 12-year-old Orthodox Jewish girl living in Silver Spring, Maryland, founded Carbon-Free Kids. The group raises money to enable all members of the group to offset their carbon footprint, and raises awareness about climate change and energy conservation. In a special report featured on the Carbonfund.org website, a senior climate change specialist wrote of Ruthie that he was encouraged that "with individuals like these moving into the leadership roles of tomorrow, we'll be able to work together to find solutions to the grave problems that face us." Thanks Ruthie, and you should continue to have hatzlocha with your unique project.
Many thanks to Yaakov Lehman, our newsletter editor, John Schlackman, our webmaster, and the rest of our steering committee and volunteers who contributed to the development of this newsletter. If you would like to contribute materials or ideas to the newsletter, please contact us.
Canfei Nesharim provides a Torah based approach to understand and act on the relationship between traditional Jewish sources and modern environmental issues. As the leader of a Torah-based environmental movement, Canfei Nesharim develops programs and materials and provides access to Torah-based environmental resources. We seek to educate both those in the Orthodox Jewish community and those in the wider Jewish community about these issues and promote an ongoing dialogue about our Torah mandated responsibility to protect the environment.
Visit our website to learn more!
http://www.canfeinesharim.org/
Note: All materials published herein are Copyright 2009 by their authors. Reproduction of this material is encouraged so long as the footer and header information remains intact.
ON A WING
Thank you for taking the time to focus on the importance of our natural world and our obligation to protect it. We look forward to sharing more Torah and avodas Hashem with you in the future.
Canfei Nesharim is eager to share our learning. Please forward this newsletter to anyone who would find it interesting, so that we can continue to develop our connections and engagement in the community! And please encourage the people who would be interested to subscribe directly to our mailing list using the link below.
Canfei Nesharim | 111 Eighth Ave | 11th Floor | New York | NY | 10011
http://www.canfeinesharim.org/
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17. Seeking Jewish Teens to Help Promote Vegetarianism
Thanks to Nina Natelson, founder and director of Concern for Helping Animals in Israel (CHAI), for the idea and the statement below:
Youth is the future. It is vital that young people become involved in promoting vegetarianism. If you are a Jewish teen who is vegetarian, or if you know one who has a facility for speaking or writing, please contact us.
We are seeking teen volunteers to approach publications and organizations that offer programming and activities for Jewish teens to give a presentation or write an article about how it's cool to be veg, or about the lifestyle/global warming connection or other relevant topic.
If you are an interested teen or know of one, or have suggestions about this idea, please let me know. Thanks.
Of course, we would also welcome volunteers of all ages, as there is much to be done in many areas.
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18. Seeking Congressional Action to Help Eliminate Factory Farming
Forwarded message:
Let your congressional representatives and senators know
that you want them to help eliminate factory farming (easy
form to fill out):
http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/swine_flu
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19. NY City Elected Officials to Discuss Animal Welfare
PLEASE SPREAD THE NEWS TO ALL NEW YORKERS
Forwarded message:
On May 26, some of the top elected officials in NYC government will come together to talk about animal welfare - for the first time ever - at a gr oundbreaking candidates forum organized by the New York League of Humane Voters (NYLHV). Candidates for Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller and Manhattan District Attorney will be joining us to answer *your* questions about animal protection issues. We've invited everyone and many have confirmed. Now we need you to attend and bring your friends! It's critically important that we have hundreds of people at this forum. Let's show the candidates & elected officials that New Yorkers care about animals... and we vote! Please tell everyone you know about this historic event!
What: NYLHV Candidate Night
When: Tuesday, May 26 - 7pm - 10pm
Where: LGBT Center, 208 W. 13th St., Rm. 301 (Manhattan)
Why: Because We Care About Animals... And We Vote!
The Candidates We've Invited:
Mayoral Candidates
Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Comptroller Bill Thompson
Council Member Tony Avella
Bill Talen (a.k.a. Rev. Billy)
Public Advocate Candidates
NYC Council Member Eric Gioia
NYC Council Member Bill de Blasio
Former Public Advocate Mark Green
Norman Siegel
Alex Ablocki
Comptroller Candidates
NYC Council Member Melinda Katz
NYC Council Member David Yassky
NYC Council Member John Liu
NYC Council Member David Weprin
Manhattan District Attorney Candidates
Richard Aborn
Leslie Crocker Snyder
Cyrus Vance, Jr.
The forum will be moderated by NYLHV Executive Director John Phillips.
We look forward to seeing you on May 26!
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20. Update on Podcast Project
Forwarded message from Joseph Puentes:
This time there are two new audio presentations:
1) Dr. Rajendra Pachauri "Meat and Climate Change" I want to thank The Climate Outreach Information Network (COIN) (http://coinet.org.uk
for providing the online presentation by Dr. Pachauri. I'd also like to thank Kathy Bai of Supreme Master TV (http://suprememastertv.com/) for sending me the link to this great message:
http://h2opodcast.com/vsse.html#mcc
2) An oldie but goodie from Environmental Blogger and Meat Eater George Monbiot "Why Vegans Were Right All Along":
http://h2opodcast.com/vsse.html#gm
-------------------------------------------------------
COMING IN TWO WEEKS: We have a great presentation as Rae Sikora the co-founder and director of Plant Peace Daily (http://www.plantpeacedaily.org) interviews Karen Davis of the United Poultry Concerns (http://www.upc-online.org/)
-------------------------------------------------------
The VSSE podcast has a Facebook presence. You can send me your friend suggestions and join the group here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=40863727638
Please spread the word that the podcast exists share with your "Environmentalist" friends.
-------------------------------------------------------
I am talking to an individual now in the Middle East that is a Vegetarian and we are working toward getting podcasts into the Indian and some Arabic Languages.
The International Languages Vegetarian podcast has a great new podcast by Cristina Sebastian: http://h2opodcast.com/vil/spanish.html#003 If you speak Spanish or have friends that speak Spanish have them give the podcast a listen. Also In English Cristina included this information on an important report we should all read "The Livestock industry and climate. EU makes bad worse": http://www.jensholm.se/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/meat_climate_report.pdf
If you know of people that speak other languages please refer them to me so we can search for existing Vegetarian Podcasts in their language so I can link to them or we can create Audio Messages on Vegetarianism in their language if not exist. You can refer them to: NoMeat@h2opodcast.com
-------------------------------------------------------
I need help with with the VSSE podcast. This podcast is a community effort and the project can definitely benefit with the liberal sharing of "YOUR VOICE." I have material waiting to be read on the Environmental Reasons the world needs to TRANSITION toward a plant based diet so please contact me (NoMeat@h2opodcast.com) so we can discuss how you can read for the podcast. Here is more material on this subject: http://h2opodcast.com/wtp.html
-------------------------------------------------------
Keep in mind that the best way to listen to the audio is to subscribe to the free podcast by downloading a free copy of the iTunes program at: http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ You would then proceed to insert the VSSE RSS feed (http://h2opodcast.com/rss/vsse.xml)
into iTunes to complete the free subscription process. If you don't feel like doing that just click on the individual links at the http://h2opodcast.com/vsse.html site and listen directly from the internet or right click, save to your computer and upload to your mp3 player.
-------------------------------------------------------
If you would like to be removed from the list please contact me directly at NoMeat@h2opodcast.com
joseph
-------------------------------------------------------
Joseph Puentes
http://h2opodcast.com/vsse.html (Vegan Environmental Solutions Podcast)
http://h2opodcast.com (Environmental Podcast)
http://h2opodcast.blogspot.com/ (Blog for above)
http://PleaseListenToYourMom.com (Women's Peace Podcast)
http://NuestraFamiliaUnida.com (Latin American History Podcast)
http://NuestrosRanchos.com (Jalisco, Zacatecas, and Aguascalientes Genealogy)
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21. Jewish Vegetarian Woman Offers $2,000 for Help Finding Her Soul Mate
Forwarded message from Judith:
In an attempt to step it up as my 40th birthday approaches (Sept. 12th), and since I can't be my own matchmaker, I'm offering the traditional Jewish payment [$2,000] to anyone who can bring me my soul mate.
You may already know him through your work, your synagogue, your kid's school, your neighborhood, club, gym, friends, family, etc. He doesn't have to be local. Be creative with your networking!
Please keep your eyes open for someone who'd be a good fit.
Feel free to forward widely.
You can have him view my Jdate profile "JoyfulVeggie" and, if he's interested, have him call me. 510-418-8813, cell
Bare minimum requirements for my soul mate:
Strong Jewish identity
Must love dogs
Vegetarian, vegan, or veggie-friendly
Liberal politics
Better odds he's my soul mate if he has/is the following:
Loves nature, international travel, water sports
Prefers quiet outdoors to city social scenes
Concern for environmental and wildlife conservation
Skinny and into healthy, organic eating
Light eyes
Long or curly hair
Around my age
Likes/wants/has children
Intellectual who likes to read and see foreign and independent movies & offbeat comedies
Generous and kind
Feels compelled to make the world a better place in some way
Self-employed/entrepreneurial and thinks outside the box
Loves the SF Bay Area - weather, people, attitude, natural beauty
I hope to write you your $2000 check soon!
Thanks, in advance, for any prospects you send my way.
Judith
Judith Gottesman, MSW
Marketing Consultant and Matchmaker
Soul Mates Unlimited - Personalized Matchmaking
http://www.judithgottesman.com
http://www.soulmatesunlimited.com
510.418.8813, cell
PO Box 5712, Berkeley, CA 94705
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The material on this site is provided for educational and informational purposes. It may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. It is being made available in an effort to advance the understanding of vegetarian, environmental, nutritional, health, economic, social justice and human rights issues etc. It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have an interest in using the included information for educational or research purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. The information on this site does not constitute legal, technical or medical advice.
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DISCLAIMER
Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the JVNA, unless otherwise indicated, but may be presented to increase awareness and/or to encourage respectful dialogue. Also, material re conferences, retreats, forums, trips, and other events does not necessarily imply endorsement by JVNA or endorsement of the kashrut, Shabbat observances, or any other Jewish observances, but may be presented for informational purposes. Please use e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, and web sites to get further information about any event that you are interested in. Also, JVNA does not necessarily agree with all positions of groups whose views are included or whose events are announced in this newsletter.
Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the JVNA, unless otherwise indicated, but may be presented to increase awareness and/or to encourage respectful dialogue. Also, material re conferences, retreats, forums, trips, and other events does not necessarily imply endorsement by JVNA or endorsement of the kashrut, Shabbat observances, or any other Jewish observances, but may be presented for informational purposes. Please use e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, and web sites to get further information about any event that you are interested in. Also, JVNA does not necessarily agree with all positions of groups whose views are included or whose events are announced in this newsletter.
FAIR USE NOTICE
The material on this site is provided for educational and informational purposes. It may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. It is being made available in an effort to advance the understanding of vegetarian, environmental, nutritional, health, economic, social justice and human rights issues etc. It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have an interest in using the included information for educational or research purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. The information on this site does not constitute legal, technical or medical advice.
The material on this site is provided for educational and informational purposes. It may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. It is being made available in an effort to advance the understanding of vegetarian, environmental, nutritional, health, economic, social justice and human rights issues etc. It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have an interest in using the included information for educational or research purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. The information on this site does not constitute legal, technical or medical advice.