Shalom everyone,
This update/Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) Online Newsletter has the following items:
1. “Turning Copenhagen Into CopenVegan”
2. Essential Veg Message on Climate Change/Please Help Spread It
3. More on Rabbi Eric Yoffie’s Suggestion that Reform Jews Eat Less Red Meat
4. Carriage Horses Banned in Tel Aviv/Kudos to CHAI
5. Vegan Plaintiffs for a Law Suit to Get Vegan Options into Schools Sought
6. Animal Rights Group Builds Case and Sets Up a Web Site Based on World Watch Article
7. World Fur Free Friday (WFFF) Being Organized
8. Update On Postville Kosher Slaughterhouse Case
9. UK Jewish Group Promotes Tikkun Olam/Justice
10. Interesting Vegan Video
11. European Parliament to Host Major Climate Change Event
12. Sarah Palin Critical of Vegetarians in Her Book
13. NY Times Article re the World Watch Article and the 51% Claim
14. Should Meat Be Taxed?
15. Responding to the Recent Controversy Re Mammography
16. Comprehensive Report Paints Bleak Picture Re Climate Change in Europe
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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Note: Help With the JVNA Newsletter Very Welcome
Wanted: a volunteer with good computer skills to be assistant editor, to help enliven the newsletters with pictures, graphics, etc. Probably would not take more than an hour or so per week, and you would be doing us a great service.
Suggestions for improving the newsletters and for promoting vegetarianism more effectively very welcome. Thanks.
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1. “Turning Copenhagen Into CopenVegan”
I am still working with very dedicated people in increasing awareness in Copenhagen about the urgency of a major shift to plant-based diets in order to avoid a global climate-catastrophe. Unfortunately, it looks like the US Congress will not pass a bill before the climate conference in December, and it looks like Copenhagen will at best be a stepping stone toward hopefully a more successful conference in Mexico City next year. But we still hope to get our messages out and have as much of an impact as possible. More in the next newsletter, as plans are still taking place.
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Forwarded article re Copenhagen
ANALYSIS - Farms on the radar at Copenhagen climate talks
... farm livestock account for 51 percent of all global greenhouse gases....
13 Nov 2009
U.N. negotiators will next month put farming onto the radar of climate regulations for the first time, but governments face aggressive lobbies and gaps in the science proving the extent of agricultural emissions. [Why our efforts are so important.]
Farming is both a likely victim of climate changes including more droughts and floods, and a cause, through the release of greenhouse gases from fertilisers and cattle. The sector also has a wide impact through soil management(...)
"They're lucky to have got away with it this far, it should be included in a U.S. climate bill and in Copenhagen," said Robert Goodland, formerly of the World Bank and co-author of a report which last month caused a stir by estimating that farm livestock account for 51 percent of all global greenhouse gases.
The estimate included carbon emissions from burning trees to clear land for cattle, and cows' respiration as well as their methane-rich burps, and took account of new research suggesting methane is a stronger greenhouse gas than previously thought...
http://www.evana.org/index.php?id=50402&lang=en
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2. Essential Veg Message on Climate Change/Please Help Spread It
SEVEN BASIC POINTS TO BE BROUGHT OUT AT COPENVEGAN EVENTS (and in other ways)
1. The world is rapidly approaching an unprecedented catastrophe from global warming and other environmental threats.
2. The threats are now, not 50 or 100 years from now, or even 5 years from now.
3. Everything possible must be done to avoid the impending catastrophe. Saving the global environment must become “A central organizing principle for society today."
4. An essential step in avoiding an unprecedented climate-catastrophe is a major societal shift to plant-based diets.
5. There are many additional reasons for a shift to plant-based diets, related to health, reduced abuses of animals, more efficient use of resources, reduced hunger, and reduced deforestation, species extinction, soil erosion, desertification, water pollution and other environmental problems.
6. In view of the many negative effects involved, animal-based diets are madness and sheer insanity today.
7. Everything possible must be done to increase awareness of the above points and to move governments, corporations and individuals to take actions to effectively respond to global warming and other environmental threats. We should try to mobilize as many people as possible to help spread these basic messages.
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3. More on Rabbi Eric Yoffie’s Suggestion that Reform Jews Eat Less Red Meat
http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/news/jt/national_news/reform_leader_urges_jewish_dietary_practice/15541
Reform Leader Urges Jewish Dietary Practice
November 10, 2009
Toronto
Sue Fishkoff
JTA Wire Service
When Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, delivers his Saturday-morning sermon at the group’s biennial conference, he sets the movement’s priorities for the coming two years.
His message this month in Toronto: Let’s eat like Jews.
He was not asking Reform Jews to observe kosher laws. Rather, acknowledging America’s increased interest in food choices in general, and pointing to Jewish values concerning stewardship of the earth, sustainable agriculture and treatment of workers, Yoffie urged Reform Jews to develop consciously Jewish and ethical food policies for themselves and their congregations.
“This is not about kashrut,” he said as he outlined the main points of the Reform movement’s new Green Table/Just Table Initiative. “We need to think about how the food we eat advances the values we hold as Reform Jews.”
That, he said, is how Reform Jews can eat food that is “proper and appropriate”—the literal meaning of the Hebrew word kosher.
Among Yoffie’s specifics: Eat 20 percent less red meat; it’s good for the environment and for your health, he said. Plant synagogue gardens. Join community-supported agriculture programs. Pay attention to how meat animals are raised and how food workers are treated. Develop a consciously Jewish dietary policy for your synagogue. Eat slower and together, suggesting that synagogues hold regular communal Shabbat meals.
“Above all,” Yoffie said, “let’s avoid the temptation to do nothing.”
For much of its history, the Reform approach to Jewish dietary practice was standoffish at best. In its founding Pittsburgh Platform of 1885, Reform Judaism declared Jewish rituals of dress and diet outmoded, including kashrut. But over the past generation or so, hostility toward these observances has lessened, particularly among younger Reform Jews.
A 2007 movement survey of 14,000 Reform activists and clergy revealed that 58 percent of those older than 40 brought shellfish into their homes, compared to 39 percent of the younger crowd. Forty-three percent of the older group ate pork at home, compared to 29 percent of those 39 and younger; and 16 percent of younger Reform Jews ate only kosher-certified meat, compared to 9 percent of their elders.
“The younger generation is more ritually comfortable across a wide range of practices, from kashrut to prayer,” said Rabbi Daniel Freelander, senior vice president of the Union for Reform Judaism.
Cautioning that the new focus was not about kashrut, Yoffie referred to last year’s scandals at the Agriprocessors kosher meatpacking plant.
“We do not accept the authority of the kashrut establishment, and its problems are for others to resolve,” he said.
Some Reform Jews who do not keep kosher think their institutions should.
An unpublished survey in 2000 of Reform synagogues in North America revealed that 10 percent have a kosher kitchen. Kosher-style policies are much more prevalent: 80 percent do not permit pork or shellfish in the building, and nearly half do not serve milk and meat on the same dishes.
Deborah Cohn, a member of Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple in Highland Park, N.J., says her congregation “is doing more and more to accommodate people who keep kosher.” Non-dairy creamer is served with meat meals, and catered events have a vegetarian option or are completely vegetarian.
“There are always people who object and say, ‘We’re Reform,’ ” she said. “Those are usually the older members.”
Some Reform Jews believe the growing embrace of Jewish ritual represents a betrayal of core Reform principles.
“Kashrut is a visceral issue for many Reform Jews—in the negative sense,” Yoffie said. “It has been seen by many Reform Jews historically as something we rejected—ritual without ethical content.”
Harold Eichenbaum, 70, of Temple Beit Torah in Colorado Springs is one of many older Reform Jews who feel under siege. He complains that not only are pork and shellfish not permitted in his synagogue, there is now a move to make the kitchen kosher.
Eichenbaum says he comes from a long line of activist Reform Jews, none of whom kept kosher.
“It’s part of being a Reform Jew,” he said. People “think you have to be kosher to be true Jewish people. I disagree.”
Largely for this reason, Yoffie said, he was careful not to promote kashrut in his talk. While a guide to Reform Jewish dietary practice that has appeared on the Union for Reform Judaism Web site for the past two years presents kashrut as one of the options Reform Jews might consider in developing a conscious dietary practice, it is noticeably absent from the Green Table/Just Table initiative.
“My central objective was putting food issues on our religious agenda, and in our movement, kashrut is not the vehicle to open that discussion,” Yoffie told JTA. “I intentionally put the focus on the ethical and communal dimension, which is central to who we are. If I’d talked about kashrut it would have had the opposite impact.”
Reaction to the initiative was generally positive.
“I think the recommendations are well founded,” said Michael Holberg, president of Congregation Sha’arai Shomayim in Mobile, Ala.
Holberg groaned when Yoffie first mentioned cutting back on red meat, but Holberg seemed more persuaded once Yoffie explained his position.
“I’m not in favor of advocating not eating meat, but a reduction not only has health benefits, it’s a wise Jewish decision,” Holberg said.
Sha’arai Shomayim planted a synagogue garden last year, one of a growing number of Reform congregations to do so.
Irene Rothschild, president of Congregation Emanu-El Israel in Greensburg, Pa., says she’s been encouraging her synagogue to adopt ecological practices, such as long-life light bulbs and recyclable dishware, but hadn’t made the same Jewish connection between environmentalism and food consumption.
“Food has not been a focus in our congregation, but after listening to him, I think I can push for it now,” she said.
In a conference workshop on Jewish dietary practice, Rabbi Mary Zamore of Temple B’nai Or in Morristown, N.J., said the Reform movement needs to reclaim and redefine kashrut rather than shy away from the term.
Kashrut, she said, is more than the laws outlined in halachah, or Jewish law, but can be understood “as a wholeness, a ‘shlemut,’ ” she said, using the Hebrew word.
“When we talk about kashrut, we are asking: What is our Jewish relationship to our food? The person who fasts on Yom Kippur or who eats matzah on Passover is functioning within the world of kashrut. Dayenu,” she said, using the Hebrew word for enough. “It’s a wonderful thing to celebrate. We can use our Reform approach to Judaism and mix the best of our tradition with trends in the modern food world.”
This story reprinted courtesy of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
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A blog entry: (sorry, but I do not now have the URL)
Rabbi Yoffie lays out some of the reasons for meat reductionism:
My proposal is this: let’s make a Jewish decision to reduce significantly the amount of red meat that we eat.?[...]?[M]eat consumption in North America has doubled in the last fifty years, and we can easily make do with far less red meat than we currently eat. And contrary to what many think, Jews are not obligated to eat meat on Shabbat and holidays. The Talmud suggests that fish and garlic are the foods that we should serve to honor Shabbat (Shabbat 118b); it also instructs us to eat meat in modest quantities (Hullin 84a). Remember too that in biblical Israel, the common diet consisted of barley bread, vegetables, and fruit, along with milk products and honey. My point is this: for the first 2,500 years of our 3,000 year history, Jews consumed meat sparingly, and we can surely do the same.
And we must. The meat industry today generates nearly one-fifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions that are accelerating climate change throughout the world. According to a U.N. report, animal agriculture is responsible for more greenhouse gas than all transportation sources combined. And the preparation of beef meals requires about fifteen times the amount of fossil fuel energy than meat-free meals.?[...]?Professor Gidon Eshel of the Bard Center has suggested that the effect of reducing our collective meat consumption by twenty percent would be comparable to every American driving a Prius instead of a standard sedan. And this twenty percent reduction is something that every one of us - every Jew, every family, every synagogue - can do.?[...]?Perhaps we can begin by offering some Shabbat dinners and Passover Seders that will delight with their variety, creativity, and taste, and that will be a model for our members of healthy, festive, meat-free meals.
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My letter in response:
As president of Jewish Vegetarians of North America, I was pleased to see rabbi Eric Yoffie's call for Reform Jews to eat less meat, and I hope other Jewish groups will join in with similar messages. However, at a time when animal-based diets are causing an epidemic of many diseases in the Jewish community and animal-based agriculture is contributing significantly to global warming and many environmental problems that threaten humanity, I think calling for a reduction of only 20 percent of red meat is far from enough.
Also, why isn't the Jewish community considering the ways that the production and consumption of meat and other animal products violate basic Jewish mandates to preserve human health, treat animals with compassion, protect the environment, conserve natural resources, help hungry people and pursue peace.
Further information at JewishVeg,com/schwartz, where I have over 140 articles and 265 podcasts of talks and interviews and ASacredDuty.com, where you can see our acclaimed documentary "A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World."
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4. Carriage Horses Banned in Tel Aviv/Kudos to CHAI
The press release below is from Concern for Helping Animals in Israel: Congratulations are in order for all their hard work.
http://www.chaionline.org/en/campaigns/horses/campaigns_telaviv_ban.htm
November 10, 2009
Tel Aviv Bans Horse-Drawn Carts!
CHAI's 10-year campaign to get the use of horse-drawn carts banned from the streets of Tel Aviv achieved success in November 2009, when the city announced that, at long last, it has banned the practice.
Highlights of CHAI's campaign: [CHAI stands for Convern for Helping Animals in Israel.]
Summer 1999 — In response to Tel Aviv officials' continued refusal to take action in response to CHAI's complaints about the problem of abused horses in the city, CHAI rescues and rehabilitates severely abused horses to raise awareness of the plight of these animals, demanding routine inspections and licensing.
November 1999 — CHAI sponsored the first conference in Israel on Animal Shelter Management for veterinarians responsible for municipal pounds, and for heads of shelters and their workers. The two-day event, held at the Koret Veterinary School, attracted an audience from all over the country. Because police officers or municipal veterinarians who were sent out in response to our calls about horse abuse had not received training in what to look for, CHAI included information on how to identify horse abuse in our Animal Shelter Management Manual, which was distributed in Hebrew and in English at the conference and later on our website in Arabic. The information about horses was subsequently distributed as a separate manual, in English, Hebrew, and Arabic: Horses – Standards of Care and of their Work Environment. CHAI also urged the Veterinary Services to provide training to police and municipal veterinarians on this topic, and the first such class was finally held.
2001 — CHAI's sister charity in Israel, Hakol Chai, reports a major abuser of horses in Jaffa to authorities — a man named Nissim, who starved and sold horses, provided no veterinary care, and even hacked them apart with an axe in front of each other and sold their meat in the market as beef. Hakol Chai's undercover video of the killings airs on TV, and Nissim's place is temporarily closed down.
2003 — Nissim reopens his facility and Hakol Chai organizes a raid on his place, exposing horrendous cruelty and shutting him down permanently. Still, the city refuses to investigate the condition of other horses in the city and remove those being abused from their abusers. Hakol Chai determines that regulations will not stop the abuse and calls for a complete ban.
Hakol Chai's footage of abused donkeys pulling heavy loads airs on Kolbotek, a popular TV program. This photo shows a donkey whose ears were cut off.
April 2005 — Hakol Chai's attorney writes to the Ministry of Transportation and Mayors of cities around Israel, urging them to ban the practice of horses pulling heavy carts. Hakol Chai begins pressuring the City Council to issue a ban. Hakol Chai's attorney submits a detailed proposal and recommendations to the City Council, asking it to call a meeting to discuss the problem and its recommendations. In response to Hakol Chai's campaign, cart horse owners begin heavily lobbying the Mayor's office to prevent the enactment of a ban, and the Mayor is reluctant to take action against this special interest group.
Hakol Chai and CHAI organize an international letter-writing campaign, asking that appeals be sent to the Chairperson of the Education, Culture, and Sports Committee in the Knesset, the Minister of Education, Culture, and Sports, the Minister of Transportation, and the Mayor of Tel Aviv-Jaffa asking them to ban the use of horse-drawn carts to haul heavy loads through busy city streets.
Two more years of pressure follow.
Spring 2007 — Hakol Chai makes presentations in Tel Aviv schools to raise awareness among students about the suffering of cart horses and the need to protest their treatment. At an annual conference for Tel Aviv schools participating in the "Breakthrough" program, in which students work to make a difference on a social or environmental problem of their choosing, students of the Democratic School show a film shot by Hakol Chai documenting the horse/donkey abuse problem in the city and promote the cart horse case to a panel of local authorities, including the Tel Aviv municipal veterinarian.
Fall 2007 — Hakol Chai mounts posters throughout Jaffa, the old part of Tel Aviv where these animals are used as beasts of burden, announcing "A horse is not a truck! Hundreds of miserable horses and donkeys live around us. Don't be indifferent! If you see a horse or donkey in distress, demand that the city act!"
December 2007 — For the first time, as a result of Hakol Chai's campaign, the Tel Aviv City Council calls a special session to address the problem of horse abuse in the city. At that meeting, Tel Aviv's municipal veterinarian agrees with Hakol Chai that abuse cannot be prevented through regulations, especially since the city has neither the funds to regularly inspect the horses nor a facility to house them if they remove them from their abusers. Still, the Mayor refuses to ban the practice, saying he will make greater efforts to enforce existing regulations.
Outside the meeting, at the entrance to City Hall, Hakol Chai activists demonstrate, joined by the Green Party and other organizations.
December 2008 — 350 people crowd into a popular Tel Aviv venue in support of Hakol Chai's campaign, where popular singers Asaf Amdurski, Ram Orion, and Billy Levi have volunteered to perform. CHAI / Hakol Chai's campaign in Israel is now part of an international coalition of organizations throughout the world called orses Without Carriages International, which seeks to end horse-drawn carts and carriages.
June 2009 — Hakol Chai stages a civil disobedience demonstration at the entrance to City Hall. Dozens of Hakol Chai protestors carrying signs saying "Horses and donkeys are not vehicles," "Animals are not cars," "Carriages and carts are a dead trend," "They're hurting; don't you care?" and "Stop Animal Abuse" block the entrance to Tel Aviv's City Hall to protest the Mayor's continued refusal to ban horse-drawn carts. The protesters distribute hundreds of pamphlets explaining the plight of the horses to pedestrians on one of the city's busiest streets, which runs in front of City Hall, and to city employees as they enter and exit the building. Some of the protesters lay on the ground as if they were dead to depict what becomes of the abused animals.
November 2009 — Tel Aviv's Mayor finally bans horse-drawn carts from the city.
Says CHAI's Director, Nina Natelson "We are pleased that, at long last, there will no longer be sights of thin, injured, beaten cart horses in Tel Aviv, and we will continue pressing Mayors of other cities in Israel to issue similar bans."
With your support, we are making a difference. Please continue to support CHAI's efforts on behalf of Israel's animals, in particular, the development, publishing, and translation of our humane education curriculums for secular and religious schools.
Send your tax-deductible contributions to CHAI at
POB 3341, Alexandria, VA 22302, USA, or
donate through our website: http://www.chai-online.org
Yours for a more compassionate world,
Nina Natelson
CHAI - Concern for Helping Animals in Israel
PO Box 3341, Alexandria, VA 22302
Email: chai_us@cox.net
Phone: 703-658-9650
Web: http://www.chai-online.org
The link below is to an article about the ban.
http://israelity.com/2009/11/08/nostalgia-sunday-take-a-hike-alte-zachen/
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Another article about the ban:
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/134422
They Save Horses, Don't They?
by Hana Levi Julian
IsraelNN.com) Cart horses will be able to step a little lighter around the Tel Aviv area after the CHAI (Live) and HaKol Chai (They All Live) animal rights groups won a long-fought battle to ban horse-drawn carts from Tel Aviv streets.
For more than a decade, the two groups have pressured the Tel Aviv municipality to regulate -- and then later ban -- the practice of horses pulling heavily-laden carts through city streets. "These animals are often starved, beaten, and made to work in the hot sun without water, and not provided with veterinary care," charged a spokesman for HaKol Chai.
The group first approached city officials with their concerns in 1999, the spokesman said, with little progress to show for their efforts. In response, CHAI repeatedly exposed incidents of horse abuse in Yafo (Jaffa), rescuing and rehabilitating the abused horses along the way.
One of the worst cases of abuse was documented in 2001 and again in 2003 in two reports about a man named Nissim, who starved and sold the beasts of burden. Nissim was filmed hacking his animals with an axe in front of each other, and selling their meat in the market as beef. The undercover video of the abuse by Nissim shot by Hakol Chai was shown on Israeli television, forcing authorities to close his place down.
Other cases of abuse of donkeys forced to pull heavy loads, including one who had his ears cut off, led the organization's attorney in 2005 to demand that the Transportation Ministry and City Council ban cart horses and donkeys altogether.
Years of grassroots organizing followed. Cart horse owners lobbied the mayor's office to counter enactment of a ban, letter-writing campaigns by Hakol Chai activists pressured city hall, and finally, a concert supporting Hakol Chai's cause in December 2008 raised awareness still further.
The straw that broke the cart horse's back, however, was a civil disobedience demonstration at the entrance to Tel Aviv city hall in June 2009, with dozens of protestors waving signs saying "Animals are not cars," "Horses and donkeys are not vehicles," "They're hurting; don't you care?" "Stop Animal Abuse" and "Carriages and cars are a dead trend."
CHAI, an acronym for "Concern for Helping Animals in Israel", was formed in 1984 to improve the condition and treatment of Israel's animals. Hakol Chai, the group's Israeli sister charity, came later, in 2001.
"Israel, with its security and economic problems, has only recently turned its attention to animal protection issues," the group observed in a statement on its web site. "Concerned Israelis are now working hard to make the Jewish principle of tzaar baalei chaim, the mandate not to cause 'pain to any living creature,' a part of daily life in the country. However, many others see the need to help animals as a very low priority."
CHAI director Nina Natelson said the fight has just begun, however. "We are pleased that, at long last, there will no longer be sights of thin, injured, beaten cart horses in Tel Aviv, and we will continue pressing mayors of other cities in Israel to issue similar bans."
The Israeli group has meanwhile become part of an international coalition of organizations called Horses Without Carriages International, which seeks to end the practice of horse-drawn carts and carriages.
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5. Vegan Plaintiffs for a Law Suit to Get Vegan Options into Schools Sought
Forwarded message:
Do you know of any vegan students and or parents that because of their religious faith are vegans and do not eat animals who may be interested in being plaitiffs in a law suit against the federal government funded school lunch program which offers no vegan alternatives in schools?
Please let me know ASAP.
Defend Animals Coalition
Alfredo Kuba, President
650-965-8705
defendanimals@gmail.com
WATCH EARTHLINGS:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6361872964130308142
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6. Animal Rights Group Builds Case and Sets Up a Web Site Based on World Watch Article
Forwarded statement from the Society for the Advancement of Animal Well Being
Subject: 51 percent of ghg emissions
To whom it may concern,
In the run up to the Copenhagen climate change conference, it is vital the following information be disseminated to the public as well as to our political leaders.
A widely cited 2006 report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Livestock's Long Shadow, estimates that 18 percent of annual worldwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are attributable to livestock….however recent analysis by Goodland and Anhang co-authors of "Livestock and Climate Change" in the latest issue of World Watch magazine found that livestock and their byproducts actually account for at least 32.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year, or 51 percent of annual worldwide GHG emissions!
www.51percent.org
The main sources of GHGs from animal agriculture are: (1) Deforestation of the rainforests to grow feed for livestock. (2) Methane from manure waste. – Methane is 72 times more potent as a global warming gas than CO2 (3) Refrigeration and transport of meat around the world. (4) Raising, processing and slaughtering of the animal.
Meat production also uses a massive amount of water and other resources which would be better used to feed the world’s hungry and provide water to those in need.
Based on their research, Goodland and Anhang conclude that replacing livestock products with soy-based and other alternatives would be the best strategy for reversing climate change. They say "This approach would have far more rapid effects on GHG emissions and their atmospheric concentrations-and thus on the rate the climate is warming-than actions to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy."
The fact is that we are being informed of the dangerous path we are on by depending greatly on animal flesh for human consumption. We still have the opportunity to make the most effective steps in saving ourselves and this planet. By simply choosing a plant based diet we can reduce our carbon foot print by a huge amount.
We are gambling with our lives and with those of our future generations to come. It's madness to know we are fully aware of the possible consequences but yet are failing to act.
Promoting a plant based diet to the public is would be the most effective way to curb deforestation, we hope this will be adopted as a significant measure to save the rainforests and protect the delicate ecology.
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours Sincerely
Society for the Advancement of Animal Wellbeing
www.SAAWinternational.org
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7. World Fur Free Friday (WFFF) Being Organized
Subject: The countdown for the WFFF has just started!
Forwarded message
THE COUNTDOWN FOR THE WFFF HAS JUST STARTED!
International Anti-Fur Coalition is pleased to inform you that Worldwide Fur Free Friday (WFFF) is happening again!
Fur Free Friday is officially held on the first Friday after Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. and the event falls on November 27th this year.
Organizations across the globe are planning events and demonstrations against fur-selling shops. This is a great opportunity to focus on international companies that support the fur sale ! Last year about 120 demos took place worldwide! http://www.antifurcoalition.org/worldwide-fur-free-friday.html
We hope for the same success this year. The fact that anti-fur events are simultaneously taking place around the world is solid proof of global solidarity and a strong stand against the fur industry.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information concerning the WFFF on November 27th.
Let's stay united for the animals,
International Anti-Fur Coalition
http://www.antifurcoalition.org
PLEASE CROSS POST WIDELY
Good luck to all of us, on behalf of animals!
Jane Halevy
International Anti-Fur Coalition
http://www.antifurcoalition.org
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8. Update On Postville Kosher Slaughterhouse Case
Thanks to JVNA Secretary/Treasurer John Diamond for sharing this information with us.
Sholom Rubashkin has been found guilty on 86 out of 91 Counts in the first of two Federal Trials. (See URL below)
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091112/NEWS/91112028/Update-Jury-finds-Sholom-Rubashkin-guilty-on-86-charges-in-fraud-trial&theme=POSTVILLE_ICE_RAID
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My comments:
When Postville first made the news after the underground footage was made public, I feared that there would be little effect on the eating habits of Jews and others. I though that there would be publicity, some changes would be made, people would assume that the problem was solved and keep eating meat. I argued in press releases and letters that the Postville scandal should be considered a wake-up call to consider the many moral issues related to typical Jewish diets.
Unfortunately, there was no wake-up call for most people, and few people changed their diets much. The Jewish establishment is still generally ignoring the issues and unwilling to address the questions "Should Jews Be Vegetarians?"
Hence, we have to continue our respectful challenges.
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9. UK Jewish Group Promotes Tikkun Olam/Justice
Thanks to JVNA founder and first president Jonathan Wolf for forwarding this message:
http://www.biggreenjewish.org/
From: "Tzedek - Jewish Action for a Just World" <info@tzedek.org.uk>
Date: November 12, 2009 12:30:29 PM EST
ubject: Tzedek's Big Green Jewish email
Dear Jonathan,
The Jewish Community's Climate campaign launches TODAY.
Read on to find out more...
Ed Miliband and the Age of Stupid
Yesterday evening, Ed Miliband addressed the Jewish Community at a special showing of The Age of Stupid to launch the Jewish Community's Climate campaign. The event was sold out and highlighted the enthusiasm of the UK Jewish community to make a difference to the planet. Read more here.
Launching the Big Green Jewish website
Make a Green Promise, discover Jewish sources, find out how green you are, learn how to be greener, and even commit to making your synagogue greener...all this can be done on the interactive Big Green Jewish website launching here today.
A Green Education
Tzedek has produced an educational resource for teaching in the build up to the UN's Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen.
If you want to educate about our Jewish responsibility to act in the face of climate change, click here. You'll find examples of activities for young people of all ages, and ideas for simple actions which can be used as pledges on The Big Green Jewish website.
Tzedek's own Green Promise
Tzedek knows that climate change will impact the poor and marginalised communities the greatest and addressing climate change through our own activities is essential if we are to be successful in our goal of sustainably eradicating poverty. Tzedek is dedicated to leading the way in environmental efforts. To find out more about our own green promise, click here.
Join Tzedek in the Jewish Climate Campaign on a national and international level. It's not too late to make a difference to our planet...yet.
Want to find out more about Tzedek? Visit w.tzedek.org.uk
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10. Interesting Vegan Video
God's Pharmacy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1K0FScTQa4
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11. European Parliament to Host Major Climate Change Event
Global Warming Hearing with Sir Paul McCartney and Dr Rajendra K. Pachauri
Environment - 10-11-2009 - 14:35
The European Parliament will host a major event on global warming and food policy on 3 December where Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Dr Rajendra K. Pachauri and environmental activist Sir Paul McCartney will urge legislators and experts to focus on what an individual can do to fight climate change, for example by eating less meat.
The "Global Warming and Food Policy: Less Meat = Less Heat" hearing takes place on 3 December, in Parliament's plenary chamber, in Brussels, from 10.00 to 12.30, chaired by Vice-President Edward McMillan-Scott. The opening speech is to be delivered by Parliament's President Jerzy Buzek. It will be followed by a press conference.
?The UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) produced a major report ‘Livestock’s Long Shadow’ in 2006 which demonstrated that meat production is much less efficient in the use of various inputs and very intensive in emissions of greenhouse gases and water use as compared to equivalent vegetarian food production.
?On the eve of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen the event reflects a perception that climate change needs to be addressed at all levels – especially individual but also at local, regional, national, across Europe and worldwide.
?As a legislative body, Parliament votes on the EU laws that help to slow climate change. Parliament has thoroughly examined climate change issues with respect to agriculture, food and development policies and will present its views to the heads of governments meeting in the Danish capital from 7 - 18 December 2009.
?Practical information
?Press conference with EP Vice-President Edward McMillan-Scott, Dr Rajendra K. Pachauri and Sir Paul McCartney at 12.30, PHS 0A050, Anna Politkovskaya room.
?Photo opportunity with EP President Jerzy Buzek, Dr Rajendra K. Pachauri, Sir Paul McCartney and Vice-President Edward McMillan-Scott at President's office, at 10.50 hours (limited access).
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12. Sarah Palin Critical of Vegetarians in Her Book
http://www.examiner.com/x-29556-Cleveland-Vegetarian-Food-Examiner~y2009m11d15-Sarah-Palin-takes-aim-at-vegetarians-in-Going-Rogue
Sarah Palin takes aim at vegetarians in Going Rogue
November 15, 9:59 AMCleveland Vegetarian Food ExaminerDaelyn Fortney
Sarah Palin’s highly anticipated memoir, Going Rogue: An American Life, will hit the bookshelves November 17. In the book, Palin traces her experiences from small town Alaskan girl to being on the national stage as the GOP vice presidential nominee.??Besides addressing her views on the McCain campaign and the media, Palin, a passionate Alaskan hunter, takes aim at vegetarians. Palin states, “If any vegans came over for dinner, I could whip them up a salad, then explain my philosophy on being a carnivore: If God had not intended for us to eat animals, how come He made them out of meat?” ??The accommodating host went on to explain, “I love meat. I eat pork chops, thick bacon burgers, and the seared fatty edges of a medium-well-done steak. But I especially love moose and caribou. I always remind people from outside our state that there's plenty of room for all Alaska's animals -- right next to the mashed potatoes.”??Unfortunately Palin’s viewpoints on vegetarianism is not only narrow minded but is also widely shared. The cliché portrait of a vegetarian meal predominately includes a huge bowl of salad flanked only by a glass of water and carrot wedges. The plethora of food options available to those who have forgone meat is endless but mostly ignored by the masses.
Palin’s view on animals as being just meat is also shared by a considerable portion of our country. Her statement will surely receive a chuckle and thumbs up from many avid hunters and steak house patrons. It is a sad statement on our society when we applaud those who refer to animals as the centerpiece of their dinner plate.
A “carnivore”, as Palin refers to herself, does not have to change their lifestyle for a vegetarian but tolerance would be greatly appreciated. Needless to say PETA will not be sending the former vice presidential candidate a Christmas card this year. Article contributor: Eric Fortney
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13. NY Times Article re the World Watch Article and the 51% Claim
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/business/global/17iht-rbofcows.html
By FIONA MacKAY
Published: November 16, 2009
With the approach of the U.N. Climate Conference in Copenhagen next month, the livestock industry is coming under renewed scrutiny for its contribution to greenhouse gases.
Methane, which is a byproduct of digestion by cud-chewing animals, is a gas 23 times more warming to the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. A 2006 report by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization attributed 18 percent of the greenhouse gases produced each year to livestock.
But a more recent report for the World Watch Institute, by Robert Goodland, former environmental adviser to the World Bank, and Jeff Anhang, environmental specialist at the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corp., estimates this figure to be much higher: 51 percent, when the entire life cycle and supply chain of the livestock industry is taken into consideration.
Their report — “Livestock and Climate Change: What if the key actors in climate change are ... cows, pigs and chickens?” — factors in emissions from the tens of billions of animals exhaling CO2 annually, as well as deforestation for feed production and grazing, which prevents the reduction in greenhouse gases that would normally result from photosynthesis.
As things stand, global meat and dairy consumption is projected by the F.A.O. to more than double by 2050. Reversing the role of livestock in climate change is “even more important than the urgent transition to renewable energy,” Dr. Goodland wrote in an e-mail message.
In the World Watch report released last month, Dr. Goodland and Mr. Anhang wrote that “livestock (like automobiles) are a human invention and convenience, not part of pre-human times, and a molecule of CO2 exhaled by livestock is no more natural than one from an auto tailpipe.”
Their solution to livestock’s global warming effect is simple: eat less animal products, or better still, none at all.
The researchers propose revenue-neutral carbon taxes on products that are greenhouse gas intensive, so that foods like pork and beef would pay for their high environmental cost.
But their wider proposal, however, is to find “better alternatives to livestock products,” like foods made with soy, seitan and mycoprotein, the ingredient in Quorn products made by the British company Marlow Foods.
“Meat and dairy analog companies have been working on continuous improvement of their products, and further improvement can be expected,” Dr. Goodland said. “This contrasts with meat and dairy companies, which sell products whose quality is practically impossible to improve, and which many believe has deteriorated in recent years with decreased regulation and increases in zoonotic diseases.”
SNIP
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14. Should Meat Be Taxed?
Forwarded article from JVNA advisor Charles Patterson:
Make meat-eaters pay: Ethicist proposes radical tax, says they're killing themselves and the planet
BY PETER SINGER
Sunday, October 25th 2009, 4:00 AM
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/10/25/2009-10-25_make_meateaters_pay_ethicist_proposes
New York Daily News
Taxes can do a lot of good. They pay for schools, parks, police and the military. But that’s not all they can do. High taxes on cigarettes have saved many lives – not only the lives of people who are discouraged from smoking as much as they would if cigarettes were cheap, but also the lives of others who spend less time passively inhaling smoke.
No reasonable person would want to abolish the tax on cigarettes. Unless, perhaps, they were proposing banning cigarettes altogether – as New York City is doing with transfats served by restaurants.
A tax on sodas containing sugar has also been under consideration, by Governor Paterson among others. In view of our obesity epidemic, and the extra burden it places on our health care system – not to mention the problems it causes on a crowded New York subway when your neighbor can’t fit into a single seat – it’s a reasonable proposal.
But in all these moves against tobacco, transfats and sodas, we’ve been ignoring the cow in the room.
That’s right, cow. We don’t eat elephants. But the reasons for a tax on beef and other meats are stronger than those for discouraging consumption of cigarettes, transfats or sugary drinks.
First, eating red meat is likely to kill you. Large studies have shown that the daily consumption of red meat increases the risk that you will die prematurely of heart disease or bowel cancer. This is now beyond serious scientific dispute. When the beef industry tries to deny the evidence, it is just repeating what the tobacco industry did 30 years ago.
Second, we have laws that ban cruelty to animals. Unfortunately in the states in which most animals are raised for meat, the agribusiness lobby is so powerful that it has carved out exemptions to the usual laws against cruelty.
The exemptions allow producers to crowd chickens, pigs and calves in stinking sheds, never letting them go outside in fresh air and sunlight, often confining them so closely that they can’t even stretch their limbs or turn around. Debeaking – cutting through the sensitive beak of a young chick with a hot blade – is standard in the egg industry.
Undercover investigations repeatedly turn up new scandals – downed cows being dragged to slaughter, workers hitting pigs with steel pipes or playing football with live chickens. We may not be able to improve the laws in those farming states, but taxes on meat would discourage people from supporting these cruel practices.
Third, industrial meat production wastes food – we feed the animals vast quantities of grains and soybeans, and they burn up most of the nutritional value of these crops just living and breathing and developing bones and other unpalatable body parts. We get back only a fraction of the food value we put into them.
That puts unnecessary pressure on our croplands and causes food prices to rise all over the world. Converting corn to biofuel has been criticized because it raises food prices for the world’s poor, but seven times as much grain gets fed to animals as is made into biofuel.
Fourth, agricultural runoff — much of it from livestock production, or from the fertilizers used to grow the grain fed to the livestock — is the biggest single source of pollution of the nation’s rivers and streams, according to the EPA. A meat tax would be an important step towards cleaner rivers. By reducing the amount of nitrogen that runs off fields in the Midwest into the Mississippi, it would also stop the vast ’dead zone’ that forms in the Gulf of Mexico each year.
The clincher is that taxing meat would be a highly effective way of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and avoiding catastrophic climate change.
Here’s just how bad eating meat is for global warming.
Many people think that buying locally produced food is a good way to reduce their carbon footprint. But the average American would do more for the planet by going vegetarian just one day per week than by switching to a totally local diet.
In 2006 the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization surprised many people when it produced a report showing that livestock are responsible for more emissions than all forms of transportation combined. It’s now clear that that report seriously underestimated the contribution that livestock — especially ruminant animals like cattle and sheep – are making to global warming.
As a more recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has shown, over the critical next 20 years, the methane these animals produce will be almost three times as potent in warming the planet as the FAO report assumed.
Meat-eaters impose costs on others, and the more meat they eat, the greater the costs.
They push up our health insurance premiums, increase Medicare and Medicaid costs for taxpayers, pollute our rivers, threaten the survival of fishing communities in the Gulf of Mexico, push up food prices for the world’s poor, and accelerate climate change.
Red meat is the worst for global warming, but a tax on red meat alone would merely push meat-eaters to chicken, and British animal welfare expert Professor John Webster has described the intensive chicken industry as “the single most severe, systematic example of man’s inhumanity to another sentient animal.”
So let’s start with a 50% tax on the retail value of all meat, and see what difference that makes to present consumption habits. If it is not enough to bring about the change we need, then, like cigarette taxes, it will need to go higher.
Singer is professor of bioethics at Princeton University, the author of “Animal Liberation” and the author, with Jim Masion, of “The Ethics of What We Eat.”
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/10/25/2009-1025_make_meateaters_pay_ethicist_proposes_radical_tax_says_theyre_killing_themselves.html?page=1#ixzz0X9SmQoLU
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15. Responding to the Recent Controversy Re Mammography
Why isn't it stressed that a switch to a well-balanced vegan diet would sharply reduce the risk of getting breast cancer?
My letter:
November 18, 2009
Dear editor,
It is surprising that, in all the discussions about when women should have mammograms, there is very little if any consideration of how we can sharply reduce the risk of getting breast cancer through well-balanced plant-based diets.
Most breast cancers are found in countries, such as the United States, Great Britain, Australia, Argentina, and Canada, where people eat large amounts of animal fat. An American woman who eats meat daily instead of less than once a week, increases her risk of breast cancer by a factor of 3.8. In countries where little animal fat, especially beef, is consumed, breast cancer rates are significantly lower. For example, in Japan, where fat consumption is far lower than it is in the United States, their breast cancer rate is only one-fourth that of ours. Genetics don't seem to be the reason; when Japanese women move to the United States and adapt typical American diets, their breast cancer rates rise sharply and approach that of American women.
The Surgeon Generals' Report on Nutrition and Health (1988) noted, "A comparison of populations indicates that death rates for cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate are directly proportional to estimated dietary fat intakes. After analyzing epidemiological, migration, wartime, and other studies, Robert Kradjian, M. D., a cancer surgeon for 30 years, concluded that animal-based diets are the prime cause of breast cancer.
Hence, a shift to a well-balanced plant-based diet can dramatically reduce the risks associated with breast cancer and other degenerative diseases. It would also have very positive effects for animals, our natural resources, our ecosystems, our climate, and the world’s hungry people.
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16. Comprehensive Report Paints Bleak Picture Re Climate Change in Europe
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2253318/met-office-pains-bleak-climate
businessGreen.com
Met Office paints bleak climate picture for Europe
EU-backed analysis of climate impacts warns of heatwaves, floods and rising insurance costs
James Murray, BusinessGreen, 17 Nov 2009
Climate change has the potential to devastate large areas of Europe over the next 90 years, resulting in falling food production, increased risks of heat stress and forest fires, and higher insurance premiums, according to a major new EU-backed study from the Met Office.
Released today at a symposium hosted at the Met Office's headquarters in Exeter, the findings from the five-year study warn that Europe is currently on track to experience a rise in average temperatures of 4C by the end of the century. It argues that global CO2 emissions will have to be cut to almost zero by the end of the century if there is to be a reasonable chance of limiting temperature increases to the two-degree level deemed "safe" by scientists and policymakers.
The study, which was undertaken as part of the EU's Ensembles project, is the most comprehensive assessment to date of the impact of global warming on Europe, drawing on work from 66 scientific institutions and for the first time combining a number of complex climate models on supercomputers to predict the most likely climate outcomes.
Its findings provide an overview of how climate change will impact Europe's capital cities, and back up a raft of recent studies that warn warming is happening faster than has been previously anticipated and will have more devastating consequences.
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November 19, 2009
November 11, 2009
11/10/2009 JVNA Online Newsletter
Shalom everyone,
This update/Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) Online Newsletter has the following items:
1. Chanukah and Vegetarianism
2. I Plan to Go to Copenhagen To Help “Turn Copenhagen into CopenVegan”
3. Orthodox Synagogue Planning to Start a Social Justice Group/My Letter in Response
4. Getting Consideration of Fur Onto the Jewish Agenda
5. Analysis of World Watch Article That Argues That Animal-Agriculture Is Responsible For Over Half of Human-Caused Greenhouse Gas Emissions (3 Items)
6. Action Alert: Improving Conditions for Farmed Animals
7. Al Gore on Factory Farming
8. Report of Rabbi’s Talk on “Judaism and Vegetarianism” at a Los Angeles Synagogue
9. More Reviews of Jonathan Safran Foer’s Book “Eating Animals”
10. Leading Reform Rabbis Urges that Reform Jews Should Eat Less Meat/JVNA Press Release in Response
11. New Group Promotes World Watch Article Conclusion of 51 Percent of Greenhouse Gases from Animal-Agriculture
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. Chanukah and Vegetarianism
With Chanukah about a month away, I plan to send my article, “Chanukah and Vegetarianism” to the Jewish media soon. So, please take a look at the article in the festivals section at JewishVeg.com/Schwartz, if you have a chance, and please let me know if you have any suggestions for improvements. Also, please consider using the points in the article for letters to editors and talking points. Thanks.
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2. I Plan to Go to Copenhagen To Help “Turn Copenhagen into CopenVegan”
As director of Veg Climate Alliance, I am working with some great people from all over the world in efforts to increase awareness at the major Copenhagen climate conference in December of the urgency of a major societal shift to vegan diets in order to avert the present looming climate-catastrophe. We are planning a forum, demonstrations, street theater and much more to turn Copenhagen into CopenVegan (using the Vegetarian V symbol).
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Program for Conference in Copenhagen Promoting Vegan Diets as a Major Part of Response to Climate Change
Below is an initial draft of the program for the forum that I am working on.
Planet Diet Foundation Copenhagen Conference
Climate Change: Efficient Solutions for Government, Industry and Society
The main aim of the conference is to highlight the most cost effective ways to address climate change and all related adverse effects. The hope is to incorporate these ideas and scientific findings into government and industry policy as well as social change. Looking at the latest scientific reports including the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency Report, which states that 80% of the cost of climate change could be mitigated through the plant based Diet.
Part 1: Global Warming current Impacts future consequences
Part one of the conference we will cover the effects of climate change through the eyes of those most affected right now and the different aspects of climate change EG environmental refugees, deforestation, world hunger, water shortages, species extinction etc. In this session we will also look at the findings and recommendations of the World Watch report “Livestock and Climate Change” as well as diet in relation to the environment and public health.
Part 2: Economic benefits of changing diet
In Part 2 of the conference we will hear from leaders in the Organic and Vegan industries. They will let us know about the benefits of their products to public health and the environment, and what they would like governments to do to help their industry’s expanding. We will also discuss the costs of climate change (Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency Report) and how this cost can be reduced. There will also be information on subsides and the health costs of the current western diet.
To finish the conference we will have VIPs giving their thoughts and advice on how to incorporate these ideas and scientific findings into government and industry policy as well as social change.
More in future newsletters. Suggestions welcome. Many thanks.
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3. Orthodox Synagogue Planning to Start a Social Justice Group/My Letter in Response
Forwarded article, published by the Jewish Standard of Northern New Jersey
Teaneck shul to create a social justice group
Lois Goldrich
Published: 06 November 2009
This weekend, the young people of Netivot Shalom will study the concept of social responsibility at a Shabbaton hosting Rabbi Ari Weiss, director of Uri L’Tzedek.
The group —which describes itself as “an Orthodox social justice organization guided by Torah values and dedicated to combating suffering and oppression” — has been actively involved in the Tav HaYosher ethical seal project, which stresses not only the kashrut of food but also “the dignity and rights of those who produced it.”
According to Pam Scheininger, president of the Teaneck congregation, members of her synagogue have traditionally turned out in large numbers for chesed projects, often bringing their children with them.
Whether participating in the shul’s CareOne bikkur cholim project, UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey’s Mitzvah Day, or the congregation’s new “birthday ma’aser [tithing] program, which encourages kids to give a certain number of their birthday gifts to children who are less fortunate,” the youths have been exposed to “the idea of looking to the Torah and taking lessons on how to react to the larger community,” said Scheininger.
Hod Klein, a Rutgers senior entering his third year as the congregation’s youth director, said he has heard a lot about Uri L’Tzedek and was inspired to bring its message to the synagogue.
“What they’re doing is very important,” he said. “There are some great people working on it who can help us” at the synagogue. While the congregation has tried to include its youngsters in chesed projects over the years, said Scheininger, this year she and Klein decided to move in a new direction, organizing activities around a specific theme.
“While many of our projects have been specifically within the Jewish community, the idea is that the Torah and halacha are not only a guide to [this kind of] interaction but can be expanded to focus on issues of social justice such as homelessness, poverty, immigration, health care, ethical kashrut, and prison care,” she said.
While this kind of outreach is not new to the Orthodox community, “it’s definitely in its newer stages,” said Scheininger. “It puts a title on it,” urging the community to fight for social justice “because Orthodoxy demands it,” she said.
Working with Uri L’Tzedek is a “natural fit,” she said. “They have programs running on college campuses and high schools and can provide a curriculum.”
“Our shul is dedicated to the idea of tikkun olam, the Torah view of justice, and our responsibilities” in that regard, said Klein, who grew up in Bergen County and had been a rabbinic intern at the synagogue.
Both Klein and Scheininger noted that parents and students have responded positively to the social justice initiative, and they are expecting a large turnout at the Shabbaton.
At the event, synagogue youth group leaders, ranging in age from 13 to 18, will be trained to lead students in the new venture. While seventh-graders are too young to be group leaders, said Klein, they will also be given a chance to participate, taking on an “informal” role in working with younger children, from nursery-school age through third grade.
Klein, who meets regularly with youth leaders, said “This is the first time we will train them around a theme,” he said. Curricular materials will be provided by Uri L’Tzedek.
Klein said that while he has generally worked in cooperation with parent groups on chesed projects, “Uri L’Tzedek engages the children in a more educational way. We’re building a curriculum,” he said, adding that he is compiling different ideas for the youngsters to discuss over Shabbat “to see what the kids are interested in.”
“We’ll bounce ideas back and forth,” he said, noting that he hopes to see a project centering on fair trade. “It’s a great way to get the kids engaged and active,” he said.
While the weekend will include text study, “it’s also important that the kids be involved” in social justice projects.
“It’s really exciting to be offering something new and unique to the shul,” said Klein. “I want to see it grow and develop.”
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My letter in response of the above article:
November 6, 2009
Editor, Jewish Standard
Dear Editor:
Kol hakavod (kudos) to Teaneck synagogue Netivot Shalom for initiating social action learning and activities into their programs. (“Teaneck shul to create a social justice group,” November 6 issue)
With all the negative publicity about some Jews recently, I think it would be a Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God’s name) for many synagogues to create similar social justice groups and thereby show that Jews are concerned about bettering society and that eternal Jewish values are applicable to today’s issues.
I would like to suggest that an issue such groups consider is global warming, since the world is arguably rapidly approaching an unprecedented climate-catastrophe. This is especially important for synagogues to consider, as Israel is now suffering from the worst drought in its history and from periodic severe heat waves, and Israeli climate experts are projecting that global warming will cause a decrease in average rainfall of 20 – 30 percent, major storms and an inundation of the coastal plain where most Israelis live by a rising Mediterranean Sea.
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4. Getting Consideration of Fur Onto the Jewish Agenda
[Please feel free to forward this article widely. Thanks.]
Is Fur a Jewish Issue?
By Richard Schwartz
Jewish worshipers chant every Sabbath morning, "The soul of every living being shall praise God's Name" (Nishmat kol chai tva'rech et shim'chah). Yet, some come to synagogue during the winter months wearing coats that required the cruel treatment of some of those living beings whose souls praise God.
To decide whether the use of fur is a significant Jewish issue, we should consider several related questions:
1) What does the Jewish tradition say about the treatment of animals?
2) How much suffering do animals raised or trapped for their fur experience?
3) Does the wearing of fur coats have redeeming factors that would over ride Jewish teachings related to the proper treatment of animals?
JUDAISM AND ANIMALS
Judaism has beautiful and powerful teachings with regard to showing compassion to animals. The following are a few examples:
Moses and King David were considered worthy to be leaders of the Jewish people because of their compassionate treatment of animals, when they were shepherds. Rebecca was judged suitable to be a wife of the patriarch Isaac because of her kindness in watering the ten camels of Eliezer, Abraham's servant. Rabbi Yehuda the Prince, the redactor of the Mishna, was punished for many years at the hand of Heaven for speaking callously to a calf being led to slaughter who sought refuge beside him.
Many Torah laws mandate proper treatment of animals. One may not muzzle an ox while it is working in the field nor yoke a strong and a weak animal together. Animals, as well as their masters, are meant to rest on the Sabbath day. The importance of this concept is indicated by the fact that it is mentioned in the Ten Commandments and on every sabbath morning as part of the kiddush ceremony.
The psalmist indicates G-d's concern for animals, stating that "His compassion is over all of His creatures" (Psalm 145:9). And there is a mitzvah (precept) in the Torah to emulate the Divine compassion, as it is written: "And you shall walk in His ways" (Deuteronomy 28:9). Perhaps the Jewish attitude toward animals is best expressed by Proverbs 12:10: "The righteous person considers the soul (life) of his or her animal." The Torah prohibits Jews from causing tsa'ar ba'alei chayim, any unnecessary pain, including psychological pain, to living creatures.
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, an outstanding 19th century philosopher, author, and Torah commentator, eloquently summarizes the Jewish view on treatment of animals:
Here you are faced with God's teaching, which obliges you not only to refrain from inflicting unnecessary pain on any animal, but to help and, when you can, to lessen the pain whenever you see an animal suffering, even through no fault of yours. (Horeb, Chapter 60, #416)
THE PAIN OF FUR-BEARING ANIMALS
Fur is obtained from animals who are either trapped or raised on ranches. Both involve treatment of animals that appears to be far from the Jewish teachings that have been previously discussed:
Animals caught in steel-jaw leg hold traps suffer slow, agonizing deaths. Some are attacked by predators, freeze to death, or chew off their own legs to escape. It has been said that one can get a "feel for fur" by slamming your fingers in a car door. A Canadian Wildlife service report gives an idea of the terror that trapped animals face and their desperate efforts to escape:
The stomachs of [trapped] arctic foxes . . . often contain parts of their own bodies. They may swallow fragments of their teeth broken off in biting the trap, and sometimes part of a mangled foot; almost every stomach contains some fox fur, and a considerable number contain pieces of skin, claws, or bits of bone.
Over 100 million wild animals are killed for their pelts every year. Many species of animals killed for their furs have become endangered or have disappeared completely from some localities. Millions of animals not wanted by trappers, including dogs, cats, and birds, die in traps annually and are discarded as "trash animals." Many trapped animals leave behind dependent offspring who are doomed to starvation.
Treatment of animals raised on "fur ranches" is also extremely cruel. Confined to lifelong confinement, millions of foxes, beavers, minks, ocelots, rabbits, chinchillas, and other animals await extinction nothing to do, little room to move, and all their natural instincts thwarted. The animals are simply a means to the maximizing of production and profit, and there is no regard for their physical, mental, or emotional well being. Because of the enforced confinement and lack of privacy, naturally wild animals often exhibit neurotic behaviors such as compulsive movements and self mutilation. The animals finally suffer hideous deaths by electrocution by rods thrust up their anuses, by suffocation, by poisoning, which causes painful muscle cramping, or by having their necks broken.
According to the International Society for Animal Rights, Inc.,to make one fur garment requires 400 squirrels; 240 ermine; 200 chinchillas; 120 muskrats; 80 sables; 50 martens; 30 raccoons; 22 bobcats; 12 lynx; or 5 wolves.
IS FUR NECESSARY?
Judaism puts human beings on a higher level than animals and indicates that animals may be harmed and even killed if an essential human need is met. However, is the wearing of fur truly necessary for people to stay warm during wintry weather? There are many non-fur coats and hats, available in a variety of styles, that provide much warmth. Imitation fur is produced at such a high level of quality that even among Chasidim there is a small but growing trend to wear synthetic "shtreimlach" (fur-trimmed hats).
Based on the prohibition of tsa'ar ba'alei chayim, Rabbi Chaim Dovid Halevy, Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv issued a p'sak (rabbinic ruling) in March, 1992, indicating that Jews should not wear fur. Rabbi Halevy asked: "Why should people be allowed to kill animals if it is not necessary, simply because they desire the pleasure of having the beauty and warmth of fur coats? Is it not possible to achieve the same degree of warmth without fur?"
In his book, The Jewish Encyclopedia of Moral and Ethical Issues, Rabbi Nachum Amsel, a modern Israeli educator, states: "If the only reason a person wears the fur coat is to "show off" one's wealth or to be a mere fashion statement, that would be considered to be a frivolous and not a legitimate need. Rabbi Amsel also points out that hunting for sport is prohibited because it is not considered a legitimate need (Avodah Zarah 18b).
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
The Talmud teaches that Jews are "rachamanim b'nei rachamanim," compassionate children of compassionate ancestors (Beitza 32b). One has to wonder if the wearing of fur is consistent with that challenging mandate.
Are the words of Isaiah valid today if we fail to show compassion to animals?
Even though you make many prayers,I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood. (Isaiah 1:12-15)
What kind of lesson in Jewish values are young people getting when they see worshippers coming to synagogue in fur coats on the Sabbath day?
Not only do animals benefit from our compassion and concern -- we, too, benefit by becoming more sensitive and more humane, as Jews and civilized human beings.
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5. Analysis of World Watch Article That Argues That Animal-Agriculture Is Responsible For Over Half of Human-Caused Greenhouse Gas Emissions (3 Items)
Study claims meat creates half of all greenhouse gases
Livestock causes far more climate damage than first thought, says a new report
By Martin Hickman, Consumer Affairs Correspondent
Climate change emissions from meat production are far higher than currently estimated, according to a controversial new study that will fuel the debate on whether people should eat fewer animal products to help the environment.
In a paper published by a respected US thinktank, the Worldwatch Institute, two World Bank environmental advisers claim that instead of 18 per cent of global emissions being caused by meat, the true figure is 51 per cent.
a. Graphic: The real climate culprits?
They claim that United Nation's figures have severely underestimated the greenhouse gases caused by tens of billions of cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and other animals in three main areas: methane, land use and respiration.
Their findings – which are likely to prompt fierce debate among academics – come amid increasing from climate change experts calls for people to eat less meat.
In the 19-page report, Robert Goodland, a former lead environmental adviser to the World Bank, and Jeff Anhang, a current adviser, suggest that domesticated animals cause 32 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), more than the combined impact of industry and energy. The accepted figure is 18 per cent, taken from a landmark UN report in 2006, Livestock's Long Shadow.
"If this argument is right," write Goodland and Anhang, "it implies that replacing livestock products with better alternatives would be the best strategy for reversing climate change.
"In fact, this approach would have far more rapid effects on greenhouse gas emissions and their atmospheric concentrations than actions to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy."
Their call to move to meat substitutes accords with the views of the chairman of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Dr Rajendra Pachauri, who has described eating less meat as "the most attractive opportunity" for making immediate changes to climate change.
Lord Stern of Brentford, author of the 2006 review into the economic consequences of global warming, added his name to the call last week, telling a newspaper interviewer: "Meat is a wasteful use of water and creates a lot of greenhouse gases. It puts enormous pressure on the world's resources."
Scientists are concerned about livestock's exhalation of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Cows and other ruminants emit 37 per cent of the world's methane. A study by Nasa scientists published in Science on Friday found that methane has significantly more effect on climate change than previously thought: 33 times more than carbon dioxide, compared with a previous factor of 25.
According to Goodland and Anhang's paper, which has not been peer-reviewed, scientists have significantly underestimated emissions of methane expelled by livestock. They argue that the gas's impact should be calculated over 20 years, in line with its rapid effect – and the latest recommendation from the UN – rather than the 100 years favoured by Livestock's Long Shadow. This, they say, would add a further 5bn tons of CO2e to livestock emissions – 7.9 per cent of global emissions from all sources.
Similarly, they claim that official figures are wrong to ignore CO2 emitted by breathing animals on the basis that it is offset by carbon photosynthesised by their food, arguing the existence of this unnecessary animal-based CO2 amounts to 8.7bn tons of CO2e, 3.7 per cent of total emissions.
On land use, they calculate that returning the land currently used for livestock to natural vegetation and forests would remove 2.6bn tons of CO2e from the atmosphere, 4.2 per cent of greenhouse gas. They also complain that the UN underestimated the amount of livestock, putting it at 21.7bn against NGO estimates of 50bn, adding that numbers have since risen by 12 per cent.
Eating meat rather than plants also requires extra refrigeration and cooking and "expensive" treatment of human diseases arising from livestock such as swine flu, they say.
One leading expert on climate change and food, Tara Garnett, welcomed Goodland and Anhang's calculations on methane, which she said had credibility, but she questioned other aspects of their work, saying she had no reason to dispute the UN's position on CO2 caused by breathing. She also pointed out that they had changed scientific assumptions for livestock but not for other sources of methane, skewing the figures.
She said: "We are increasingly becoming aware that livestock farming at current scales is a major problem, and that they contribute significantly to greenhouse gases. But livestock farming also yields benefits – there are some areas of land that can’t be used for food crop production. Livestock manure can also contribute to soil fertility, and farm animals provide us with non food goods, such as leather and wool, which would need to be produced by another means, if it wasn’t a byproduct from animal farming.”
While looking into the paper's findings, Friends of the Earth said the report strengthened calls for the Government to act on emissions from meat production. "We already know that the meat and dairy industry causes more climate-changing emissions than all the world's transport," said Clare Oxborrow, senior food campaigner.
"These new figures need further scrutiny but, if they stack up, they provide yet more evidence of the urgent need to fix the food chain. The more damaging elements of the meat and dairy industry are effectively government-sponsored: millions of pounds of taxpayers' money is spent propping up factory farms and subsidising the import of animal feed that's been grown at the expense of forests."
Justin Kerswell, campaign manager for the vegetarian group Viva!, said: "The case for reducing consumption of meat and dairy products was already imperative based on previous UN findings. Now it appears to have been proven that the environmental devastation from livestock production is in fact staggeringly more significant – and dwarfs the contribution from the transport sector by an even greater margin.
"It is essential that attention is fully focused on the impact of livestock production by all global organisations with the power to affect policy."
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Analysis of the World Watch article by Karen Davis, Ph.D., Director of United Poultry Concerns
2 November 2009
Environmental Impact of Animals Raised for Food Recalculated
World Watch Magazine Links Human Diet & Greenhouse Gases
The November/December issue of World Watch magazine, pp. 10-19, presents a powerful challenge to previous estimates of the effect of raising animals for food, while setting forth “the best strategy for reversing climate change.”
The complete article can be read at: http://www.worldwatch.org/files/pdf/Livestock%20and%20Climate%20Change.pdf.
THE PROBLEM (briefly)
In “Livestock and Climate Change: What if the key actors in climate change are . . . cows, pigs, and chickens?” environmentalists Robert Goodland and Jeff Anhang offer compelling evidence that animal agriculture, already well-known to contribute heavily to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), actually accounts for “at least half” of all human-caused greenhouse gases. They build on the widely cited 2006 report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Livestock’s Long Shadow.
The FAO report estimates that 7,516 million metric tons per year of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalents, or 18 percent of annual global greenhouse gas emissions, are attributable to cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, camels, horses, pigs, and poultry. The Goodland and Anhang analysis shows that “livestock and their byproducts actually account for at least 32,564 million tons of CO2 equivalents per year, or 51 percent of annual worldwide GHG emissions” (p. 11).
As part of their calculation model for greenhouse gases attributable to livestock products, the authors observe that a full accounting “would cover portions of the construction and operation of pharmaceutical and medical industries” used to treat the millions of cases of worldwide illnesses linked to the consumption of animal products (p. 15).
THE SOLUTION (briefly)
Goodland and Anhang observe that the human population is projected to grow by about 35 percent between 2006 and 2050, and that the number of animals raised for food worldwide is projected to double during this same time period. If these projections come true, livestock-related GHG emissions “would also approximately double,” significantly increasing the amount of livestock-related greenhouse gases imperiling life on earth (p. 15).
With these grave risks confronting us, the authors argue that “an effective strategy must involve replacing livestock products with better alternatives, rather than substituting one meat product with another that has a somewhat lower carbon footprint” (p. 15).
Replacing animal products with soy-based and other plant-based alternatives, according to this study, can “reverse the ongoing world food and water crises.” It can also reduce future greenhouse gas emissions “because meat and dairy analogs are produced without the GHG-intensive processes used in raising livestock.” In addition, a significant amount of tropical land now being used to graze animals and grow grains to feed them would be left alone and allowed to regenerate as forest to absorb carbon already in the atmosphere (pp. 15, 17).
Pay particular attention to this observation about marketing strategies and promotional actions recommended in the article:
“To achieve the growth discussed above will require a significant investment in marketing, especially since meat and dairy analogs will be new to many consumers. A successful campaign would avoid negative themes and stress positive ones. For instance, recommending that meat not be eaten one day per week suggests deprivation. Instead, the campaign should pitch the theme of eating all week long a line of food products that is tasty, easy to prepare, and includes a ‘superfood,’ such as soy, that will enrich their lives. When people hear appealing messages about food, they are listening particularly for words that evoke comfort, familiarity, happiness, ease, speed, low price, and popularity. Consequently, several other themes should be tapped to build an effective marketing campaign” (p. 17).
To learn which “several other themes” the authors recommend tapping in order to build an effective marketing campaign, go to pages 17-19 of this World Watch article, which concludes that the case for change “is no longer only a public policy or an ethical case, but is now also a business case.” Find out why. Here again is the link:
http://www.worldwatch.org/files/pdf/Livestock%20and%20Climate%20Change.pdf.
UPC thanks Dr. Richard Schwartz, Director of Veg Climate Alliance and president of Jewish Vegetarians of North America (www.JewishVeg.com), for bringing this terrific article to our attention.
For more ideas about avoiding negative themes and stressing positive ones in advocacy campaigns, click on Moving Beyond . . . the Rhetoric of Apology in Animal Rights: http://www.upc-online.org/thinking/rhetoric.pdf.
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Questions and Answers re the World Watch Article
Questions asked by an Italian newspaper person and answers by one of the article’s authors
1 – Can you remind us what percentage of the GHG emissions is created by livestock and their byproducts?
We reviewed the percentage of GHG emissions attributed to livestock by the FAO in 2006, and considered it a good starting point. We found amounts that were overlooked, underestimated, and assigned to other sectors, and we added them up to reach a total of at least fifty-one percent of worldwide GHG emissions attributable to the life cycle and supply chain of livestock products.
2 – It seems like our passion for burgers and steaks is killing the planet. What are the main direct and indirect sources of GHG emissions from livestock we commonly don’t think about while walking along some cow in the Alps?
When someone walks alongside a cow, it is almost impossible to imagine that this one cow could be killing the planet. But the key, largely unknown source of GHG emissions are the other 56 billion land animals being raised for food during the same year across the world. We found a staggering amount of GHG emissions when we multiplied all these animals particularly by the amount of emissions attributable to the land needed to graze and grow feed for each one, and each one’s breath and other excretions.
3 – Livestock have been here for centuries. How come that they are becoming a problem now? Is the economic rise of countries like China and India, and their increasing “hunger” for livestock’s byproducts, to blame?
Wealthy people in countries such as China and India used to eat traditional foods, which involved a small number of calories in the form of animal products. So their increased hunger for animal products is not inevitable; it rather involves the transfer of Western culture, including the Western idea that animal products are good and so should be subsidized and marketed on a large scale. But this internationalization will turn out well, when the myth that animal products must be good is replaced by the idea that there could be better alternatives.
4 – In your report, you say that “replacing livestock products with better alternatives would be the best strategy for reversing climate change”. Is this like saying that we should become vegetarians?
In writing our article for World Watch, my co-author and I did what environmental specialists do all the time. That is, we assessed an area of environmental risk, and then we developed recommendations for how to manage the risk that we found. Conversely, recommending vegetarianism normally comes from people who think that their ethical values should be adopted by others. We didn’t write our article in order to end up telling people to adopt our ethical values. Our purpose is to recommend that people adopt whatever the best choice is for reversing climate change.
5 – You write that “after many years of international climate talks and practical efforts”, results in reducing GHG emissions have been very scarce. Do you think we have been spending a huge amount of money for practically no results?
We believe that replacing livestock products with better alternatives is something that can reduce a majority of GHG emissions quickly and cheaply. The remaining reductions will be more expensive and take much longer. So eventually the money that has been spent so far on long-term efforts should pay off. ? ?6 – Don’t you think that changing the way people eat can be even more difficult than change the way people turn the lights on? It does seem that people in the developed world keep on liking better “real” meat than alternatives.
Clearly, people form habits around what they eat. But those habits are strongly induced by fiscal measures and marketing, which in recent years have favored meat and dairy products. In every country – take China as an example – it can be seen that fiscal measures and marketing can dramatically change a population’s dietary habits in just a few years. If there are better alternatives in food, then it is predictable that their consumption can be induced. Conversely, it is hard to imagine that people will ever be able to read in the dark.
7 – You write that an individual food company has some incentives to change towards non-livestocks-based products. What are they?
We hope that your readers will consider reading our article. But to summarize, some individual food companies are already being harmed by climate change and can see more harm coming soon, while some are already benefiting greatly from selling non-livestock-based products. Our article aims to raise awareness on these topics so they can become better known.
8 – Why haven’t companies bought these arguments so far? What is keeping the change from being the best economic choice for them?
My co-author and I found that nobody had ever made our arguments before. So of course, companies weren’t able to buy our arguments until now. And now we hope that they will.
9 – An increasing skepticism is growing in the US public and in some papers and broadcasting companies (like the BBC) about the very existence of global warming and its main cause. Do you think it is worth it to change our way of living to try and correct something we don’t even really know is man-made?
Changing sources of energy and the way we use it will require a lot of change in people’s lives, and will take long and be expensive. So it is perhaps surprising that only a small number of people do not think it is necessary. Yet if something threatens our very existence, then it should be taken very seriously. But perhaps you contacted me across an ocean because my recommendations involve something enjoyable, which people consider all the time even in the absence of global warming – and that is to try some new type of food that is tasty, inexpensive, easy to cook, and healthful. Our article describes other benefits that food companies and consumers would normally be interested in, and reversing global warming is probably the most important one of all.
10 – What can everyone of us try to do – in his or her everyday life – in order to contribute stopping the climate change and the GHG emissions with his or her menu choices? By the way, are you and professor Anhang vegetarians?
It is probably clear by now that the menu choices we recommend are alternatives to meat and dairy products. If my co-author and I were at some points in our past vegetarians, then some people could think that our article developed from that, when it actually developed from our other environmental work. On the other hand, if we did not say that we will follow our own recommendations in the future, then some people would surely think we were hypocrites. In fact, the foods that both we and your readers eat today matter much less than that we and your readers follow our recommendations in the future.
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6. Action Alert: Improving Conditions for Farmed Animals
JVNA supports an end to the factory farming and slaughter of ALL farm animals. However, we also support steps toward that goal, such as this initiative.
Contact your NY State Assembly person and ask her/him to support this bill.
This bill will phase-out pig gestation crates, veal crates and hen battery cages by 2015, and will prohibit any person from tethering or confining any pig during pregnancy, any calf raised for veal, or egg-laying hen who is kept on a farm in a manner that prevents such animal from lying down, standing up and fully extending its limbs and turning around freely. Violations of the law will be punishable by imprisonment for a period not to exceed one year and/or fines up to $1,000.
Please go to: http://www.ab8163.com/
Please cross post to all NY State residents
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7. Al Gore on Factory Farming
The following interview of Al Gore by Diane Sawyer of ABC news provides some insights into Al Gore’s latest thinkingre vegetarianism.
In Al Gore’s just published book which discusses various solutions to global warming, the word “vegetarianism” does not appear in the index and there is only one citation for “meat,” and the effects of factory farming on climate change and environmental degradation is covered but not stressed.
SAWYER: Another objection you see and it brings laughs, always. But it's a constant one and it's from those who are doubters about what's needed to be done about methane and the amount of methane-
GORE: Yeah. Yeah.
SAWYER: - diplomatically produced, that cows produce and how damaging it is, 20 times more damaging it is than CO2. Here's Glenn Beck giving you a challenge about cows and methane. [It is actually far more damaging, especially when considering 20 year periods, when it is about 72 times as damaging.]
GLENN BECK: I'm siding with PETA on this one. Once again asking Al Gore if you really want to save the planet, Al, why don't you put down the cheeseburger and pick up the veggie burger? Time for, maybe, soy milk and tofurkey.
GORE: [Laughs]: Well, you know, there is a serious issue about the connection between the growing meat intensity of diets around the world and damage to the environment. That is a legitimate issue. And like a lot of people, I eat less meat now than I used to. I'm not a vegetarian, don't plan to become one, but it's a healthy choice to eat more vegetables than fruits. So it's not a laughable issue. Diet is an issue that's connected but the biggest issue by far is CO2 and methane comes from a lot of sources including- it is the principal component of natural gas, coal mines, rice, a lot of sources and it plays a somewhat larger role than scientists thought in the past.
SAWYER: So tofurkey for you?
GORE: No. I don't plan to. No thanks.
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8. Report of Rabbi’s Talk on “Judaism and Vegetarianism” at a Los Angeles Synagogue
Thanks to Leonard Aubrey Pitnigoff for writing this report and vegetarian activist Janine Laura Bronsom for sending it to us.
I didn't realize what was happening. It was World Vegan Day (Nov.1st, 2009) and the new youngest rabbi of nearby Temple Ner Ma'arav in Encino who was our guest speaker, was delivering a "nice" talk on Judaism and vegetarianism to our long running, slightly "geriatric" group (no insult intended) at Valley Beth Shalom...ha, ha, ha...
...And then, it was all over. We had eighteen people in the audience, and a very good speaker. Another successful meeting, thank G-d!
I was musing on who we could get to speak at our next Jewish Vegetarian Society of Los Angeles meeting, when I overheard Bernice – who had been instrumental in the first place, in discovering this rabbi officiating at her friend’s father’s funeral, and delighted upon having found him – who was now urging Janine – our president – to "Hold on to this man!"
Then suddenly, I saw it! Our wake up call. Why were here so bright and early on a Sunday morning? We had just been in the presence of a virile, dynamic, articulate, passionate, friendly, accessible rabbi, who is committed to molding the nearby synagogue he recently took over, into this Jewish vegan image!
I told myself that I've got to spend some time meditating on what this special rabbi had just told us! Would you like to read on about what my interpretations of this event were, in a nutshell? ??Reb Jason Van Leeuwen began the talk by stating that he will slowly be building Temple Ner Ma'arav back up on the foundation of the "Brit" (Hebrew for covenant). This "covenant" is to be found in the first two chapters of Genesis. These are the "vegan chapters," as it is from them, that we Jewish vegans ostensibly get our sanction to bug people into going vegan! Thank G_d they exist!
I'll never forget the astonishment, when I first SAW what these verses were saying. To me, they basically said that in order to tend to and to keep the Garden of G_d (Gen. 2:15), ALL three of the first three blessings of the Torah (Gen.1:28-29) must be followed.
What do I mean? Well, we have certainly recently been fulfilling the first two covenants: filling and subduing the earth; but a table doesn't stand on just two legs… It takes a third leg: the last of the "first big three" blessings to be mentioned in the Torah – can you guess what that might be? Being vegan!
In other words, if we want to continue procreating, the Torah teaches that we cannot rely on our technical wizardry alone to secure the future. Veganism is also needed; otherwise the "curse" of a missing third leg, will bring our best efforts down...??Reb Jason then went on to speak about the kosher laws. He was passionate as he told us how he was never told that the foundation of the laws of Kashrus is ethical, not ritual. He spoke convincingly about how each kosher practice was intended to increase reverence for life, but that the realities of today's world make it no longer fit (“kosher” literally means "fit" in Hebrew) to continue the slaughter of animals!
He basically said that not only WAS veganism the highest form of kashrus (fit-ness), but that NOW, veganism IS the only "fit" way to be. Emphatically, Reb Jason commented: “G_d dictates that I become vegan!” ??Throughout his speech, he related several touching, personal stories about his life: the various discoveries, tribulations, and joys he encountered, as he grew into his vegetarianism, raising two teenage vegan kids in a frequently uncomprehending and unfriendly world, and finally having to resign from his rabbinical post at a previous synagogue in the South Bay, because of his unwillingness to muzzle his vegetarian views...??Reb Jason ended the meeting by saying that he is also a cantor, musician, and composer. He proved it on the spot, by whipping out a guitar (in a non-leather guitar case, mind you, and with a non-leather strap) putting two familiar prayers to music. They were upbeat, full throated, and had an intuitive groove that swept the audience. I felt while listening to them that “Here is a man who is unafraid of life. ”??To sum it up, then, this is what happened here on World Vegan Day: Inspired by an overheard comment, I was able to truly appreciate that what we have here is that rarest of all breeds – the leader of a synagogue, who is willing to put the vegan agenda front and center!
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9. More Reviews of Jonathan Safran Foer’s Book “Eating Animals”
FLESH OF YOUR FLESH
Should you eat meat?
by Elizabeth Kolbert
NOVEMBER 9, 2009
http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/books/2009/11/09/091109crbo_books_kolbert
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Review of “Eating Animals” in the Forward
http://forward.com/articles/117863/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_content=70954753&utm_campaign=November62009+_+hiikit&utm_term=Readmore
Eating Animals Are Wrong
Books
By Keith Meatto
Published October 28, 2009, issue of November 06, 2009.
1. PRINT EMAIL SHARE AUTHOR ARCHIVE ARTS & CULTURE
Eating Animals?By Jonathan Safran Foer?Little, Brown and Company, 352 pages, $25.99.
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10. Leading Reform Rabbis Urges that Reform Jews Should Eat Less Meat/JVNA Press Release in Response
Yoffie to Reform Jews: Eat less meat, blog more
November 8, 2009
http://jta.org/news/article/2009/11/08/1009005/yoffie-to-reform-jews-eat-less-meat-blog-more
[Another JTA article is at http://jta.org/news/article/2009/11/09/1009055/reform-leader-urges-followers-to-adapt-jewish-dietary-practice.]
TORONTO (JTA) -- Reform Jews should eat less red meat and consider more carefully what food they serve in their synagogues, the movement's leader said.
"We need to think about how the food we eat advances the values we hold as Reform Jews," Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, said Saturday in Toronto at the biennial conference of the movement's synagogue arm.
During his presidential sermon, Yoffie outlined the URJ's Green Table/Just Table Initiative.
Noting that Americans are increasingly concerned about food issues, he urged Reform Jews to consider the ethical, environmental and health aspects of what they eat, and come up with food policies for their synagogues.
Yoffie steered clear of promoting kashrut, saying "ours is an ethically based tradition." But rather than ignore dietary practice, as he said Reform leaders did a century ago, he noted that food choices are intimately connected to issues, such as environmentalism and social justice, that Reform Jews care about.
Saying that he was not promoting vegetarianism, Yoffie said that cutting down on red meat "is an area where we can make a difference" in offsetting our carbon footprint.
"Reducing our collective meat consumption by 20 percent would be comparable to every American driving a Prius," he said.
Synagogues might also consider serving more communal meals, Yoffie suggested, as a way of building spiritual community. He also encouraged the planting of synagogue gardens.
To help Reform Jews take these practical steps, the union has posted a food policy guide, sample curriculum for youth groups, gardening tips and information on how synagogues can set up Community Supported Agriculture programs.
In his sermon, Yoffie also urged Reform congregations to harness the community-building power of the Internet and set up their own blogs.
Calling such congregational blogs an "online Oral Torah," he said congregations need to think more creatively about social media. To help them do so, the union is offering a blogging platform, substantive and strategic support, and other resources.
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JVNA press release in response
[Suggestions welcome.]
JEWISH GROUP SEES RABBI YOFFIE’S APPEAL TO REFORM JEWS TO EAT LESS MEAT AS IMPORTANT FIRST STEP
For Immediate Release:
November 10, 2009
Contact:
Richard H. Schwartz, President of the Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA)
President@JewishVeg.com Phone: (718) 761-5876
Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) issued the following statement today:
JVNA commends Reform leader Rabbi Eric Yoffi’s call to Reform Jews to eat less meat so as to be more consistent with the values of the Reform movement. [JTA article below this release.] We hope it will lead to an increased dialog on the many moral issues related to our diets and will encourage other Jewish leaders to speak out.
“At a time when animal-based agriculture is contributing very significantly to climate change and other severe environmental problems that are threatening all of humanity and when animal-based diets are major contributors to an epidemic of diseases in the Jewish community that are resulting in skyrocketing medical cost and major governmental deficits, it is time to address which diet is most consistent with Jewish values, “stated Richard H. Schwartz, president of JVNA. “We should also consider how the production and consumption of meat and other animal products violate basic Jewish mandates to preserve human health, treat animals compassionately, protect the environment, conserve natural resources and help hungry people.”
Since there is increasing evidence of connections between meat consumption and global warming, promoting plant-based diets is especially important to Jews today, as Israel faces the worst drought in its history and a 2007 Israel Union for Environmental Defense report projects that global warming will cause severe heat waves and storms, 20 to 30 percent less rainfall and severe flooding from a rising Mediterranean Sea.
JVNA would very much welcome respectful dialogues/debates with Rabbi Yoffie and, indeed, all rabbis and other Jewish scholars on “Should Jews be Vegetarians?” Such discussions would constitute a kiddush Hashem (a sanctification of G-d’s Name) because it would show the applicability of eternal Jewish teachings to dietary issues.
We believe that it is essential that our rabbis and other Jewish leaders increase awareness that a major shift toward plant-based diets is essential to avoid the unprecedented climate-catastrophe that the world is rapidly approaching and to move our precious, but imperiled, planet to a sustainable path.
Further information about these issues can be found at the JVNA web site JewishVeg.com. We will provide complimentary copies of our new documentary A SACRED DUTY: APPLYING JEWISH VALUES TO HELP HEAL THE WORLD to rabbis and other Jewish leaders who will contact us (president@JewishVeg.com). The entire movie can be seen and further information about it can be found at ASacredDuty.com. Additional information on Jewish teachings on vegetarianism can be found at the JVNA web site (JewishVeg.com) and in the many articles and podcasts at JewishVeg.com/Schwartz.
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11. New Group Promotes World Watch Article Conclusion of 51 Percent of Greenhouse Gases from Animal-Agriculture
From: Ahimsa Subject: 51 percent awareness campaign
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2009, 10:11 PM
Dear friends,
In order to spread and disseminate the information contained in the latest report from the the World Watch Institute, "the 51% campaign" has been launched by an animal and environmental protection organization.
The organizers wish to inform those attending Copenhagen that 51% of all greenhouse gas emissions are from the livestock sector, it is for this goal that they have created the website www.51percent.org
If you visit the solutions page
there are various actions you can take, for example the 2nd solution allows you to send a letter to a number of the EPA officials and environment minister worldwide. You can also add a 51% banner to your blog or website.
So in the run up to Copenhagen, please visit www.51percent.org
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Material from the group’s web site
Climate Change and Meat Consumption
A recent authoritative report published by the World Watch institute, authors Goodland and Anhang concluded that over 51% of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions come from Livestock.?
In the run up to the Copenhagen climate change summit, it is vital the following information be disseminated to the public as well as to our political leaders.
A widely cited 2006 report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Livestock’s Long Shadow, estimates that 18 percent of annual worldwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are attributable to livestock….however recent analysis by Goodland and Anhang co-authors of “Livestock and Climate Change” in the latest issue of World Watch magazine found that livestock and their byproducts actually account for at least 32.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year, or 51 percent of annual worldwide GHG emissions!
The main sources of GHGs from animal agriculture are: (1) Deforestation of the rainforests to grow feed for livestock. (2) Methane from manure waste. – Methane is 72 times more potent as a global warming gas than CO2 (3) Refrigeration and transport of meat around the world. (4) Raising, processing and slaughtering of the animal.
Meat production also uses a massive amount of water and other resources which would be better used to feed the world’s hungry and provide water to those in need.
Based on their research, Goodland and Anhang conclude that replacing livestock products with soy-based and other alternatives would be the best strategy for reversing climate change. They say “This approach would have far more rapid effects on GHG emissions and their atmospheric concentrations-and thus on the rate the climate is warming-than actions to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy.”
The fact is that we are being informed of the dangerous path we are on by depending greatly on animal flesh for human consumption. We still have the opportunity to make the most effective steps in saving ourselves and this planet. By simply choosing a plant based diet we can reduce our carbon foot print by a huge amount.
We are gambling with our lives and with those of our future generations to come. It’s madness to know we are fully aware of the possible consequences but yet are failing to act.
Please make a truly environmental, healthy and compassionate choice, choose to drastically reduce your meat intake or simply go vegetarian or vegan. This is the single most powerful action for preventing climate change as it is the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours Sincerely
Society for the Advancement of Animal Wellbeing
www.SAAWinternational.org
Please visit our solutions page to see how you can help
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This update/Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) Online Newsletter has the following items:
1. Chanukah and Vegetarianism
2. I Plan to Go to Copenhagen To Help “Turn Copenhagen into CopenVegan”
3. Orthodox Synagogue Planning to Start a Social Justice Group/My Letter in Response
4. Getting Consideration of Fur Onto the Jewish Agenda
5. Analysis of World Watch Article That Argues That Animal-Agriculture Is Responsible For Over Half of Human-Caused Greenhouse Gas Emissions (3 Items)
6. Action Alert: Improving Conditions for Farmed Animals
7. Al Gore on Factory Farming
8. Report of Rabbi’s Talk on “Judaism and Vegetarianism” at a Los Angeles Synagogue
9. More Reviews of Jonathan Safran Foer’s Book “Eating Animals”
10. Leading Reform Rabbis Urges that Reform Jews Should Eat Less Meat/JVNA Press Release in Response
11. New Group Promotes World Watch Article Conclusion of 51 Percent of Greenhouse Gases from Animal-Agriculture
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. Chanukah and Vegetarianism
With Chanukah about a month away, I plan to send my article, “Chanukah and Vegetarianism” to the Jewish media soon. So, please take a look at the article in the festivals section at JewishVeg.com/Schwartz, if you have a chance, and please let me know if you have any suggestions for improvements. Also, please consider using the points in the article for letters to editors and talking points. Thanks.
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2. I Plan to Go to Copenhagen To Help “Turn Copenhagen into CopenVegan”
As director of Veg Climate Alliance, I am working with some great people from all over the world in efforts to increase awareness at the major Copenhagen climate conference in December of the urgency of a major societal shift to vegan diets in order to avert the present looming climate-catastrophe. We are planning a forum, demonstrations, street theater and much more to turn Copenhagen into CopenVegan (using the Vegetarian V symbol).
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Program for Conference in Copenhagen Promoting Vegan Diets as a Major Part of Response to Climate Change
Below is an initial draft of the program for the forum that I am working on.
Planet Diet Foundation Copenhagen Conference
Climate Change: Efficient Solutions for Government, Industry and Society
The main aim of the conference is to highlight the most cost effective ways to address climate change and all related adverse effects. The hope is to incorporate these ideas and scientific findings into government and industry policy as well as social change. Looking at the latest scientific reports including the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency Report, which states that 80% of the cost of climate change could be mitigated through the plant based Diet.
Part 1: Global Warming current Impacts future consequences
Part one of the conference we will cover the effects of climate change through the eyes of those most affected right now and the different aspects of climate change EG environmental refugees, deforestation, world hunger, water shortages, species extinction etc. In this session we will also look at the findings and recommendations of the World Watch report “Livestock and Climate Change” as well as diet in relation to the environment and public health.
Part 2: Economic benefits of changing diet
In Part 2 of the conference we will hear from leaders in the Organic and Vegan industries. They will let us know about the benefits of their products to public health and the environment, and what they would like governments to do to help their industry’s expanding. We will also discuss the costs of climate change (Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency Report) and how this cost can be reduced. There will also be information on subsides and the health costs of the current western diet.
To finish the conference we will have VIPs giving their thoughts and advice on how to incorporate these ideas and scientific findings into government and industry policy as well as social change.
More in future newsletters. Suggestions welcome. Many thanks.
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3. Orthodox Synagogue Planning to Start a Social Justice Group/My Letter in Response
Forwarded article, published by the Jewish Standard of Northern New Jersey
Teaneck shul to create a social justice group
Lois Goldrich
Published: 06 November 2009
This weekend, the young people of Netivot Shalom will study the concept of social responsibility at a Shabbaton hosting Rabbi Ari Weiss, director of Uri L’Tzedek.
The group —which describes itself as “an Orthodox social justice organization guided by Torah values and dedicated to combating suffering and oppression” — has been actively involved in the Tav HaYosher ethical seal project, which stresses not only the kashrut of food but also “the dignity and rights of those who produced it.”
According to Pam Scheininger, president of the Teaneck congregation, members of her synagogue have traditionally turned out in large numbers for chesed projects, often bringing their children with them.
Whether participating in the shul’s CareOne bikkur cholim project, UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey’s Mitzvah Day, or the congregation’s new “birthday ma’aser [tithing] program, which encourages kids to give a certain number of their birthday gifts to children who are less fortunate,” the youths have been exposed to “the idea of looking to the Torah and taking lessons on how to react to the larger community,” said Scheininger.
Hod Klein, a Rutgers senior entering his third year as the congregation’s youth director, said he has heard a lot about Uri L’Tzedek and was inspired to bring its message to the synagogue.
“What they’re doing is very important,” he said. “There are some great people working on it who can help us” at the synagogue. While the congregation has tried to include its youngsters in chesed projects over the years, said Scheininger, this year she and Klein decided to move in a new direction, organizing activities around a specific theme.
“While many of our projects have been specifically within the Jewish community, the idea is that the Torah and halacha are not only a guide to [this kind of] interaction but can be expanded to focus on issues of social justice such as homelessness, poverty, immigration, health care, ethical kashrut, and prison care,” she said.
While this kind of outreach is not new to the Orthodox community, “it’s definitely in its newer stages,” said Scheininger. “It puts a title on it,” urging the community to fight for social justice “because Orthodoxy demands it,” she said.
Working with Uri L’Tzedek is a “natural fit,” she said. “They have programs running on college campuses and high schools and can provide a curriculum.”
“Our shul is dedicated to the idea of tikkun olam, the Torah view of justice, and our responsibilities” in that regard, said Klein, who grew up in Bergen County and had been a rabbinic intern at the synagogue.
Both Klein and Scheininger noted that parents and students have responded positively to the social justice initiative, and they are expecting a large turnout at the Shabbaton.
At the event, synagogue youth group leaders, ranging in age from 13 to 18, will be trained to lead students in the new venture. While seventh-graders are too young to be group leaders, said Klein, they will also be given a chance to participate, taking on an “informal” role in working with younger children, from nursery-school age through third grade.
Klein, who meets regularly with youth leaders, said “This is the first time we will train them around a theme,” he said. Curricular materials will be provided by Uri L’Tzedek.
Klein said that while he has generally worked in cooperation with parent groups on chesed projects, “Uri L’Tzedek engages the children in a more educational way. We’re building a curriculum,” he said, adding that he is compiling different ideas for the youngsters to discuss over Shabbat “to see what the kids are interested in.”
“We’ll bounce ideas back and forth,” he said, noting that he hopes to see a project centering on fair trade. “It’s a great way to get the kids engaged and active,” he said.
While the weekend will include text study, “it’s also important that the kids be involved” in social justice projects.
“It’s really exciting to be offering something new and unique to the shul,” said Klein. “I want to see it grow and develop.”
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My letter in response of the above article:
November 6, 2009
Editor, Jewish Standard
Dear Editor:
Kol hakavod (kudos) to Teaneck synagogue Netivot Shalom for initiating social action learning and activities into their programs. (“Teaneck shul to create a social justice group,” November 6 issue)
With all the negative publicity about some Jews recently, I think it would be a Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God’s name) for many synagogues to create similar social justice groups and thereby show that Jews are concerned about bettering society and that eternal Jewish values are applicable to today’s issues.
I would like to suggest that an issue such groups consider is global warming, since the world is arguably rapidly approaching an unprecedented climate-catastrophe. This is especially important for synagogues to consider, as Israel is now suffering from the worst drought in its history and from periodic severe heat waves, and Israeli climate experts are projecting that global warming will cause a decrease in average rainfall of 20 – 30 percent, major storms and an inundation of the coastal plain where most Israelis live by a rising Mediterranean Sea.
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4. Getting Consideration of Fur Onto the Jewish Agenda
[Please feel free to forward this article widely. Thanks.]
Is Fur a Jewish Issue?
By Richard Schwartz
Jewish worshipers chant every Sabbath morning, "The soul of every living being shall praise God's Name" (Nishmat kol chai tva'rech et shim'chah). Yet, some come to synagogue during the winter months wearing coats that required the cruel treatment of some of those living beings whose souls praise God.
To decide whether the use of fur is a significant Jewish issue, we should consider several related questions:
1) What does the Jewish tradition say about the treatment of animals?
2) How much suffering do animals raised or trapped for their fur experience?
3) Does the wearing of fur coats have redeeming factors that would over ride Jewish teachings related to the proper treatment of animals?
JUDAISM AND ANIMALS
Judaism has beautiful and powerful teachings with regard to showing compassion to animals. The following are a few examples:
Moses and King David were considered worthy to be leaders of the Jewish people because of their compassionate treatment of animals, when they were shepherds. Rebecca was judged suitable to be a wife of the patriarch Isaac because of her kindness in watering the ten camels of Eliezer, Abraham's servant. Rabbi Yehuda the Prince, the redactor of the Mishna, was punished for many years at the hand of Heaven for speaking callously to a calf being led to slaughter who sought refuge beside him.
Many Torah laws mandate proper treatment of animals. One may not muzzle an ox while it is working in the field nor yoke a strong and a weak animal together. Animals, as well as their masters, are meant to rest on the Sabbath day. The importance of this concept is indicated by the fact that it is mentioned in the Ten Commandments and on every sabbath morning as part of the kiddush ceremony.
The psalmist indicates G-d's concern for animals, stating that "His compassion is over all of His creatures" (Psalm 145:9). And there is a mitzvah (precept) in the Torah to emulate the Divine compassion, as it is written: "And you shall walk in His ways" (Deuteronomy 28:9). Perhaps the Jewish attitude toward animals is best expressed by Proverbs 12:10: "The righteous person considers the soul (life) of his or her animal." The Torah prohibits Jews from causing tsa'ar ba'alei chayim, any unnecessary pain, including psychological pain, to living creatures.
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, an outstanding 19th century philosopher, author, and Torah commentator, eloquently summarizes the Jewish view on treatment of animals:
Here you are faced with God's teaching, which obliges you not only to refrain from inflicting unnecessary pain on any animal, but to help and, when you can, to lessen the pain whenever you see an animal suffering, even through no fault of yours. (Horeb, Chapter 60, #416)
THE PAIN OF FUR-BEARING ANIMALS
Fur is obtained from animals who are either trapped or raised on ranches. Both involve treatment of animals that appears to be far from the Jewish teachings that have been previously discussed:
Animals caught in steel-jaw leg hold traps suffer slow, agonizing deaths. Some are attacked by predators, freeze to death, or chew off their own legs to escape. It has been said that one can get a "feel for fur" by slamming your fingers in a car door. A Canadian Wildlife service report gives an idea of the terror that trapped animals face and their desperate efforts to escape:
The stomachs of [trapped] arctic foxes . . . often contain parts of their own bodies. They may swallow fragments of their teeth broken off in biting the trap, and sometimes part of a mangled foot; almost every stomach contains some fox fur, and a considerable number contain pieces of skin, claws, or bits of bone.
Over 100 million wild animals are killed for their pelts every year. Many species of animals killed for their furs have become endangered or have disappeared completely from some localities. Millions of animals not wanted by trappers, including dogs, cats, and birds, die in traps annually and are discarded as "trash animals." Many trapped animals leave behind dependent offspring who are doomed to starvation.
Treatment of animals raised on "fur ranches" is also extremely cruel. Confined to lifelong confinement, millions of foxes, beavers, minks, ocelots, rabbits, chinchillas, and other animals await extinction nothing to do, little room to move, and all their natural instincts thwarted. The animals are simply a means to the maximizing of production and profit, and there is no regard for their physical, mental, or emotional well being. Because of the enforced confinement and lack of privacy, naturally wild animals often exhibit neurotic behaviors such as compulsive movements and self mutilation. The animals finally suffer hideous deaths by electrocution by rods thrust up their anuses, by suffocation, by poisoning, which causes painful muscle cramping, or by having their necks broken.
According to the International Society for Animal Rights, Inc.,to make one fur garment requires 400 squirrels; 240 ermine; 200 chinchillas; 120 muskrats; 80 sables; 50 martens; 30 raccoons; 22 bobcats; 12 lynx; or 5 wolves.
IS FUR NECESSARY?
Judaism puts human beings on a higher level than animals and indicates that animals may be harmed and even killed if an essential human need is met. However, is the wearing of fur truly necessary for people to stay warm during wintry weather? There are many non-fur coats and hats, available in a variety of styles, that provide much warmth. Imitation fur is produced at such a high level of quality that even among Chasidim there is a small but growing trend to wear synthetic "shtreimlach" (fur-trimmed hats).
Based on the prohibition of tsa'ar ba'alei chayim, Rabbi Chaim Dovid Halevy, Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv issued a p'sak (rabbinic ruling) in March, 1992, indicating that Jews should not wear fur. Rabbi Halevy asked: "Why should people be allowed to kill animals if it is not necessary, simply because they desire the pleasure of having the beauty and warmth of fur coats? Is it not possible to achieve the same degree of warmth without fur?"
In his book, The Jewish Encyclopedia of Moral and Ethical Issues, Rabbi Nachum Amsel, a modern Israeli educator, states: "If the only reason a person wears the fur coat is to "show off" one's wealth or to be a mere fashion statement, that would be considered to be a frivolous and not a legitimate need. Rabbi Amsel also points out that hunting for sport is prohibited because it is not considered a legitimate need (Avodah Zarah 18b).
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
The Talmud teaches that Jews are "rachamanim b'nei rachamanim," compassionate children of compassionate ancestors (Beitza 32b). One has to wonder if the wearing of fur is consistent with that challenging mandate.
Are the words of Isaiah valid today if we fail to show compassion to animals?
Even though you make many prayers,I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood. (Isaiah 1:12-15)
What kind of lesson in Jewish values are young people getting when they see worshippers coming to synagogue in fur coats on the Sabbath day?
Not only do animals benefit from our compassion and concern -- we, too, benefit by becoming more sensitive and more humane, as Jews and civilized human beings.
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5. Analysis of World Watch Article That Argues That Animal-Agriculture Is Responsible For Over Half of Human-Caused Greenhouse Gas Emissions (3 Items)
Study claims meat creates half of all greenhouse gases
Livestock causes far more climate damage than first thought, says a new report
By Martin Hickman, Consumer Affairs Correspondent
Climate change emissions from meat production are far higher than currently estimated, according to a controversial new study that will fuel the debate on whether people should eat fewer animal products to help the environment.
In a paper published by a respected US thinktank, the Worldwatch Institute, two World Bank environmental advisers claim that instead of 18 per cent of global emissions being caused by meat, the true figure is 51 per cent.
a. Graphic: The real climate culprits?
They claim that United Nation's figures have severely underestimated the greenhouse gases caused by tens of billions of cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and other animals in three main areas: methane, land use and respiration.
Their findings – which are likely to prompt fierce debate among academics – come amid increasing from climate change experts calls for people to eat less meat.
In the 19-page report, Robert Goodland, a former lead environmental adviser to the World Bank, and Jeff Anhang, a current adviser, suggest that domesticated animals cause 32 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), more than the combined impact of industry and energy. The accepted figure is 18 per cent, taken from a landmark UN report in 2006, Livestock's Long Shadow.
"If this argument is right," write Goodland and Anhang, "it implies that replacing livestock products with better alternatives would be the best strategy for reversing climate change.
"In fact, this approach would have far more rapid effects on greenhouse gas emissions and their atmospheric concentrations than actions to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy."
Their call to move to meat substitutes accords with the views of the chairman of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Dr Rajendra Pachauri, who has described eating less meat as "the most attractive opportunity" for making immediate changes to climate change.
Lord Stern of Brentford, author of the 2006 review into the economic consequences of global warming, added his name to the call last week, telling a newspaper interviewer: "Meat is a wasteful use of water and creates a lot of greenhouse gases. It puts enormous pressure on the world's resources."
Scientists are concerned about livestock's exhalation of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Cows and other ruminants emit 37 per cent of the world's methane. A study by Nasa scientists published in Science on Friday found that methane has significantly more effect on climate change than previously thought: 33 times more than carbon dioxide, compared with a previous factor of 25.
According to Goodland and Anhang's paper, which has not been peer-reviewed, scientists have significantly underestimated emissions of methane expelled by livestock. They argue that the gas's impact should be calculated over 20 years, in line with its rapid effect – and the latest recommendation from the UN – rather than the 100 years favoured by Livestock's Long Shadow. This, they say, would add a further 5bn tons of CO2e to livestock emissions – 7.9 per cent of global emissions from all sources.
Similarly, they claim that official figures are wrong to ignore CO2 emitted by breathing animals on the basis that it is offset by carbon photosynthesised by their food, arguing the existence of this unnecessary animal-based CO2 amounts to 8.7bn tons of CO2e, 3.7 per cent of total emissions.
On land use, they calculate that returning the land currently used for livestock to natural vegetation and forests would remove 2.6bn tons of CO2e from the atmosphere, 4.2 per cent of greenhouse gas. They also complain that the UN underestimated the amount of livestock, putting it at 21.7bn against NGO estimates of 50bn, adding that numbers have since risen by 12 per cent.
Eating meat rather than plants also requires extra refrigeration and cooking and "expensive" treatment of human diseases arising from livestock such as swine flu, they say.
One leading expert on climate change and food, Tara Garnett, welcomed Goodland and Anhang's calculations on methane, which she said had credibility, but she questioned other aspects of their work, saying she had no reason to dispute the UN's position on CO2 caused by breathing. She also pointed out that they had changed scientific assumptions for livestock but not for other sources of methane, skewing the figures.
She said: "We are increasingly becoming aware that livestock farming at current scales is a major problem, and that they contribute significantly to greenhouse gases. But livestock farming also yields benefits – there are some areas of land that can’t be used for food crop production. Livestock manure can also contribute to soil fertility, and farm animals provide us with non food goods, such as leather and wool, which would need to be produced by another means, if it wasn’t a byproduct from animal farming.”
While looking into the paper's findings, Friends of the Earth said the report strengthened calls for the Government to act on emissions from meat production. "We already know that the meat and dairy industry causes more climate-changing emissions than all the world's transport," said Clare Oxborrow, senior food campaigner.
"These new figures need further scrutiny but, if they stack up, they provide yet more evidence of the urgent need to fix the food chain. The more damaging elements of the meat and dairy industry are effectively government-sponsored: millions of pounds of taxpayers' money is spent propping up factory farms and subsidising the import of animal feed that's been grown at the expense of forests."
Justin Kerswell, campaign manager for the vegetarian group Viva!, said: "The case for reducing consumption of meat and dairy products was already imperative based on previous UN findings. Now it appears to have been proven that the environmental devastation from livestock production is in fact staggeringly more significant – and dwarfs the contribution from the transport sector by an even greater margin.
"It is essential that attention is fully focused on the impact of livestock production by all global organisations with the power to affect policy."
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Analysis of the World Watch article by Karen Davis, Ph.D., Director of United Poultry Concerns
2 November 2009
Environmental Impact of Animals Raised for Food Recalculated
World Watch Magazine Links Human Diet & Greenhouse Gases
The November/December issue of World Watch magazine, pp. 10-19, presents a powerful challenge to previous estimates of the effect of raising animals for food, while setting forth “the best strategy for reversing climate change.”
The complete article can be read at: http://www.worldwatch.org/files/pdf/Livestock%20and%20Climate%20Change.pdf.
THE PROBLEM (briefly)
In “Livestock and Climate Change: What if the key actors in climate change are . . . cows, pigs, and chickens?” environmentalists Robert Goodland and Jeff Anhang offer compelling evidence that animal agriculture, already well-known to contribute heavily to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), actually accounts for “at least half” of all human-caused greenhouse gases. They build on the widely cited 2006 report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Livestock’s Long Shadow.
The FAO report estimates that 7,516 million metric tons per year of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalents, or 18 percent of annual global greenhouse gas emissions, are attributable to cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, camels, horses, pigs, and poultry. The Goodland and Anhang analysis shows that “livestock and their byproducts actually account for at least 32,564 million tons of CO2 equivalents per year, or 51 percent of annual worldwide GHG emissions” (p. 11).
As part of their calculation model for greenhouse gases attributable to livestock products, the authors observe that a full accounting “would cover portions of the construction and operation of pharmaceutical and medical industries” used to treat the millions of cases of worldwide illnesses linked to the consumption of animal products (p. 15).
THE SOLUTION (briefly)
Goodland and Anhang observe that the human population is projected to grow by about 35 percent between 2006 and 2050, and that the number of animals raised for food worldwide is projected to double during this same time period. If these projections come true, livestock-related GHG emissions “would also approximately double,” significantly increasing the amount of livestock-related greenhouse gases imperiling life on earth (p. 15).
With these grave risks confronting us, the authors argue that “an effective strategy must involve replacing livestock products with better alternatives, rather than substituting one meat product with another that has a somewhat lower carbon footprint” (p. 15).
Replacing animal products with soy-based and other plant-based alternatives, according to this study, can “reverse the ongoing world food and water crises.” It can also reduce future greenhouse gas emissions “because meat and dairy analogs are produced without the GHG-intensive processes used in raising livestock.” In addition, a significant amount of tropical land now being used to graze animals and grow grains to feed them would be left alone and allowed to regenerate as forest to absorb carbon already in the atmosphere (pp. 15, 17).
Pay particular attention to this observation about marketing strategies and promotional actions recommended in the article:
“To achieve the growth discussed above will require a significant investment in marketing, especially since meat and dairy analogs will be new to many consumers. A successful campaign would avoid negative themes and stress positive ones. For instance, recommending that meat not be eaten one day per week suggests deprivation. Instead, the campaign should pitch the theme of eating all week long a line of food products that is tasty, easy to prepare, and includes a ‘superfood,’ such as soy, that will enrich their lives. When people hear appealing messages about food, they are listening particularly for words that evoke comfort, familiarity, happiness, ease, speed, low price, and popularity. Consequently, several other themes should be tapped to build an effective marketing campaign” (p. 17).
To learn which “several other themes” the authors recommend tapping in order to build an effective marketing campaign, go to pages 17-19 of this World Watch article, which concludes that the case for change “is no longer only a public policy or an ethical case, but is now also a business case.” Find out why. Here again is the link:
http://www.worldwatch.org/files/pdf/Livestock%20and%20Climate%20Change.pdf.
UPC thanks Dr. Richard Schwartz, Director of Veg Climate Alliance and president of Jewish Vegetarians of North America (www.JewishVeg.com), for bringing this terrific article to our attention.
For more ideas about avoiding negative themes and stressing positive ones in advocacy campaigns, click on Moving Beyond . . . the Rhetoric of Apology in Animal Rights: http://www.upc-online.org/thinking/rhetoric.pdf.
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Questions and Answers re the World Watch Article
Questions asked by an Italian newspaper person and answers by one of the article’s authors
1 – Can you remind us what percentage of the GHG emissions is created by livestock and their byproducts?
We reviewed the percentage of GHG emissions attributed to livestock by the FAO in 2006, and considered it a good starting point. We found amounts that were overlooked, underestimated, and assigned to other sectors, and we added them up to reach a total of at least fifty-one percent of worldwide GHG emissions attributable to the life cycle and supply chain of livestock products.
2 – It seems like our passion for burgers and steaks is killing the planet. What are the main direct and indirect sources of GHG emissions from livestock we commonly don’t think about while walking along some cow in the Alps?
When someone walks alongside a cow, it is almost impossible to imagine that this one cow could be killing the planet. But the key, largely unknown source of GHG emissions are the other 56 billion land animals being raised for food during the same year across the world. We found a staggering amount of GHG emissions when we multiplied all these animals particularly by the amount of emissions attributable to the land needed to graze and grow feed for each one, and each one’s breath and other excretions.
3 – Livestock have been here for centuries. How come that they are becoming a problem now? Is the economic rise of countries like China and India, and their increasing “hunger” for livestock’s byproducts, to blame?
Wealthy people in countries such as China and India used to eat traditional foods, which involved a small number of calories in the form of animal products. So their increased hunger for animal products is not inevitable; it rather involves the transfer of Western culture, including the Western idea that animal products are good and so should be subsidized and marketed on a large scale. But this internationalization will turn out well, when the myth that animal products must be good is replaced by the idea that there could be better alternatives.
4 – In your report, you say that “replacing livestock products with better alternatives would be the best strategy for reversing climate change”. Is this like saying that we should become vegetarians?
In writing our article for World Watch, my co-author and I did what environmental specialists do all the time. That is, we assessed an area of environmental risk, and then we developed recommendations for how to manage the risk that we found. Conversely, recommending vegetarianism normally comes from people who think that their ethical values should be adopted by others. We didn’t write our article in order to end up telling people to adopt our ethical values. Our purpose is to recommend that people adopt whatever the best choice is for reversing climate change.
5 – You write that “after many years of international climate talks and practical efforts”, results in reducing GHG emissions have been very scarce. Do you think we have been spending a huge amount of money for practically no results?
We believe that replacing livestock products with better alternatives is something that can reduce a majority of GHG emissions quickly and cheaply. The remaining reductions will be more expensive and take much longer. So eventually the money that has been spent so far on long-term efforts should pay off. ? ?6 – Don’t you think that changing the way people eat can be even more difficult than change the way people turn the lights on? It does seem that people in the developed world keep on liking better “real” meat than alternatives.
Clearly, people form habits around what they eat. But those habits are strongly induced by fiscal measures and marketing, which in recent years have favored meat and dairy products. In every country – take China as an example – it can be seen that fiscal measures and marketing can dramatically change a population’s dietary habits in just a few years. If there are better alternatives in food, then it is predictable that their consumption can be induced. Conversely, it is hard to imagine that people will ever be able to read in the dark.
7 – You write that an individual food company has some incentives to change towards non-livestocks-based products. What are they?
We hope that your readers will consider reading our article. But to summarize, some individual food companies are already being harmed by climate change and can see more harm coming soon, while some are already benefiting greatly from selling non-livestock-based products. Our article aims to raise awareness on these topics so they can become better known.
8 – Why haven’t companies bought these arguments so far? What is keeping the change from being the best economic choice for them?
My co-author and I found that nobody had ever made our arguments before. So of course, companies weren’t able to buy our arguments until now. And now we hope that they will.
9 – An increasing skepticism is growing in the US public and in some papers and broadcasting companies (like the BBC) about the very existence of global warming and its main cause. Do you think it is worth it to change our way of living to try and correct something we don’t even really know is man-made?
Changing sources of energy and the way we use it will require a lot of change in people’s lives, and will take long and be expensive. So it is perhaps surprising that only a small number of people do not think it is necessary. Yet if something threatens our very existence, then it should be taken very seriously. But perhaps you contacted me across an ocean because my recommendations involve something enjoyable, which people consider all the time even in the absence of global warming – and that is to try some new type of food that is tasty, inexpensive, easy to cook, and healthful. Our article describes other benefits that food companies and consumers would normally be interested in, and reversing global warming is probably the most important one of all.
10 – What can everyone of us try to do – in his or her everyday life – in order to contribute stopping the climate change and the GHG emissions with his or her menu choices? By the way, are you and professor Anhang vegetarians?
It is probably clear by now that the menu choices we recommend are alternatives to meat and dairy products. If my co-author and I were at some points in our past vegetarians, then some people could think that our article developed from that, when it actually developed from our other environmental work. On the other hand, if we did not say that we will follow our own recommendations in the future, then some people would surely think we were hypocrites. In fact, the foods that both we and your readers eat today matter much less than that we and your readers follow our recommendations in the future.
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6. Action Alert: Improving Conditions for Farmed Animals
JVNA supports an end to the factory farming and slaughter of ALL farm animals. However, we also support steps toward that goal, such as this initiative.
Contact your NY State Assembly person and ask her/him to support this bill.
This bill will phase-out pig gestation crates, veal crates and hen battery cages by 2015, and will prohibit any person from tethering or confining any pig during pregnancy, any calf raised for veal, or egg-laying hen who is kept on a farm in a manner that prevents such animal from lying down, standing up and fully extending its limbs and turning around freely. Violations of the law will be punishable by imprisonment for a period not to exceed one year and/or fines up to $1,000.
Please go to: http://www.ab8163.com/
Please cross post to all NY State residents
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7. Al Gore on Factory Farming
The following interview of Al Gore by Diane Sawyer of ABC news provides some insights into Al Gore’s latest thinkingre vegetarianism.
In Al Gore’s just published book which discusses various solutions to global warming, the word “vegetarianism” does not appear in the index and there is only one citation for “meat,” and the effects of factory farming on climate change and environmental degradation is covered but not stressed.
SAWYER: Another objection you see and it brings laughs, always. But it's a constant one and it's from those who are doubters about what's needed to be done about methane and the amount of methane-
GORE: Yeah. Yeah.
SAWYER: - diplomatically produced, that cows produce and how damaging it is, 20 times more damaging it is than CO2. Here's Glenn Beck giving you a challenge about cows and methane. [It is actually far more damaging, especially when considering 20 year periods, when it is about 72 times as damaging.]
GLENN BECK: I'm siding with PETA on this one. Once again asking Al Gore if you really want to save the planet, Al, why don't you put down the cheeseburger and pick up the veggie burger? Time for, maybe, soy milk and tofurkey.
GORE: [Laughs]: Well, you know, there is a serious issue about the connection between the growing meat intensity of diets around the world and damage to the environment. That is a legitimate issue. And like a lot of people, I eat less meat now than I used to. I'm not a vegetarian, don't plan to become one, but it's a healthy choice to eat more vegetables than fruits. So it's not a laughable issue. Diet is an issue that's connected but the biggest issue by far is CO2 and methane comes from a lot of sources including- it is the principal component of natural gas, coal mines, rice, a lot of sources and it plays a somewhat larger role than scientists thought in the past.
SAWYER: So tofurkey for you?
GORE: No. I don't plan to. No thanks.
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8. Report of Rabbi’s Talk on “Judaism and Vegetarianism” at a Los Angeles Synagogue
Thanks to Leonard Aubrey Pitnigoff for writing this report and vegetarian activist Janine Laura Bronsom for sending it to us.
I didn't realize what was happening. It was World Vegan Day (Nov.1st, 2009) and the new youngest rabbi of nearby Temple Ner Ma'arav in Encino who was our guest speaker, was delivering a "nice" talk on Judaism and vegetarianism to our long running, slightly "geriatric" group (no insult intended) at Valley Beth Shalom...ha, ha, ha...
...And then, it was all over. We had eighteen people in the audience, and a very good speaker. Another successful meeting, thank G-d!
I was musing on who we could get to speak at our next Jewish Vegetarian Society of Los Angeles meeting, when I overheard Bernice – who had been instrumental in the first place, in discovering this rabbi officiating at her friend’s father’s funeral, and delighted upon having found him – who was now urging Janine – our president – to "Hold on to this man!"
Then suddenly, I saw it! Our wake up call. Why were here so bright and early on a Sunday morning? We had just been in the presence of a virile, dynamic, articulate, passionate, friendly, accessible rabbi, who is committed to molding the nearby synagogue he recently took over, into this Jewish vegan image!
I told myself that I've got to spend some time meditating on what this special rabbi had just told us! Would you like to read on about what my interpretations of this event were, in a nutshell? ??Reb Jason Van Leeuwen began the talk by stating that he will slowly be building Temple Ner Ma'arav back up on the foundation of the "Brit" (Hebrew for covenant). This "covenant" is to be found in the first two chapters of Genesis. These are the "vegan chapters," as it is from them, that we Jewish vegans ostensibly get our sanction to bug people into going vegan! Thank G_d they exist!
I'll never forget the astonishment, when I first SAW what these verses were saying. To me, they basically said that in order to tend to and to keep the Garden of G_d (Gen. 2:15), ALL three of the first three blessings of the Torah (Gen.1:28-29) must be followed.
What do I mean? Well, we have certainly recently been fulfilling the first two covenants: filling and subduing the earth; but a table doesn't stand on just two legs… It takes a third leg: the last of the "first big three" blessings to be mentioned in the Torah – can you guess what that might be? Being vegan!
In other words, if we want to continue procreating, the Torah teaches that we cannot rely on our technical wizardry alone to secure the future. Veganism is also needed; otherwise the "curse" of a missing third leg, will bring our best efforts down...??Reb Jason then went on to speak about the kosher laws. He was passionate as he told us how he was never told that the foundation of the laws of Kashrus is ethical, not ritual. He spoke convincingly about how each kosher practice was intended to increase reverence for life, but that the realities of today's world make it no longer fit (“kosher” literally means "fit" in Hebrew) to continue the slaughter of animals!
He basically said that not only WAS veganism the highest form of kashrus (fit-ness), but that NOW, veganism IS the only "fit" way to be. Emphatically, Reb Jason commented: “G_d dictates that I become vegan!” ??Throughout his speech, he related several touching, personal stories about his life: the various discoveries, tribulations, and joys he encountered, as he grew into his vegetarianism, raising two teenage vegan kids in a frequently uncomprehending and unfriendly world, and finally having to resign from his rabbinical post at a previous synagogue in the South Bay, because of his unwillingness to muzzle his vegetarian views...??Reb Jason ended the meeting by saying that he is also a cantor, musician, and composer. He proved it on the spot, by whipping out a guitar (in a non-leather guitar case, mind you, and with a non-leather strap) putting two familiar prayers to music. They were upbeat, full throated, and had an intuitive groove that swept the audience. I felt while listening to them that “Here is a man who is unafraid of life. ”??To sum it up, then, this is what happened here on World Vegan Day: Inspired by an overheard comment, I was able to truly appreciate that what we have here is that rarest of all breeds – the leader of a synagogue, who is willing to put the vegan agenda front and center!
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9. More Reviews of Jonathan Safran Foer’s Book “Eating Animals”
FLESH OF YOUR FLESH
Should you eat meat?
by Elizabeth Kolbert
NOVEMBER 9, 2009
http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/books/2009/11/09/091109crbo_books_kolbert
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Review of “Eating Animals” in the Forward
http://forward.com/articles/117863/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_content=70954753&utm_campaign=November62009+_+hiikit&utm_term=Readmore
Eating Animals Are Wrong
Books
By Keith Meatto
Published October 28, 2009, issue of November 06, 2009.
1. PRINT EMAIL SHARE AUTHOR ARCHIVE ARTS & CULTURE
Eating Animals?By Jonathan Safran Foer?Little, Brown and Company, 352 pages, $25.99.
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10. Leading Reform Rabbis Urges that Reform Jews Should Eat Less Meat/JVNA Press Release in Response
Yoffie to Reform Jews: Eat less meat, blog more
November 8, 2009
http://jta.org/news/article/2009/11/08/1009005/yoffie-to-reform-jews-eat-less-meat-blog-more
[Another JTA article is at http://jta.org/news/article/2009/11/09/1009055/reform-leader-urges-followers-to-adapt-jewish-dietary-practice.]
TORONTO (JTA) -- Reform Jews should eat less red meat and consider more carefully what food they serve in their synagogues, the movement's leader said.
"We need to think about how the food we eat advances the values we hold as Reform Jews," Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, said Saturday in Toronto at the biennial conference of the movement's synagogue arm.
During his presidential sermon, Yoffie outlined the URJ's Green Table/Just Table Initiative.
Noting that Americans are increasingly concerned about food issues, he urged Reform Jews to consider the ethical, environmental and health aspects of what they eat, and come up with food policies for their synagogues.
Yoffie steered clear of promoting kashrut, saying "ours is an ethically based tradition." But rather than ignore dietary practice, as he said Reform leaders did a century ago, he noted that food choices are intimately connected to issues, such as environmentalism and social justice, that Reform Jews care about.
Saying that he was not promoting vegetarianism, Yoffie said that cutting down on red meat "is an area where we can make a difference" in offsetting our carbon footprint.
"Reducing our collective meat consumption by 20 percent would be comparable to every American driving a Prius," he said.
Synagogues might also consider serving more communal meals, Yoffie suggested, as a way of building spiritual community. He also encouraged the planting of synagogue gardens.
To help Reform Jews take these practical steps, the union has posted a food policy guide, sample curriculum for youth groups, gardening tips and information on how synagogues can set up Community Supported Agriculture programs.
In his sermon, Yoffie also urged Reform congregations to harness the community-building power of the Internet and set up their own blogs.
Calling such congregational blogs an "online Oral Torah," he said congregations need to think more creatively about social media. To help them do so, the union is offering a blogging platform, substantive and strategic support, and other resources.
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JVNA press release in response
[Suggestions welcome.]
JEWISH GROUP SEES RABBI YOFFIE’S APPEAL TO REFORM JEWS TO EAT LESS MEAT AS IMPORTANT FIRST STEP
For Immediate Release:
November 10, 2009
Contact:
Richard H. Schwartz, President of the Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA)
President@JewishVeg.com Phone: (718) 761-5876
Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) issued the following statement today:
JVNA commends Reform leader Rabbi Eric Yoffi’s call to Reform Jews to eat less meat so as to be more consistent with the values of the Reform movement. [JTA article below this release.] We hope it will lead to an increased dialog on the many moral issues related to our diets and will encourage other Jewish leaders to speak out.
“At a time when animal-based agriculture is contributing very significantly to climate change and other severe environmental problems that are threatening all of humanity and when animal-based diets are major contributors to an epidemic of diseases in the Jewish community that are resulting in skyrocketing medical cost and major governmental deficits, it is time to address which diet is most consistent with Jewish values, “stated Richard H. Schwartz, president of JVNA. “We should also consider how the production and consumption of meat and other animal products violate basic Jewish mandates to preserve human health, treat animals compassionately, protect the environment, conserve natural resources and help hungry people.”
Since there is increasing evidence of connections between meat consumption and global warming, promoting plant-based diets is especially important to Jews today, as Israel faces the worst drought in its history and a 2007 Israel Union for Environmental Defense report projects that global warming will cause severe heat waves and storms, 20 to 30 percent less rainfall and severe flooding from a rising Mediterranean Sea.
JVNA would very much welcome respectful dialogues/debates with Rabbi Yoffie and, indeed, all rabbis and other Jewish scholars on “Should Jews be Vegetarians?” Such discussions would constitute a kiddush Hashem (a sanctification of G-d’s Name) because it would show the applicability of eternal Jewish teachings to dietary issues.
We believe that it is essential that our rabbis and other Jewish leaders increase awareness that a major shift toward plant-based diets is essential to avoid the unprecedented climate-catastrophe that the world is rapidly approaching and to move our precious, but imperiled, planet to a sustainable path.
Further information about these issues can be found at the JVNA web site JewishVeg.com. We will provide complimentary copies of our new documentary A SACRED DUTY: APPLYING JEWISH VALUES TO HELP HEAL THE WORLD to rabbis and other Jewish leaders who will contact us (president@JewishVeg.com). The entire movie can be seen and further information about it can be found at ASacredDuty.com. Additional information on Jewish teachings on vegetarianism can be found at the JVNA web site (JewishVeg.com) and in the many articles and podcasts at JewishVeg.com/Schwartz.
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11. New Group Promotes World Watch Article Conclusion of 51 Percent of Greenhouse Gases from Animal-Agriculture
From: Ahimsa Subject: 51 percent awareness campaign
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2009, 10:11 PM
Dear friends,
In order to spread and disseminate the information contained in the latest report from the the World Watch Institute, "the 51% campaign" has been launched by an animal and environmental protection organization.
The organizers wish to inform those attending Copenhagen that 51% of all greenhouse gas emissions are from the livestock sector, it is for this goal that they have created the website www.51percent.org
If you visit the solutions page
there are various actions you can take, for example the 2nd solution allows you to send a letter to a number of the EPA officials and environment minister worldwide. You can also add a 51% banner to your blog or website.
So in the run up to Copenhagen, please visit www.51percent.org
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Material from the group’s web site
Climate Change and Meat Consumption
A recent authoritative report published by the World Watch institute, authors Goodland and Anhang concluded that over 51% of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions come from Livestock.?
In the run up to the Copenhagen climate change summit, it is vital the following information be disseminated to the public as well as to our political leaders.
A widely cited 2006 report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Livestock’s Long Shadow, estimates that 18 percent of annual worldwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are attributable to livestock….however recent analysis by Goodland and Anhang co-authors of “Livestock and Climate Change” in the latest issue of World Watch magazine found that livestock and their byproducts actually account for at least 32.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year, or 51 percent of annual worldwide GHG emissions!
The main sources of GHGs from animal agriculture are: (1) Deforestation of the rainforests to grow feed for livestock. (2) Methane from manure waste. – Methane is 72 times more potent as a global warming gas than CO2 (3) Refrigeration and transport of meat around the world. (4) Raising, processing and slaughtering of the animal.
Meat production also uses a massive amount of water and other resources which would be better used to feed the world’s hungry and provide water to those in need.
Based on their research, Goodland and Anhang conclude that replacing livestock products with soy-based and other alternatives would be the best strategy for reversing climate change. They say “This approach would have far more rapid effects on GHG emissions and their atmospheric concentrations-and thus on the rate the climate is warming-than actions to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy.”
The fact is that we are being informed of the dangerous path we are on by depending greatly on animal flesh for human consumption. We still have the opportunity to make the most effective steps in saving ourselves and this planet. By simply choosing a plant based diet we can reduce our carbon foot print by a huge amount.
We are gambling with our lives and with those of our future generations to come. It’s madness to know we are fully aware of the possible consequences but yet are failing to act.
Please make a truly environmental, healthy and compassionate choice, choose to drastically reduce your meat intake or simply go vegetarian or vegan. This is the single most powerful action for preventing climate change as it is the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours Sincerely
Society for the Advancement of Animal Wellbeing
www.SAAWinternational.org
Please visit our solutions page to see how you can help
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