Special JVNA Newsletter re: A SACRED DUTY

Shalom everyone,

This special Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) Online Newsletter focuses on recent developments re: our documentary A SACRED DUTY: APPLYING JEWISH VALUES TO HELP HEAL THE WORLD.

The newsletter has the following items:

1. Introduction/Overview

2. Article Announcing Availability of A SACRED DUTY/Please Help Spread the Word

3. Positive Responses Already Received About A SACRED DUTY

4. Your Financial Contribution Can Make a Tremendous Difference at this Critical Time

5. Providing Background Information/Action Suggestions re A SACRED DUTY

6. Article in Haaretz About the Israeli premiere of A SACRED DUTY

7. Article in the Jerusalem Post About Israeli Premiere of A SACRED DUTY

8. Program at the Israel Center for Premiere of A SACRED DUTY and Talks on Global Warming and Other Threats to Israel's Environment, presented on November 12, 2007

9. Updated Questions and Answers re: A SACRED DUTY

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. Introduction/Overview

We have gotten off to a great start re A SACRED DUTY.

* We had a very successful world premiere in Jerusalem. Articles about that event which appeared in Haaretz and the Jerusalem Post are below.

* Due to the excellent efforts of our very capable and dedicated secretary/treasurer John Diamond, a total of about 900 DVDs have been sent to about 400 people. Many recipients are trying to arrange showings at local synagogues, JCCs and other Jewish institutions and getting copies to key people in their communities..

It is essential that A SACRED DUTY be as widely shown as possible. So please consider arranging a showing at a local Jewish setting. If you have not already done so, you may order one or more free DVDs by contacting John Diamond at Jdiamond4@cox.net. Please let others who might arrange a screening or help promote the movie in some other way know about this great opportunity. Please let local rabbis, educators and other influential people in your community know about A SACRED DUTY and/or arrange to get a free DVD to them. Thanks. You might want to use the article in item 2 below for this purpose.

* We have hired a wonderful Publicity firm and they are doing much to get the movie to media sources, Jewish groups and others. They are also planning some major events in the Los Angeles area. Susan Tellem, the director, is a long time animal rights activist, and she and her staff are firmly committed to our objectives and they are treating their work on our campaign as far more than just a job. They are greatly committed to our success because they know how important our campaign is.

* Initial responses from viewers of A SACRED DUTY have been very positive. Please see some initial responses below.

* Information re A SACRED DUTY is now at the JVNA web site JewishVeg.com. If you click on the A SACRED DUTY image on the home page, that will get you to the material. Or you can go directly to Jewishveg.com/asacredduty . Thanks to our web coordinators Noam Mohr, JVNA Vice President, and Maida Genser, a JVNA advisor, for their work on this and other aspects of the JVNA web site.

* Thanks to the efforts and financial support of JVNA advisor Rina Deych, we now have set up supporting web sites asacredduty.com, asacredduty.org and asacredduty.net. Many thanks, Rina.

* We are planning to make A SACRED DUTY available through the internet in many ways. If you can help re this, please let me know, as this is a very important part of our efforts. If you have previously volunteered, please contact m again as we are now getting ready to go forward in this area. Thanks.

There are new developments re A SACRED Duty every day and I plan to keep you informed about them. Suggestions always welcome.

As we go forward, we should keep in mind that the world is heading toward an unprecedented catastrophe, that it is essential that the Jewish community and other communities apply our values in responding, and that a shift towards vegetarianism is an essential part of the necessary responses to global warming and other environmental threats. Our movie is an important part of getting these important messages out there and we must succeed. You help and suggestions are most welcome. Many thanks.

I am probably overlooking important factors, but I hope to include them in future special reports re A SACRED DUTY. Overall I am thrilled that we have this valuable documentary to help us in our outreach work, and I again want to salute the incredible work done by our multi-award-winning producer Lionel Friedberg and his professional editor wife Diana and I want to thank all of you who are helping make it and our campaign built around the movie as successful as possible.

If you can volunteer to help in any way re our very important efforts, please let me know.

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2. Article Announcing Availability of A SACRED DUTY/Please Help Spread the Word

JEWISH VEGETARIANS OF NORTH AMERICA PRODUCES DOCUMENTARY TO PROMOTE VEGETARIANISM and ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISM

Richard H. Schwartz

Because the world is heading rapidly toward an unprecedented catastrophe from global warming and other environmental threats, Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) has produced a documentary, A SACRED DUTY: APPLYING JEWISH VALUES TO HELP HEAL THE WORLD, to address these threats from a positive Jewish perspective. JVNA will send a free copy to anyone who will help arrange a screening or help promote the movie in some other way.

Almost daily there are reports of severe droughts, floods, storms or wildfires, of the melting of glaciers and polar icecaps and other indicators of global warming. It is frightening that, while these effects are due to an increase in temperature of less than 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit in the past 100 years, the Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a group composed of hundreds of the world's climate scientists, is projecting an increase of 3 to 11 degrees Fahrenheit in the next 100 years. Even more ominous is that some climate scientists, including James Hansen of NASA, are warning that global warming may reach a tipping point and spiral out of control within a decade, with disastrous consequences, unless major changes are soon made. Israel is especially vulnerable to global climate change, in terms of reduced rainfall, severe storms and flooding from a rising Mediterranean Sea.

A SACRED DUTY is a Jewish response to these realities. It reminds us that it is our sacred duty to become aware of current threats and our responsibility to apply Jewish teachings to how we obtain our food, use natural resources, and live among other creatures whom God created. It offers simple, practical measures for reducing our impact on the planet, including “an inconvenient truth” that even Al Gore has not yet acknowledged.

Produced by the highly acclaimed, multi-award-winning film maker, Lionel Friedberg, A SACRED DUTY reinforces the messages in Al Gore's AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH and Leonardo di Caprio's, THE ELEVENTH HOUR about the dangers of global warming. However, it goes beyond these films, by showing how religious responses can make a major difference and why a shift toward plant-based diets is an essential part of efforts to reduce global climate change and other environmental threats. It also challenges people to consider the many moral issues related to our diets, including Torah teachings on how animals are treated on factory farms and the effects on human health and the environment.

The documentary features interviews with leading Israeli and American environmental, health, vegetarian and animal rights activists as well as
Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist and secular leaders.
Interviewees include: Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen, Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of Haifa; Rabbi David Rosen, Former Chief Rabbi of Ireland and International Director of Interreligious Affairs of the American Jewish Committee; Dr. Yeshayahu Bar-Or, Chief Scientist: Israel Environmental Ministry and many other rabbis and Jewish leaders and activists.

Biblical passages are read by the acclaimed Jewish star of Broadway and screen Theodore Bikel

Although it is primarily intended for a Jewish audience, A SACRED DUTY speaks to people everywhere about the ethics of our relationship to the natural world in which we live. The movie's universal message will appeal to anyone interested in such topics as biblical teachings, Israel, the environment, health, nutrition, vegetarianism, hunger and resource usage. The movie may be said to be like Levy's Jewish Rye bread - you do not have to be Jewish to appreciate it.

A SACRED DUTY and the many activities being planned around it have the potential to help move our imperiled world toward a sustainable path. But only if the movie is widely viewed and discussed.

So, please order your FREE copy and please consider taking one or more of the following actions after viewing the movie: have viewings for family, neighbors and friends; try to schedule showings at a local school, a synagogue and/or other houses of worship, a community center or other communal site, etc.; share the DVD with local rabbis and other religious leaders, teachers, politicians and other local influential people.

You can request a free DVD by sending your name and mailing address to JVNA's secretary/treasurer John Diamond (jdiamond4@cox.net). If you feel that you can profitably use more than one DVD, just let John know, with a brief description of how you plan to use them.

JVNA plans to build a major campaign around the movie to get tikkun olam (the repair and healing of the world) to become a central focus in Jewish life today, with a shift toward plant-based diets as an essential part of the changes that can help move our imperiled planet to a sustainable path. If you would like to be involved in the campaign or have suggestions, please contact Richard Schwartz at President@JewishVeg.com.
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If you would like to support this unparalleled campaign to promote vegetarianism as an essential component of efforts to avoid the disaster facing the world, please send a tax deductible donation to the Jewish Vegetarians of North America, c/o John Diamond, 49 Patton Drive, Newport News, VA 23606-1744. Further information re the movie and the campaign can be found at the JVNA web site (www.JewishVeg.com).

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3. Positive Responses Already Received About A SACRED DUTY

The responses below are just a sampling of the positive responses that I have received. Some early responses are not included because initially I did not think of presenting statements here. So, if anyone would like to resend their statement or send something new re your reaction to the movie and/or what you are doing too promote it, please do so, for possible inclusion in the next update of activities related to A SACRED DUTY in the next special JVNA newsletter
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a. Response from Dan Medwin

I just watched your film. It is extremely powerful and affirms many
of the reasons that I am a vegetarian. As I watched it, I thought of
many friends and family members to whom I would love to show this.
Would you be willing to send me about 20 DVDs or so? I believe I can
give each one to someone who may be interested.

I am also a rabbinical student at Hebrew Union College in LA and would
be able to set up an opportunity for you to speak, if you are interested.

Thank you for your time and efforts in creating this film and in all
of the hard work you do.

If I may say so, you are a modern day Jeremiah.
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Response from Terry Gips:

Thanks so much Richard,

I really appreciate your bringing A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World to our attention. It sounds like a wonderful resource which I'd appreciate receiving. We'll share it broadly through showings by the Center for Judaism and Sustainability and make it available to synagogues, schools and our 200 Congregations Caring for Creation.

We've done numerous showings of Inconvenient Truth and I often speak afterward and mention the missing inconvenient truth that livestock contribute more global warming gases than all of the cars, trucks, SUVs, planes and other forms of transportation combined. As the UN's report Livestock's Long Shadow point out, livestock is the greatest environmental threat facing the planet. I'm very excited about finally having a resource that tells the full picture.

If anyone would be interested, I'd be happy to come show it and then speak about it.

[This is great, as we are seeking people who are willing to show and then discuss the movie. Thanks, Terry, for this very kind and much appreciated offer.]

We'd also be happy to be part of your campaign and, as a COEJL Board member, will have COEJL help promote it.

Shalom,
Terry

Terry Gips, President
Center for Judaism and Sustainability
Alliance for Sustainability
In the Hillel Center at the University of Minnesota
1521 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-374-4765 Terry@Afors.org www.Afors.org

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Response from JVNA advisor and helper re the JVNA web site Maida Genser:

My husband and I both thought it was brilliant. I kept wondering when vegetarianism would be brought up - finally 27 minutes into the film. I think the way it is done will catch people by surprise and hook them in.

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Response from author, editor, publisher and JVNA advisor Roberta Kalechofsky:

My DVDs just arrived---and I sat down immediately to watch it. It's great, it was well balanced, the photography is beautiful. The speakers were very articulate---you sounded great. Even the packaging was very attractive.

I am sure there will be criticism of the horrid pictures of the slaughter of the animals at the end---even I couldn't watch it---but we all knew that. Let no evil remain hidden. Tov me'od.
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Response from JVNA advisor Steve Schuster:

Dear Richard,

I received my copy of the “Sacred Duty” DVD yesterday. My wife and I, along with my two youngest children (Sam and Jacob, 15 and 12) screened the movie last night. My wife has been a vegetarian since the age of 8, and the boys have never knowingly eaten meat of any kind (I gave up red meat in 1992, fowl in 2001, and seafood in 2004). My 18 year old son is a lifelong vegetarian, and my 20 year old daughter vacillates (depending on the eating habits of her boyfriend of the moment…).

All four of us were deeply moved by the film. The impact of the material is unquestionably powerful from any perspective. We agreed in our discussion afterwards that we did not want anything to do with food whose source we could not verify as cruelty free. This morning, we discarded all the eggs and cheese in our refrigerator and replaced everything with locally farmed products whose sources we could actually visit and see with our own eyes.

I am proud to have played even the most insignificant part in the realization of this important film and I surely hope the publicity efforts will result in a large viewing audience. My entire family thanks you for your personal efforts to shift the world away from meat-based diets.

All the best,

Steve

Steve Schuster, CEO
Rainier Communications - "Technology's Most Credible Voice"

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Response from JVNA advisor and Israeli vegetarian activist Mark Feffer:

My review: The film gives a great Torah-spiritual rational for going vegetarian. A human and humane, Divine and appetizing vegetarian smorgasbord. For people of all spiritual and not so spiritual persuasions. A kiddush Hashem [sanctification of G-d's Name.].

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4. Your Financial Contribution Can Make a Tremendous Difference at this Critical Time

Please consider making a tax deductible contribution to JVNA, as we would be able to do so much more to have a very successful campaign with greater financial resources. We could get DVDs to many more key people, travel to more events, enter more film festivals, possibly take out ads in leading Jewish publications, etc.

The greatest inheritance that you can leave your children and grandchildren is a healthier, more just, compassionate, peaceful and environmentally sustainable world. If current trends continue, the prospects for future generations is very bleak. A tax-deductible contribution to the effective distribution of “A Sacred Duty” and our related activities is an investment in our children's and grandchildren's future, perhaps the most important contribution that you can make to that future.

Since JVNA is a non-profit, tax-deductible registered charity group, any contribution you make is tax deductible.

If you wish, you may make a gift to JVNA in honor or in memory of someone. We will gladly send an acknowledgement letter.

Please send a check made out to Jewish Vegetarians of North America or JVNA to our very capable secretary/treasurer:

John Diamond
49 Patton Drive
Newport News, Virginia 23606-1744

If you prefer, you can donate online via PayPal by clicking the "Make a Donation" button at the bottom of the page at JewishVeg.com/action.

If you have suggestions re possible grants or other fundraising ideas, please let me know.

Many thanks for your continued cooperation and support,

Richard

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5. Providing Background Information/Action Suggestions re A SACRED DUTY

No time now for me to adequately comment on the very important message below, but I wanted to bring it to your attention and seek suggestions. We would welcome one or more volunteers to work on this. Carrying this out would make A SACRED DUTY truly part of a package that would enable people to change their lives in a very positive way and be part of the solution to the current environmental crises that threaten all of humanity.

Message for our producer Lionel Friedberg:

I think I've just had the most valuable feedback I've had so far regarding the movie and I want to immediately share it with all of you.

I showed it to my son David who is a physics and astronomy major from Berkeley, a vegetarian, 27 years old and runs his own highly successful internet company based in San Francisco.

He really liked the movie, but I think he hit the nail on the head. In his opinion, because of time and length constraints the movie covers a lot of critically important issues without really providing enough hard answers. It provides a powerful argument and prompts people to action but it is only 10% of the message. 90% should come as a follow-up. And that follow-up is the website.

People who see the movie will have major questions and will want Desperately to know more, to have access to answers, to find a place that tells them "Here's what YOU can do and here's where you can find out more." Just like Al Gore and 'An Inconvenient Truth,' we could not provide detailed and comprehensive answers and alternatives in the movie because, obviously, there is only so much you can do in an hour. The movie is a catalyst, not the be all and end all of the entire all-encompassing story. David advises that the movie be backed up by a really top notch website. And I believe he is right.

People who log onto 'jewishveg.com' need to have access to the answers that motivated them to want to know more. Examples....
1) What can I do to eliminate greenhouse gases from my personal lifestyle?
2) Where can I buy hybrid vehicles?
3) Where can I go to find a green congregation and an environmentally
friendly synagogue in my neighborhood?
4) How do I join a vegetarian group in my area?
5) Where can I find vegan food?
6) What stores sell environmentally friendly and cruelty free products and
foods?
7) Where can I donate to help the poor in third world countries?
8) How can I help the rest of humanity?
9) Where can I put my dollar to help abused farmed animals and to help cut down on animal cruelty?
10) Where can I find good kosher recipes?
11) Where can I find vegan and kosher restaurants in my area?

People will have many question when they come away from the movie and the website should provide answers to them.

1) Where in the Torah can I learn more about the environment and about
compassion?
2) I'm lost, I feel helpless, please point me in the right direction. What do I do now? How do I teach my children? What do I give them to ensure that they get nutritious vegan meals?
3) What books should I read?
4) What can I do to save energy in my home?
5) Show me, tell me, help me. Give me answers, names, addresses, places,
projects, contacts, links.

This is the task and function of the website. I leave these thoughts with all of you for your consideration. All suggestions to ramp up the website and put it on par with movie will, I know, be most welcome. And anything we can all do to help Richard find the right people to accomplish this without expending more funds will be invaluable.

Thanks,

Lionel

[Once again, if you have suggestions re this or would like to volunteer to put together responses, please let me know. Many thanks.]

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6. Article in Haaretz About the Israeli premiere of A SACRED DUTY

Film aims to show how Jewish values can 'help save the world'

By Ariel Zilber
Haaretz 11/20/07

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/objects/pages/PrintArticleEn.jhtml?itemNo=925000

Vegetarianism is not just a lifestyle choice or the latest fad, but rather a mitzvah that is in line with the ethical and moral teachings of the Torah and halacha - so says a new documentary, "A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Save The World," which was screened for the first time at the Israel Center in Jerusalem this past Monday.

With environmental activism increasingly gaining traction in the public consciousness, "A Sacred Duty" trains a critical eye on the consumption of meat, which it claims is a far bigger hazard to the environment which also poses complex moral questions.

"It is important that people know the realities behind their foods," said Dr. Richard H. Schwartz, who serves as president of Jewish Vegetarians of North America, the Virginia-based organization which underwrote the making of the film. "If these realities are so shocking that people would greatly prefer not to see it, perhaps people should not eat these foods."

Indeed, to drive home the point, the film makes use of footage gathered by animal rights organizations capturing the prevalent abuses and animal cruelty practiced by the meat industry. One scene depicts the forced debeaking of laying hens to prevent them from fighting one another in the crammed cages into which they are held. Viewers are also shown the mass discarding of live male hens who do not lay eggs nor do are they suitable for meat production, the force-feeding of geese so as to enlarge their liver to meet the demand for the pricy delicacy, and dairy cows and sheep who have their tales curbed.

"A basic question for Jews should be is tsa'ar ba'alei chaim, the
mandate to avoid causing ay unnecessary pain to animals, being violated," Schwartz said. "Unfortunately, the facts have been hidden far too long from the public."

"One can't deny that Judaism condones meat eating," Rabbi David Rosen, the former chief rabbi of Ireland and a contributor to the film, said. "Nevertheless [Judaism] seeks to regulate such provision under circumstances that will minimize animal suffering. That indicates Judaism's concern not just with point Z in the process [of meat production] but A to Y."

[Some of Rabbi Rosen's quotes in this article are from his introduction of me on the CD “Judaism and Vegetarianism.”]

"Even if meat eating was a mitzvah, this would be a situation of a mitzvah haba b'aveira, a legitimate end that comes through illegitimate means, and therefore could not be considered to be halachically justified under those circumstances," Rabbi Rosen said.

Rosen recalled his experiences visiting slaughterhouses for the first time as a member of the Bet Din in Cape Town, South Africa.

"This was quite a shocking experience for me," Rosen said. "It posed initially a simple moral question for me. If what you see you find horrific and if you could avoid it is it right for other people to do it and for you to benefit from it?"

"As a believing, practicing Jew, religion is not something segmented from the rest of one's life," Rosen said. "It relates to questions of ethics, of health, and certainly of treatment of animals. All these are religious issues."

The film notes the correlation between countries whose high incidences of cancer is proportional to its high intake of animal fat. Recognition of the health dangers of meat consumption thus mandates Jews apply the halachic principle of pikuach nefesh, the saving of a life.

"If we want to reverse the epidemic of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other degenerative diseases that have been afflicting the Jewish community and other communities, it is essential that we recognize the connections between animal-centered diets and disease, and act accordingly," said Schwarz, who is also the author of the book Judaism and Vegetarianism.

"I think that religious Jewish vegetarianism is really a pioneering role in terms of the Messianic vision that Judaism has for human kind," Rosen said. "It's a role that was almost impossible to undertake in eras past for various social and cultural reasons. Today it's possible to do so. I believe that Jewish vegetarianism is a religious imperative for the person who is a religiously responsible Jew."

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7. Article in the Jerusalem Post About Israeli Premiere of A SACRED DUTY

Jews ban beef to save the world?


MEGAN JACOBS , THE JERUSALEM POST

Nov. 18, 2007

Most Jews are not vegetarians, but some may consider a dietary shift after seeing A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World.

Sponsored by Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA), the documentary (which premiered at the Orthodox Union's Israel Center in Jerusalem last week) tackles three major themes: the current peril of global warming and other environmental threats; teachings in Judaism that may guide our response to these threats; and how a shift toward vegetarianism can both alleviate environmental problems and help us fulfill our Jewish duty.

"I hope to awaken the world to the fact that we are headed toward an unprecedented global catastrophe," Dr. Richard Schwartz, the film's {associate] producer and president of JVNA, told The Jerusalem Post prior to film's premiere. "A shift toward plant-based diets is essential to address global warming and tikkun olam (healing the world)."

The first part of the film presents global environmental concerns specifically as they affect Israel. Air and water pollution are two of Israel's biggest ecological issues and Israeli environmentalists worry Not only about the health effects of these problems, but also about the lack of government concern.

"Everyone is so obsessed with national security that the environment gets tossed aside," said Yair Cohen, a leader of Green Course, an Israeli student environmental group that appears in the film.

Leading Israeli environmentalist and founder of the Israel Union for Environmental Defense, Professor Alon Tal (also featured in the documentary), called the film "a curious juxtaposition." Aside from showing natural images, such as the polluted Yarkon River, A Sacred Duty presents a series of video clips portraying cruelty to farm animals. It ends on a positive note, however - that we can, in fact, reverse this catastrophic trend - complete with classic "clean earth" scenes of foliage, water sports on Israeli beaches and setting suns. FOR SCHWARTZ and his supporters, one lifestyle change in particular can Have far reaching effects: a shift to plant-based diets. Driven by a 2006 United Nations report which showed that 18% of greenhouse gases come from livestock agriculture, Schwartz concluded that a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle was the answer to staying healthier and healing the planet.

For the Jewish community, this dietary decision has particular significance. Eating an animal-based diet is "no doubt damaging the world and is in violation of the Jewish mandate to protect and care for the earth," said Jerusalem rabbi Adam Frank in the documentary. Schwartz agrees. He even takes it further, insisting that meat-eating is actually in violation of Jewish law, which requires us to "take care of the body, show
compassion to animals, conserve resources, help hungry people, and seek and pursue peace."

It taps on environmentalists and rabbinical leaders from multiple strands of Judaism to embrace this cause and preach it. Rabbi Sha'ar Yashuv Cohen, Ashkenazic chief rabbi of Haifa, credits his 80 years of good health to vegetarianism. Rabbi David Rosen, former chief rabbi of Ireland and international director of religious affairs for the American Jewish Committee, calls leading a vegetarian lifestyle one of "the most sublime and noble values."

For Rosen, health and religion are inextricably linked. "I am vegetarian because I am a religious Jew," Rosen said. "Just because you have been given permission [to eat meat] does not make it ideal. Today's reality should lead any honest religious Jew to see that vegetarianism is a religious imperative."

As much as Schwartz tries to maintain that his documentary is "just trying to start a respectful dialogue" within the Jewish community and "fulfill a mandate of awareness," one cannot help but see the interviewees' hope of influencing the rabbinate with regard to changing the laws of kashrut.

Several figures in the film also claim that the current halachic standards of kashrut are not consistent with Judaism's approach to animals. "Even kosher is cruel," said Roberta Kalechofsky, founder and director of Jews for Animal Rights. She cites violations by two kosher Slaughterhouses in Nebraska and Iowa in addition to the farms that do abide by current standards, but still do not minimize pain as much as they could.

Still, while others like Prof. Tal may not discuss the violations of Kashrut in the film, it is clear that it is a belief that motivated them to contribute to the project. "It is unthinkable that kashrut would cause more pain," explained Tal. "It should be the safest, cleanest, and most humane way [to slaughter]. Halacha is an evolving issue that should change with technology. We need to be creative and courageous in this."

Schwartz has plans to mass distribute the documentary through screenings in Israel and in the United States, where free DVDs will be given away. Viewers are encouraged to organize screenings with leaders in their own communities to spread the word.

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8. Program at the Israel Center for Premiere of A SACRED DUTY and Talks on Global Warming and Other Threats to Israel's Environment, presented on November 12, 2007

[The response to the event below was very positive. I wish to thank Aryeh Gallin of

ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM: RESPONDING JEWISHLY TO GLOBAL WARMING AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS

FEATURING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF “A SACRED DUTY: APPLYING JEWISH VALUES TO HELP HEAL THE WORLD”

Monday, November 12, 2007

Israel Center 22 Keren Hayesod, Jerusalem (02) 566-7787
tt@ou.org

Forum sponsored by “Root and Branch”

1-2 PM "If not now, when? Jewish Environmentalism in Jerusalem"
[chevruta/small group learning and guided discussion]

Speaker: Leiba Chaya David
Director of Ru'ach HaSviva - the SPNI Center for Jewish Environmental Learning and Living

2:10-3:10 PM “How University Students Are Responding to Israel's Environmental Problems”

Speaker: Gidon Melmed
Director of Development and International Relations for
Green Course, Israeli University-based environmental group

3:20-4:20 PM “Applying Jewish Values in Response to Israeli and Global Environmental Crises

Speaker: Richard H. Schwartz, Ph.D.
Author of "Judaism and Vegetarianism," "Judaism and Global Survival," and "Mathematics and Global Survival;" President of Jewish Vegetarians of North America

4:30-5:30 PM "Jewish Peoplehood in the Light of Global Warming - A Common Goal for Israel and the Diaspora"

Speaker: Naomi Tsur
Director of Community Development, SPNI
Coordinator, Sustainable Jerusalem

5:40-6:40 PM “SPNI's Response to the Threat of Global Warming”

Speaker: Michelle Levine
International Relations & Development Department
Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel

7:30 PM World Premiere of A SACRED DUTY: APPLYING JEWISH VALUES TO HELP SAVE THE WORLD. This one-hour documentary, produced by multi-award winning producer Lionel Friedberg, considers environmental threats to Israel and other countries and how Jewish values can be applied in responding.

After the film, there will be short talks by Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen, Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of Haifa; Rabbi David Rosen, former Chief Rabbi of Ireland and International director of Religious affairs for the American Jewish Committee; leading Israeli environmentalist Alon Tal; and Richard Schwartz, oresident of Jewish Vegetarians of North America, all of whom are in the movie, followed by a general discussion about the issues in the movie.

Admission to part or the total program: 20 shekels for members; 25 shekels for non-members

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9. Updated Questiona and Answers re A SACRED DUTY

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT: “A SACRED DUTY: APPLYING JEWISH VALUES TO HELP HEAL THE WORLD” AND THE CAMPAIGN ASSOCIATED WITH IT

* What is the main message of the movie?

The movie stresses three major themes:

1. The world is imperiled as possibly never before by global warming and many other environmental threats. Many examples of environmental problems in Israel and worldwide are shown.

2. Judaism has teachings that provide a powerful basis for responding to current environmental threats. Examples of groups in Israel and the US applying these values are discussed.

3. A shift toward vegetarianism is an essential part of the necessary response to global warming and other environmental threats. All the reasons for Jews (and others) to be vegetarians are carefully considered.

* Who produced the movie?

Multi-award-winning film maker Lionel Friedberg.

Lionel Friedberg's background in cinematography includes 18 feature film credits as Director of Photography. He has worked all over the world on both dramatic and non-fiction productions. For the past 30 years, he has supervised, produced, written and directed documentaries, reality, investigative report and educational programs, and has garnered many rewards, which include: A Primetime Emmy, a National Emmy, the American Association for the Advancement of Science 'Westinghouse' Award for Science Programming, three Columbus and three Golden Eagles for Best Documentaries, and various awards as a dramatic and episodic TV director.

We are deeply grateful to Lionel and his wife Diana, a gifted film editor, who both worked on this film without professional fee for their services.

* Who are some of the key people who are interviewed in the movie?

The documentary features interviews with leading Israeli and American environmental, health, vegetarian and animal rights activists as well as Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist and secular leaders.
Interviewees include:

Interviewees include:

* Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen -- Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of Haifa
* Rabbi David Rosen -- Former Chief Rabbi of Ireland
* Rabbi Yonassan Gershom - A Breslov Chassid and author
* Jonathan Wolf - Founder and first president of Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA)
* Roberta Kalechofsky - Founder and director of Jews for Animal Rights (JAR) and Micah Publications; author, editor and publisher.
* Richard H. Schwartz - Author of "Judaism and Vegetarianism' and president of Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA)
* Rabbi Michael Cohen - Director of the Green Zionist Alliance (GZA) and a teacher at the Arava Institute in Israel
* Rabbi Adam Frank - Rabbi of the largest Conservative synagogue in Israel
* Rabbi Warren Stone, Chairman of the Central Conference of Reform Rabbis' Environmental Committee
* Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb, a Reconstructionist rabbi and environmental activist
* Rabbi Simchah Roth - Rabbi of a Conservative synagogue in Herzilia, Israel
* Dr. Joel Fuhrman, M.D. - A leading author and physician with a speciality in natural healing

Israeli Environmentalists

* Alon Tal - Leading Israeli environmentalist; founder of the Israel Union for Environmental Defense: author of "Pollution in a Promised Land." * Dr. Yeshayahu Bar-Or-- Chief Scientist: Israel Environmental Ministry * Raanan Boral - Environmental expert for the Society of Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI)
* Yael Cohen Paran - A leader of Green Course, an Israeli student-based environmental group.
* Yair Cohen - A leader of Green Course, an Israeli student environmental group.
* Eli Groner - Teacher of environmental studies at the Arava Institute
* Samuel Chayen - Israeli environmental activist
* Yael Ukeles - Israeli environmentalist

* Is the movie's release tied to any campaign?

We are planning to build a massive, unprecedented campaign around movie showings to have a major impact in moving our imperiled world to a sustainable path, to get vegetarianism and related issues onto the Jewish and other agendas and to help revitalize Judaism.

We plan to use our many contacts in the vegetarian, animal rights, Jewish and other communities and the increasing awareness of current environmental and health crises to challenge all societal groups to make the major changes necessary to reduce global climate change and other environmental threats, including a substantial shift toward plant-based diets.

Starting in late November, we would like the movie to premiere in as many JCCs, synagogues, Jewish schools, meetings of Jewish organizations, etc., as possible. We hope that people will use the free DVDs that we will provide to help set up such events and see that they get widespread media coverage and a sizable attendance, including rabbis, educators and other key people in the Jewish community and other communities. We will also strive to arrange showings for other religious audiences and for general audiences.

* What other steps will be taken to further that campaign?

To build on and magnify the publicity related to the movie premieres, we are also planning the following:

1. A press release announcing the movie's release that will be sent to the Jewish media, the religious media and other media contacts.

2. A major letter writing campaign building on the themes of the movie..

3. Ads in major Jewish newspapers discussing the nature of present threats, why Jews should be involved, the importance of a shift toward vegetarianism and information about the movie and how people can order it.

4. Hiring a PR person who can get me and possibly others on many radio and TV programs over at least a three month period.

5. Sending out free DVDs to rabbis and other key members of the Jewish community and other communities. We are planning to produce 10,000 DVDs.

6. Trying to get blurbs from key rabbis and key vegetarian activists that we would use to help promote the movie.

7. Challenging rabbis to respectful email discussions/debates on “Should Jews Be Vegetarians?” We will also try to arrange debates on “Should Religious People Be Vegetarians?” and “Should People Be Vegetarians?” to try to reach wider audiences.

8. Challenging the media to stop generally ignoring the messages we are presenting re the major threats to humanity, the failure of the Jewish community to adequately respond and the necessity for major dietary shifts in response to current threats.

Through these and more steps (suggestions very welcome), we aim to do nothing less than change the consciousness of Jews and others re the threats facing all of humanity and the entire creation, vegetarianism, the need to respond to current environmental threats and much more. We have great potential and your help in promoting the movie and our messages will be extremely important.

* Will the movie result in people leaving the theater feeling overwhelmed and hopeless?

Although the movie deals with very weighty and serious issues, it ends on a positive and optimistic note, using a collage of dramatic images and inspiring music, to encourage viewers to consider how they can play their part in helping to heal the planet and improve their lives.

Also, the movie shows the Israeli university-based environmental group Green Course discussing responses to environmental threats and discusses the “greening” of two American synagogues. So viewers are not only presented with the problems, but are also shown some positive responses.

* What showings have already occurred?

1. The world premiere was at the Orthodox Union's Israel Center in Jerusalem on the evening of Monday, November 12, as part of an all-day program on global warming and other environmental threats to Israel. The event was well publicized through the weekly Torah Tidbits that is distributed at synagogues throughout Israel and through the many contacts that the sponsoring group “Root and Branch” has.

Speakers after the showing included Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen, Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of Haifa, Rabbi David Rosen, former Chief Rabbi of Ireland. Israeli environmentalist Alon Tal and myself (all of whom have prominent parts in the movie). As indicated above, we got very positive articles about the event in the Jerusalem Post and Haaretz.

There was also a showing at Pardes, a yeshiva in Jerusalem on Sunday evening, November 18.

2. The US premiere was at the Staten Island JCC on Tuesday evening, November 20, as part of their already scheduled Jewish film festival. The response from the audience was very positive..

3. Along with our excellent publicist Susan Tellem, we are also trying to arrange several major showings in the Los Angeles area.

* Is the world really so seriously threatened?

The modern world is threatened as never before by climate change and other environmental crises. Recent articles have pointed out Israel's special vulnerabilities to global climate change, in terms of reduced rainfall, severe storms and flooding from a rising Mediterranean sea. Key climate scientists, including James Hansen of NASA, are warning that we may reach a tipping point within a decade after which global warming will spiral out of control, with disastrous consequences -- unless major changes are soon made. Recent reports, including the landmark “Livestock's Long Shadow,” by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, have highlighted the major contributions of animal-based agriculture to the crisis our planet faces. It is therefore urgent and more timely than ever that the message of “A Sacred Duty” -- with its emphasis on the urgent need for a global shift to plant-based eating and agriculture -- be widely spread and heeded.

* How will the movie be distributed?

As a non-profit organization, JVNA is making the movie available completely free of charge to religious groups, educational institutions, the media and others that might be interested in it.

We plan to use our Jewish Vegetarians of North America email distribution list and our contacts with vegetarian and animal rights groups to get DVDs to people who will arrange showings in their communities.

* What has been the general response of the Jewish community (and other communities) to the issues raised in the movie before the movie's release?

Regrettably, in spite of the severity of the global environmental crisis and Judaism's powerful teachings on environmental stewardship, the Jewish community (and other communities) largely continues to ignore the issues. As Al Gore quipped, denial is not just a river in Egypt.

* Why does the movie make a strong argument for vegetarianism?

A SACRED DUTY makes a very strong case for vegetarianism from a Jewish perspective by dramatically showing that animal-based diets and agriculture violate basic Jewish mandates to preserve our health and the environment, to treat animals with compassion and to feed the hungry. These are strong "buttons" to push, and in the format of our passionate, professionally made film they can influence thousands of Jews (and other viewers) to choose a more compassionate diet.

While all the arguments for vegetarianism are fully presented, “A Sacred Duty” includes especially challenging coverage of the mistreatment of animals on factory farms, thanks to the powerful footage provided to us by animal rights groups. Again, these are "buttons" that can transform (and save) lives.

* Is the movie of interest only to Jews?

Although it is primarily intended for a Jewish audience, A SACRED DUTY speaks to people everywhere about the ethics of our relationship to the natural world in which we live. The movie's universal message will appeal to anyone interested in such topics as Judaism, Israel, vegetarianism, the environment, health, nutrition, hunger and resource usage.

The movie may be said to be like Levy's Jewish Rye bread - you do not have to be Jewish to appreciate it.

* How important is Israel in the movie?

As a model of what is wrong with planet Earth due to human activities, A SACRED DUTY hones in on the land of the Bible, on Eretz Yisrael itself. Israel is fraught with environmental problems that never make the headlines. Rivers are dirty; the Dead Sea is drying up; air pollution in metropolitan areas kill thousands every year; there are frightening projections about global warming causing record heat waves, reduced rainfall, severe storms and flooding from a rising Mediterranean Sea. There is progress in these fields, but that too seldom makes the headlines. The movie will shed light on many of these issues while considering the environmental threats faced by the planet as a whole. Since there is much interest by Jews and non-Jews alike in "the Holy Land" and its future, the movie has wide appeal.

* Why the title “A Sacred Duty”?

The movie reminds us that, as Jews, it is our sacred duty to become aware of these realities. As Jews, it is our responsibility to apply the teachings of the Torah to how we obtain our food, tap into the resources of the environment, and live among the many creatures that God created alongside us. Since this is really a universal duty for all human beings, A Sacred Duty will challenge and inspire non-Jews as well.

* Is the movie more of interest to certain types of Jews, such as religious Jews, secular Jews, etc.

The movie represents the thinking of Israelis and Americans, with interviews drawn from the Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist and secular segments of modern-day society in both Israel and the US. It conveys a truly broad-based message.

*There are many quotations in the movie from the Torah and other Jewish sacred texts, including the Talmud, since these texts are full of lessons and laws prescribing how we should live mercifully, efficiently, compassionately, and remain responsible custodians of this magnificent, yet highly imperiled world that God has bequeathed to us.

Though powerful and challenging, “A Sacred Duty” does not issue decrees or lecture its audience. It offers information on a wide variety of sensitive issues and food for thought. The net effect is a very positive message for all age groups.

* Aren't others working to reduce global warming and other environmental threats, and might it not be so important therefore for Jews to be strongly involved in these issues?

Judaism has many teachings that should impel us to active involvement in responding to environmental threats. These include:

o *We are to be co-workers with God in working to protect the environment.

o *We are to work the land and to guard it (Genesis 2:15); hence, we are to be shomrei adamah, guardians of the Earth.

o We are not to waste or unnecessarily destroy anything of value (bal tashchit, based on Deuteronomy 20:19. 20).

We believe that it is essential that these teachings be applied in our congregations, schools and communities, so that tikkun olam (the healing and repair of the world) becomes a central focus in Jewish life today. As Pirkei Avot indicates, “The time is short and the work is great,” so it is essential that we respond quickly to current environmental threats.

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11/6/2007 JVNA Online Newsletter

Shalom everyone,

This update/Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) Online Newsletter has the following items:

1. Great News Re Our Documentary A SACRED DUTY

2. Connecting Animal-Based Diets to the Great Increase in Wildfires

3. Attempts to Improve Conditions at Kosher Slaughterhouses

4. Excitement Building for Unveiling of Historic Interreligious Proclamation on Animal Rights/Press Release and Two Articles/My Letter

5. Dvar Torah from Canfei Nesharim on Next Week’s Torah Reading, Re Conserving Water

6. Opportunity to Promote Vegetarianism at an Environmental Expo

7. Global Warming May Be Especially Hard on Children

8. New Diet/Cancer Link Report

9. Forests losing the ability to absorb man-made carbon

10. A Creative New Dissection Alternative

11. Israeli Nature Hike Scheduled By Heschel Center and Hazon

12. Is Factory Farming the Number One Cause of Environmental Degradation?

13. Physicians Seek End to Subsidies for Foods High in Fat and Cholesterol

14. Strong Letter From JVNA Advisor and Vegetarian Activist Roberta Schiff

15. Israel’s First ‘Green City’

16. “Denial is Not Just a River in Egypt”


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. Great News Re Our Documentary A SACRED DUTY

There is really great news about our one-hour documentary: A SACRED DUTY: APPLYING JEWISH VALUES TO HELP HEAL THE WORLD. Our plans for a major campaign to increase awareness of the need for a major shift toward vegetarianism as an essential part of responses to global warming and other environmental threats is moving ahead rapidly.

*** The DVDs are being produced, so we should soon have 10,000 DVDs that we are freely distributing to get the movie viewed as widely as possible, as part of our major campaign to get vegetarianism and related issues onto the Jewish and other agendas.

Already, over 300 people have requested over 600 DVDs, and many have solid plans to have showings. So, we expect to have many showings in many parts of the US and several other countries, and we hope these showings will generate additional showings and much discussion, which we hope will lead to changes in attitudes and in behavior.

Please consider how you can arrange a showing and/or help promote the movie in some other way. You may request a DVD by emailing the JVNA secretary/treasurer John Diamond at jdiamond4@cox.net.

*** We have just hired a wonderful, very experienced, award-winning publicity firm (Tellem Worldwide) and they are already busy planning major events and media contacts. They are deeply committed to our objectives and very excited about working with us.

*** I have articles and letters to editors re A SACRED DUTY and the campaign that we are building around it scheduled for publication in several vegetarian and animal rights publications.

*** Further information about A SACRED DUTY and the campaign that we are building around it can now be found at the JVNA web site at
http://jewishveg.com/asacredduty.

*** After having some major premieres, we plan to make the movie widely available on the internet.

Combining all of these factors and more, we are embarking on an unprecedented campaign to make major changes in the Jewish and other communities, while there is still time. I hope to discuss all of these points and consider additional strategy ideas in a future message.

Meanwhile, if you have any suggestions re getting the widest possible audience for our movie and for getting our messages out as effectively as possible, please let me know.

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2. Connecting Animal-Based Diets to the Great Increase in Wildfires

Forwarded article from Dr. John McDougall:

Everyone Is Fiddling as California Burns

http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/oct/burns.htm

As of October 31, 2007, my home state has been burning for the past 10 days. So far over 2000 homes and more than 500,000 acres of forestland have been destroyed. Is this a glimpse into our near future?

Coincidentally, on Sunday, October 21, 2007, the day the fires in Southern California broke out, the TV news program, 60 minutes, ran the segment, “The Age Of Mega-Fires;” reporting how the size of large wildfires has increased over the past decade from 100,000 acres to 200,000 acres. They predicted that out-of-control infernos might soon consume 500,000 acres and more—they had no idea how soon “soon” would be. According to 60 minutes’ investigators, this escalation is due to global warming. Climate change has resulted in longer, drier fire seasons. Such tinderbox conditions had not been predicted to occur for another 40 years.

The rate of growth of mega fires is not the only climate change prediction scientists have recently had to update. Mark Serreze, senior research scientist at National Snow and Ice Data Center termed the decline of Arctic ice, “astounding.” “Most researchers had anticipated that the complete disappearance of the Arctic ice pack during summer months would happen after the year 2070,” he said, but now, "losing summer sea ice cover by 2030 is not unreasonable.” Seems like we have much less time to fix things than we once thought we did.

Not Much Interest in Our Destructive Diet

To some degree every person these days is aware of the damage caused by human activities to our environment and most of us are making corrections: recycling, fluorescent light bulbs, and hybrid cars. This is all good. But what have people done about our planet-destroying diet? Nothing! This lack of attention to food troubles me greatly because of the potential good that could be done for humankind.

One year ago, the 407-page United Nations’ report, Livestock’s Long Shadow, reported that 18% of the greenhouse gasses produced annually are a direct consequence of farming cows, pigs, and chickens and that animal husbandry is among the top polluters of Planet Earth. (Recall that 13.5% of greenhouse gasses are produced by all transportation.)

Over the past year, to appease the public’s lust for cheap calories, Hardee’s has introduced the 900-calorie Country Breakfast Burrito and McDonalds’ upped their rendition of “a heart attack in a bun” with the Angus third-pounder. Robert Atkins is barely cold in his grave, yet his earth-polluting recommendations have already been reincarnated by Gary Taubes in his new book Good Calories, Bad Calories. These trends tell me the public still has no clue—and many of those who do understand just don’t care enough to take action, because life is still good. Based on what has happened with fire and ice over the past few years, our “comfy lives” may be changing sooner than we had expected.

Let These Events Inspire Us to Speak Out about Our Food

Begin now by educating yourself and everyone around you. No longer tolerate people saying, “You have to eat meat to get protein, starches make you fat, and milk is necessary for strong bones.” These are not innocent lies. Deception and dishonesty threaten your children’s and grandchildren’s futures.

Change is inevitable. When people become desperate enough they will ask for real solutions. You and I need to be ready to provide real answers and real leadership. Those of us who know the truth have an obligation to take action now and in the future.

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3. Attempts to Improve Conditions at Kosher Slaughterhouses

Rethinking Kashrut: An Interview with Rabbi Morris Allen
By Yael
Born out of distress at the reported working conditions at Agriprocessors, the nation's largest kosher meat packing plant, hechsher tzedek is intended to be a way to ensure that the foods Jews eat are kosher not only ritually but also ...

Heksher Tzedek - http://rabbimorrisallen2.blogspot.com/

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4. Excitement Building for Unveiling of Historic Interreligious Proclamation on Animal Rights/Press Release and Two Articles/My Letter

Press Release (from “Best Friends Animal Society”)

Contact for more information:
John Polis (435) 644-2001, ext. 4858 (office) or (435) 689-0265 (cell), johnp@bestfriends.org
Barbara Williamson (435) 644-2001, ext. 4408, barbara@bestfriends.org

RELIGIOUS LEADERS TO SIGN HISTORIC DOCUMENT FOR ANIMAL PROTECTION

[I am one of the signers and I was involved in the drafting process. I wish the proclamation was far stronger re vegetarianism, but I still think it is a great step forward, specially since so many religions are involved in a common statement.]
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[Message to me from the coordinator of the effort to produce the proclamation: Thanks so much, Richard…for all you’ve done…your generosity and your passion are woven through this document. Bless you for your work.

With many faith leaders I have found that an authentic, conceptual understanding of the intrinsic value of animals to the world is something that, sadly, must be painstakingly sewn upon them like a patch, if you will, to ‘complete’ them from an spiritual evolutionary perspective as it relates to how they view animals. While you stand in no pulpit, you, Richard, are among the most authentic leaders of faith with whom I have had the pleasure to work. You have a deep and profound understanding of this connection that is woven throughout the fiber of who you are…so there is no need to conceptually convince you otherwise…it is embedded in your soul. This is my work… professionally and personally…to have all people of faith…indeed, all people…stand in a full, rich, intrinsic knowledge from the very beginnings of their ability to reason…so that kindness and compassion become the norm and ignorance…however unintended…the exception. So just as these fibers are woven throughout you…they are woven throughout this document. We are blessed to have you in this work. In gratitude, Kris Lecakes Haley]
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Religious leaders from many diverse faith traditions will carry a single message to Washington, D.C., on Nov. 7: Be kind to animals.

Leaders of Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, and other faith traditions will gather in the Cannon Caucus Room in the nation’s capital to sign a historic “Proclamation for Animal Compassion.” The document represents an extraordinary event when religious leaders will join together to support a single concept—kindness to animals—and urge leaders of the world’s religions to unite in this movement for compassion and mercy to all living things.

A 2006 poll commissioned by Best Friends Animal Society revealed that 89 percent of Americans agree that “we have a moral obligation to protect the animals in our care.” On the basis of that poll, Best Friends convened a group of leaders who produced the proclamation, which took shape during the height of the Michael Vick animal cruelty case.

“It seems that most of the conflicts in the world today have to do with religious differences” said Paul Berry, chief executive officer of Best Friends Animal Society, which is sponsoring the signing ceremony. “But this diverse group of religious leaders came together, worked through their differences and forged an unprecedented commitment to animal

The Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion

AT A GLANCE

WHO:
An alliance of religious leaders representing faith traditions worldwide

WHAT:
Signing a proclamation supporting universal kindness to animals

WHEN:
Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007
9:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Cannon Caucus Room
Third Floor
Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C.

SPONSOR:
Best Friends Animal Society

www.bestfriends.org

That commitment will be strikingly apparent as religious leaders from many faiths journey to Washington, D.C., to attend the event, along with members of Congress and animal rescue/welfare supporters.

The new proclamation begins: “As leaders of different religious and faith traditions, we recognize the unique opportunity we have been given to effect profound and lasting change for the sake of animals, … and we accept and embrace our duty, responsibility, and moral obligation to both protect the lives of animals and assure that those lives reflect the respect and dignity they are to be afforded as part of God’s creation.”

The unanimity of agreement on the proclamation was a revelation to the religious leaders themselves. Jewish, Islamic, and Christian leaders, among others, expressed their support within the context of their own faith’s teaching on the subject.

The Rev. Larry Evans, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church in Jersey City, N.J., points out the importance of everyone pitching in for humane animal care.

"Like all of God's creation, animals are held to be sacred, living creatures that should be cared for,” Evans said. “Catholics are called to follow the example of St. Francis of Assisi, the church’s patron saint of animals and the environment, who a millennium ago set the high standard for animal compassion.”

Imam Qasim Ahmed, founder and director of the Islamic Learning Institute in Tampa, Fla., said: "Animals are beautiful creations from Allah and should be treated as such. As Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: ‘Whoever shows mercy and kindness to the creatures of Allah, then Allah shows His mercy and kindness to him.’”

Likewise, Jewish tradition upholds the importance of animal compassion.

“There is a concept of Judaism called ‘tsa’ar ba’alei chayim,’ said Rabbi Robin Nafshi of the Jewish Community Center of MetroWest in Orange, N.J. “What it really means is that we have an obligation to make sure animals live free of cruelty, pain, misuse or abuse and to ensure that we treat all living things with respect.”

The authors of the proclamation identify five critical areas of animal welfare, followed by five corresponding calls to action to all people of faith:

* Adopting homeless animals rather than purchasing companion animals from commercial breeders

* Reducing meat consumption and only buying from farms that use humane practices

* Rejecting forms of entertainment that harm or exploit animals

* Becoming aware of current harmful medical and commercial testing on animals and advocating for more humane alternatives

* Speaking out against overly aggressive land development that encroaches upon wildlife populations and habitats

“We’ve been truly inspired by the faith leaders who worked together to create this historic document,” added Berry. “Our interest in facilitating this effort was to encourage religious communities to promote compassion toward all living things, including the animals.”

The Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion was authored by leaders of the following faith traditions: Assembly of God, Baptist, Buddhist, Roman Catholic, Church of the Brethren, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Community of Christ, Episcopalian, Interfaith/New Thought, Islamic, Jain, Jewish, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Quaker, Religious Science, Unitarian Universalist, United Church of Christ, and United Methodist.

Best Friends will facilitate a proclamation-signing campaign by giving people from around the world the opportunity to share their support by signing a public version of the document. People and leaders of faith interested in joining this effort can visit http://network.bestfriends.org/religion/.

About Best Friends Animal Society

Located on 33,000 acres in Kanab, Utah, Best Friends Animal Society operates the country’s largest sanctuary for homeless animals and is home, on any given day, to about 1,500 dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, birds, and other animals. Best Friends works globally with animal shelters and rescue groups to bring about a time when there will be no more homeless pets. Best Friends advances initiatives nationwide that promote community approaches to making the world a better place through kindness to animals, which includes adoption, spay-neuter, and humane education programs.

“Kindness to animals builds a better world for all of us”

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Article in the NY Daily News About the Proclamation Unveiling Followed by My Letter To the Editor

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2007/11/03/2007-11-03_religious_groups_eye_proclamation_to_pro.html

November 4, 2007

Editor, Daily News
voicers@edit.nydailynews.com

Dear Editor:

Kudos for your November 3 article, "Religious groups eye proclamation to protect animals." I hope the proclamation about animal welfare to be unveiled in Washington, DC on November 7 will awaken religious communities about how far the current treatment of animals is from basic religious teachings about mercy and compassion. In addition, our mistreatment of animals has many negative effects for people. For example, animal-based agriculture emits more greenhouse emissions (in CO2 equivalents) than all the cars and other forms of transportation worldwide combined. So, to move our imperiled planet to a sustainable path, a major shift toward plant-based diets is essential.

Very truly yours,

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Los Angeles Times article re the proclamation unveiling

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-animals6nov06,1,7303598.story?track=crosspromo&coll=la-headlines-nation&ctrack=1&cset=true

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5. Dvar Torah from Canfei Nesharim on Next Week’s Torah Reading, Re Conserving Water

This dvar Torah and others can be found at http://canfeinesharim.org/

Parshat Toldot
Digging the Wells: The Importance of Protecting Our Natural Resources
By Rabbi Yuval Cherlow,
(translated from the original Hebrew by Ariel Shalem)

The Parsha of Toldot is dedicated by Baruch and Ora Sheinson, in honor of our son, Mordechai Yaakov Sheinson.

The Sefer of Bereishis is dedicated in memory of Jacob Cohen by Marilyn and Herbert Smilowitz and family.

The limited resources of the world we live in affect wide spheres of influence. To the extent that a resource is more essential and uncompromising in its need, the more potential it has to lead to conflict and war. In this week’s Torah portion, Toldot, Yitzchak (Isaac) faces conflict with the Philistines and the people of Gerar rooted in the age-old struggle surrounding the scarcity of water.

The shepherds of Gerar claim, “The water is ours” (Gen. 26:20) and effectively expel Yitzchak from the area of the well in contention, forcing him to find a new source of water. Contrary to this behavior, the Philistines simply fill up the wells Yitchak used with dirt. That is to say, the desires of the Philistines to hurt Yitzchak as a result of their jealousy toward him brought them to the place where they preferred to destroy their own ability to draw water from the wells in order to attain a political end.

The issue of water is one of the most primary issues - perhaps even the largest issue- impacting the environment and more directly and immediately influencing mankind’s current quality of living. We are not merely dealing with a potential environmental crisis that threatens tomorrow’s generations, but with environmental questions that have very concrete and specific ramifications in today’s world. Water is the concern that requires us to directly face the undeniable and harsh realization that the world’s natural resources are critically limited, and that all of creation is dependent on the existence of these natural treasures.

Our Torah portion can offer us insight as to how to deal with Israel’s contemporary water crisis. The first teaching is the necessity to remove natural resources from the realm of destruction in times of conflict and war. The fact that the Philistines deliberately filled up the wells of Yitzchak in order to expel him from their midst reflects the dangers of war and the need to protect natural resources even in times of serious conflict. The Torah comes to place limits on our ability to respond harshly during war and forbids us from wantonly destroying fruit-bearing trees as a military tactic. Even in the midst of struggle one must take the “day after” into consideration and understand the profound need for sustainability for both sides of the conflict.

The second narrative in our Torah describes the process of developing additional water sources. Yitzchak was forced to abandon the wells of his father, as well as some of his own wells, and continuously searched for new sources of water. We too are bound by the unremitting task to develop supplementary sources of water and must avoid relying solely on what exists. There are many ways to acquire new sources of water. In Israel, one possible solution is to gather rainwater (as opposed to letting it flow to the Mediterranean) in ways that balance the needs of the ecosystem with the human need for more water. Furthermore, we should be investing more effort in preserving an efficient maintenance of the national aqueduct, and at the same time eliminating even more than we already have the waste and negligence which accounts for much lost water. One example: rather than have an open channel from which water is lost by evaporation, we can use closed tunnels. Additionally, one of the greatest sources for increased water supply is through the purification of recycled water – something already done in Israel’s agricultural sector. An increased investment in this technology is critical.

Although the ethics for wise and appropriate water consumption practices are not found in our Torah portion, it is nonetheless included in the general prohibition of wanton destruction (ba’al tashchit). Due to the direct connection between water and life, the conservation of water becomes a halachic obligation, deriving its source from the laws concerning the mitzvah “You shall not stand idly by while your brothers blood is spilt” (Lev. 19:16), as well as part of the prohibition of ba’al tashchit. In Israel’s private sector what we are speaking of could translate into a small yet significant conservation of water: turning off the faucet when not in use, watering plants and gardens only at night, using only landscaping that is appropriate for Israel’s dry climate, e.g., no lawns in the desert or golf courses in Israel, water-conserving ways of car washing, and requiring efficient and minimized water tanks above toilets, and more.

On an Israeli national and industrial level, the challenge is more complex. First and foremost, there must be a government-led initiative toward proper commercial consumption and water usage, including the establishment of an appropriate price of water that would discourage the growing of products that demand exorbitant amounts of water, the management of agricultural consumption and waste of water, and the prudent use of water in the industrial sector.

The water issue in the State of Israel plays out in the international arena in two ways. On one hand, what we see in our Torah portion is also what we see in our newspaper headlines. One of our national existential struggles is our attempt to establish control over the Jordan River’s precious sources of water, which are partially found in enemy states. Geopolitically, our regional neighbors suffer from similar water problems, and the lack of water in our arid region only adds fuel to the already existing political conflagrations, thus contributing to the fears that water sources will be deliberately destroyed or poisoned or our enemies will find an additional pretext to attack the state of Israel.

On the other hand, this could be a very fine hour for the Jewish Nation to solve this regional and global concern. Israel’s resourcefulness has already proven to contribute many solutions to water scarcity. Drip irrigation is an Israeli invention that caused a revolution in agriculture, and Israel boasts the largest desalinization plant in the world. If Israel would continue to invest its intellectual prowess towards this complex issue, it could not only solve its regional issues but also bring well-being to the entire globe. First, it could minimize the amount of deaths that occur each year from thirst and water contamination. It could also rehabilitate regions in the world that have exhausted their natural resources as a result of ignorant water management. Finally, it could increase the global output of food by unleashing the latent power that nature possesses.

Furthermore, Israel could lead the way in fostering a new culture: One that promotes a sustainable relationship to water consumption and our environment. A culture that incorporates future realities in the decisions of today. A culture that consumes a more modest and humble share of the planet’s limited resources. A culture where humans understand that they are the crowns of creation and hence have a responsibility to actively protect and preserve the planet. A culture that does not destroy our planet’s resources out of political interests, but cultivates them in order to future world peace.

This idyllic culture and the peace that it merits is described in our prophecies concerning the end of days:

Then the lame man will skip like a gazelle and the tongue of the mute will sing glad song. For water will have broken out in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The scorched place will become a pond and the parched place- springs of water. The abode where the jackals rested will become grassland with reeds and bulrushes. (Isaiah 35:6-7)

Although this passage is allegorical, we are not allowed to ignore the literal meaning of the text. The “blossoming desert,” turning Israel into a powerhouse of developing new water sources for herself and for the whole world, is not only a metaphor for the redemption of humankind – it is the redemption itself.

Suggestions Action Items:

1. To save water, make a commitment to turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, between washing hands, and while lathering dishes. This small action will raise your consciousness about all your water use.
2. Learn about water challenges in the land of Israel and in your local community.
3. To find great actions to protect water in your home, visit http://www.canfeinesharim.org/community/sukkos.php?page=12388

Rabbi Yuval Cherlow, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Petach Tikva, is a graduate of Yeshivat Har Etzion and a retired major in the IDF. After obtaining his Rabbinic Semicha, Rabbi Cherlow served as the Rav of Kibbutz Tirat Tzvi, and as a Rav at the Hesder Yeshiva in Chispin.

Rabbi Cherlow was amongst the founders of the Tzohar Foundation, a central Modern Orthodox foundation which works to build bridges between the religious and secular worlds. Rav Cherlow is a member of Governmental Ethical Committees, and of the Presidential Press Council of Israel.

Ariel Shalem was born and raised in Los Angeles and made aliyah to Israel in 1995. He recieved a BA in English Literature from Bar Ilan Univeristy and is currently learning in the Rabbinical ordination program at the Bat Ayin Yeshiva in Israel. He is also an educator and encourages his high school students to think openly and consciously about themselves and their environment.

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6. Opportunity to Promote Vegetarianism at an Environmental Expo

[It is very important that we try to take advantage of various meetings in order to get our messages out to as many people as possible. The message below provides such an opportunity. JVNA advisor and vegetarian activist Roberta Schiff has already volunteered to help. If you would like to help her, please let me know. And if you hear of other such opportunities, also please let me know. Many thanks.]

Message from an event coordinator Les Judd:

I am happy to invite The Jewish Vegetarians of North America to participate as an exhibitor at Congregation B'nai Jeshurun's Festival of Eternal Lights: Environmental Expo and Dedication of Solar Ner Tamid on Monday, December 10 in the synagogue on West 88th Street between Broadway and West End Avenue from 7 - 9 pm. We expect between 100 and 150 people to attend. Please let me know if you can participate as soon as possible.

Take care,
Les Judd

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7. Global Warming May Be Especially Hard on Children

Forwarded article:

Global warming may hit kids harder, pediatrics group says

By Marilyn Elias, USA TODAY

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/climate/globalwarming/2007-10-28-kids-effects_N.htm?csp=34

Global warming is likely to disproportionately harm the health of children, and politicians should launch "aggressive policies" to curb climate change, the American Academy of Pediatrics said today.

In the first major report about the unique effects of global warming on kids, U.S. pediatricians also were advised to "educate" elected officials about the coming dangers.

There's evidence that children are likely to suffer more than adults from climate change, says the report's lead author, Katherine Shea, a pediatrician and adjunct public health professor at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

"We already have change, and certain bad things are going to happen no matter what we do," Shea says. "But we can prevent things from getting even worse. We don't have the luxury of waiting."

More greenhouse gases and a warming Earth will leave children particularly vulnerable in several ways, the report says:

•Air pollution does more damage to children's lungs, causing asthma and respiratory ailments, because their lungs are still developing, they breathe at a higher rate than adults and are outdoors more.

•Waterborne infections, such as diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems, hit children especially hard. These infections rise sharply with more rain, which is expected as the climate warms.

•As mosquitoes are able to move to higher ground, the malaria zone is expanding. Kids are especially vulnerable; 75% of malaria deaths occur in children younger than 5.

The report briefly mentions that mass migrations are expected as regions become uninhabitable. "Children fare very poorly in these major population shifts," says Irwin Redlener, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University and president of the Children's Health Fund. "They're more fragile medically and nutritionally," says Redlener, who wasn't involved with the report. "They're less resilient, less likely to survive."

No matter what the risks, the pediatrics academy shouldn't be sending its members out to lobby, argues Janice Crouse, director of a think tank affiliated with Concerned Women for America, a conservative public policy group. "Let them issue a scientific report, and people can judge whether it has validity. For a scientific group to use children as a means of advancing a political agenda is beyond the pale," she says.

Julie Gerberding, director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, briefed a Senate committee on the health risks of global warming last week. She mentioned increasing asthma, malaria and waterborne diseases but not children's vulnerability.

The Associated Press reported that Gerberding's speech was "eviscerated" by the White House, but CDC spokesman Tom Skinner denied it, adding that Gerberding said everything she wanted to say without constraint.

"This is not a political issue, it's a public health issue," Shea says. "If we know the health of children and future children is threatened, we have an obligation to act."

comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification.

Copyright 2007 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

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8. New Diet/Cancer Link Report

Doctors, Dietitians Stand Behind Fat/Cancer Link
Most Physicians Applaud New Report; Meat Groups Oppose Recommendations


Thanks to Dan Brook for forwarding this article

By CARLA WILLIAMS
ABC News Medical Unit
Oct. 31, 2007

www.abcnews.go.com/Health/CancerPreventionAndTreatment/story?id=3801680&page=1

Thinking about eating that extra slice of bacon for breakfast? Think again, cancer experts say.

A new study released today by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the World Cancer Research Fund finds convincing evidence that excess body fat as well as consumption of alcohol, red meat and processed meats like bacon increase your risk of developing cancer.

The report, titled "Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective," says that excess weight increases your risk of developing six different cancers. It also contains stringent guidelines regarding weight, diet and exercise to help reduce that risk.

"The news and conclusions are important because they help confront the view that cancer risk is something we don't control," said Dr. David Katz, director of the Prevention Research Center at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn. "In my experience, patients tend to recognize that they can control their heart disease risk, but they think of cancer as a bogeyman that pounces from the shadows … that isn't so.

"Along with avoiding tobacco, weight control and certain dietary adjustments offer powerful means of reducing risk for many, perhaps most cancers."

And although this link between obesity and cancer is not new, the new report adds a wealth of data to the existing research and condenses more than 7,000 different research papers into one comprehensive statement.

"What's new about this report is that a panel of distinguished scientists from around that world reviewed findings from multiple studies, and when we added them all together we found that excess body fat increases risk of developing cancer," said Dr. Steven Zeisel, director of the Nutrition Research Institute at the University of North Carolina and expert on the AICR panel.

Specifically, researchers found convincing evidence that excess body fat increases risk for colon, kidney, pancreatic and postmenopausal breast cancer as well as cancer of the esophagus and endometrium.

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9. Forests losing the ability to absorb man-made carbon

Article by Steve Connor, Science Editor

November 1, 2007, the Independent/UK

http://environment.independent.co.uk/climate_change/article3115537.ece

The sprawling forests of the northern hemisphere which extend from China and Siberia to Canada and Alaska are in danger of becoming a gigantic source of carbon dioxide rather than being a major "sink" that helps to offset man-made emissions of the greenhouse gas.

Studies show the risk of fires in the boreal forests of the north has increased in recent years because of climate change. It shows that the world's temperate woodlands are beginning to lose their ability to be an overall absorber of carbon dioxide.

Scientists fear there may soon come a point when the amount of carbon dioxide released from the northern forests as a result of forest fires and the drying out of the soil will exceed the amount that is absorbed during the annual growth of the trees. Such a prospect would make it more difficult to control global warming because northern forests are seen as a key element in the overall equations to mitigate the effect of man-made CO2 emissions.

Two studies published today show that the increase in forest fires in the boreal forests - the second largest forests after tropical rainforests - have weakened one of the earth's greatest terrestrial sinks of carbon dioxide.

One of the studies showed that in some years, forest fires in the US result in more carbon dioxide being pumped into the atmosphere over the space of a couple of months than the entire annual emissions coming from cars and energy production of a typical US state.

A second study found that, over a 60-year period, the risk of forest fires in 1 million sq kms of Canadian wilderness had increased significantly, largely as a result of drier conditions caused by global warming and climate change. Tom Gower, professor of forest ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said his study showed that fires had a greater impact on overall carbon emissions from boreal
forests during the 60-year period than other factors such as rainfall, yet climate was at the heart of the issue.

The intensity and frequency of forest fires are influenced by climate change because heatwaves and drier undergrowth trigger the fires. "Climate change is what's causing the fire changes. They're very tightly coupled systems," Professor Gower said.

"All it takes is a low snowpack year and a dry summer. With a few lightning strikes, it's a tinderbox," he said.

Historically, the boreal forests have been a powerful carbon sink, with more carbon dioxide being absorbed by the forests than being released. However, the latest study, published in the journal Nature, suggests the sink has become smaller in
recent decades, and it may actually be shifting towards becoming a carbon source, Professor Gower said.

"The soil is the major source, the plants are the major sink, and how those two interplay over the life of a stand [of trees] really determines whether the boreal forest is a sink or a source of carbon," he said.

"Based on our current understanding, fire was a more important driver of the carbon balance than climate was in the past 50 years. But if carbon dioxide concentration really doubles in the next 50 years and the temperature increases 4C to 8C, all bets may be off."

The second study, published in Carbon Balance and Management, found carbon dioxide emissions from some forest fires exceeded the annual car and energy emissions from individual US states.

Christine Wiedinmyer of the US National Centre for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, used satellite imaging datato estimate CO2 output based on the degree of
forest cover in a particular area.

In some years, the amount of CO2 released from forest fires was equivalent to about 5 per cent of the man-made total. But in other years, more widespread and intense forest fires resulted in massively increased emissions.

"There is a significant potential for additional net release of carbon from forests of the United States due to changing fire dynamics in the coming decades," Dr Wiedinmyer said.

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10. A Creative New Dissection Alternative

Dear Richard,

Here is a little blurb and we would love to get written in your newsletter. The website is www.anatomyinclay.com. If you do write about us, please let us know. Ideally we would like a link to Animal Rights Organizations and be called Dissection Alternatives.

Over four thousand schools use our products, which mean thousands of less animals are being dissected.

Anatomy in Clay™ An Anatomy Learning System and Alternative to Dissection Is a system that combines the firepower of both Central Nervous and Proprioceptive Systems. In the kinesthetic analysis required to build anatomy, you build it, structure by structure, from inside-out. You analyze form and attachments—and their consequent potential functionality—and then shape and add muscles, nerves, blood vessels, organs, diagrams, anything you wish to study. Building in non-hardening clay onto specially designed, durable scale models of skeletons, means you have in your hands a non-consumable, research proven option for learning about the body.

Sincerely,

Douglas Cortese
dcortese@anatomyinclay.com
800-950-5025
www.anatomyinclay.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS68qflhyRc

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11. Israeli Nature Hike Scheduled By Heschel Center and Hazon

Richard, here is a blurb that you can use . We are including a discount that you can promote to your list. Thanks.

The Heschel Hazon Hike biShvil Yisrael: Walking for a Sustainable Future for Israel

March 23-27, 2008 | www.hikeisrael.org | info@hikeisrael.org

Join Hazon and the Heschel Center for Environmental Learning and Leadership on a 4-day hike through the Galilee on the Israel National Trail.

The Heschel Hazon Hike is an incredible opportunity for you to experience Israel in an intimate and personal way. This hiking adventure will give you to opportunity to get out off the tour bus and walk along the same paths our ancestors traveled for generations.

The Heschel Hazon Hike will journey along Shvil Yisrael, Israel’s National Trail. The Israel Trail connects with villages, development towns, agricultural fields, and cities, giving participants the full breadth of features that make Israel unique. Participants will hike the along the Israel Trail for four days through the dramatic Upper Galilee region, ending at the shores of the Kinneret, the world’s lowest fresh water lake. Our path runs through valleys and over mountains, past natural springs and ancient sites, and is full of breathtaking views and beauty. Environmental experts and tour guides will accompanying us on the trail, teaching on environmental issues effecting the region; land, water, and energy use; Jewish-Arab relations, as well as local environmental initiatives.

Register today at www.hikeisrael.org. Until November 30, we are offering a $60 discount code - just enter "israel" as a discount code.

David Rendsburg
Hazon Ride Coordinator

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12. Is Factory Farming the Number One Cause of Environmental Degradation?

Message from vegetarian activist Michael Berenzweig (response to Item in the last JVNA newsletter re Jonathan Safran’s new book):

Kudos and thanks to Jonathan Safran for his exposing the fact that the Meat & Dairy Industry plays such a great part in the environmental crisis we face, vis- a vis eco-destruction. But he undervalued, underplayed his point by not underscoring the ACTUAL environmental devastation caused by human beings eating animals and their products. Number 2 or 3, granted, is bad enough. Again, in actuality, it is number ONE!!! Research by such groups as A Center For A Livable Future at Johns Hopkins Univ.- David Brubaker PhD, The World Watch Institute, Earth Save International, Chicago University, etc., corroborate this. Doing research 4 years ago for an ecological radio program, it was found that the Meat & Dairy Industry is respnsible for more water pollution than all other industries combined!!! It as well causes the most deforestation, land clearing, soil erosion, and is one the the main contributors to air pollution ( using 1/3 of the oil supply for transportation, refrigeration, fertilization, pesticides, etc.) Aside from being the main cause of Global Warming, these monumentally devastating effects should, by no means be overlooked. As mentioned to Yale physicist, Noam Mohr, something that is generally not factored in, is the fact that the deforestaion and land clearing, etc. produce massive amounts of CO2 created by destruction of the earth's flora. As well generally, or virtually never mentioned is the fact that fishing has destroyed the Mangroves Forests that have existed as dense oceans forest for millions of years ( as dense as land forests! ). And as they have acted as buffers for such phenomena as Tsunami's, their destruction, again due to humans eating animals, created the horrific destruction that occurred in Indonesia, 2 years ago, with the death of hundreds of thousands of people. This was reported by ecologists on a radio program dealing with said subject!!! Obviously there is nothing more destructive to all forms of life, on this planet, than humans ( as natural herbivores ) eating any foods derived from animals!

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13. Physicians Seek End to Subsidies for Foods High in Fat and Cholesterol

Message from JVNA advisor Mel Kimmel:

Good morning, Richard!

Did you see yesterday's news item, which follows? Would you believe there'd come a day when we'd read the following FRONT PAGE item in THE MIAMI HERALD, October 29, 2007:

Seeking a healthier and slimming national diet, many physicians - including the American Medical Association - want Congress to stop subsidizing the production of foods high in fat and cholesterol and are urging more spending to promote fruits, vegetables and grains.

"The real scandal in Washington is the farm bill," said Neal Barnard,
president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Senators take millions from corporations that produce bacon, burgers and other fatty foods. Then Congress buys up these unhealthy products and dumps them on our school lunch program. Companies get rich, and kids get fat."

The debate is intensifying as the Senate prepares..."

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14. Strong Letter From JVNA Advisor and Vegetarian Activist Roberta Schiff

To the editor: Poughkeepsie Journal

From Monday October 29 through Thursday November 1st there was extensive front page coverage about Vice President Dick Cheney coming to the Hudson Valley to hunt. Traffic problems, security issues, reactions of residents, even the sighting of a confederate flag in a garage at the gun club were covered. There were several photos of the motorcade.

The reason for his visit, to shoot animals was mentioned only in passing. What kind of animals did he and his party kill? And how many? Hunting is often referred to as a "sport". In all other sports, all the teams and players know it is a game and understand the rules. In hunting, humans with weapons take pride in overpowering and ending the lives of animals for "fun" and "bonding". The unreimbursed funds spent to allow Cheney to have eight hours of "recreation" at the gun club was minuscule compared to the millions we spend every day in Iraq and many do not consider the lives of a few animals even worth mentioning, just as the deaths of soldiers and civilians is often recited with about as much emotion as the high and low temperature for the day. Perhaps if our government and most individuals considered all life sacred we would reconsider both warfare and the killing of animals.

In an unrelated article on October 30 an archival photo taken at the Dutchess Mall was used to accompany an article about a contemporary film about the mall. The photo was of a chimpanzee carrying a rifle while very young children watched at close range. Surely there were other photos in the archive? The exploitation of animals is so pervasive in our society that it often goes unnoticed. I urge staff and readers of the Poughkeepsie Journal to read "Where The Blind Horse Sings" by Kathy Stevens, director of the Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties. You will find some amazing true and heartwarming stories of human and animal interaction and you may change the way you think about how we use and abuse our fellow creatures. Right now over 200 million turkeys are being raised in crowded, unhealthful conditions, having had their beaks cut with a hot iron and some toes amputated. Soon they will be slaughtered, many scalded while still alive, so that they can be at the center of our tables on the day set aside to give thanks. Most people do not go hunting, but all meat eaters have someone else do it for them. If you go to the Woodstock Sanctuary and meet the turkeys, you will find that they have personalities and enjoy their lives. Consider an alternative, a turkey-free celebration, it can be delicious and joyful. Try this at home or consult www.mhvs.org or www.woodstockfas.org for some public vegan holiday dinners.

Roberta Schiff

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15. Israel’s First ‘Green' City

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1192380709937&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull#

Thanks to author and JVNA advisor Dan Brook for forwarding this article:

Nov 1, 2007 11:22 | Updated Nov 3, 2007 11:49
Environment Watch: Israel's first 'green' city
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF STAFF

Kfar Saba is planning to become the first city in Israel to be recognized by the United Nations as a "green city," and has presented comprehensive plans that will affect every sphere of life in the municipality, reports the Hebrew weekly Yediot Hasharon. The city plans to win recognition from the UN's World Organization of Local Authorities, a body established in 2004 and made up of cities and towns in more than 127 countries.

According to the report, Kfar Saba is planning a "green revolution," with a comprehensive plan for numerous short-term and long-term changes. In the near future, the city plans to change all street lights to energy-conserving bulbs, work with shopping centers to reduce the use of plastic bags, use recycled paper in all municipal offices, change municipal inspectors' uniforms to ones made of recycled material, encourage the use of "clean" energy, conceal electrical transformers underground and take other steps. In the long term, the city plans to create an environmentally-friendly farm on the agricultural land in the east of the city, check the possibility of using hybrid fuels in public transport, and introduce a pilot program for newspaper recycling that will see special bins placed around the city, much as bottle-collection bins are placed now.

The report said the "jewel in the crown" will be Kfar Saba's new "green neighborhood" in the west of the city, the first in Israel to be built according to green guidelines that include improved thermal insulation and other measures designed to save electricity, solar power systems, water-saving equipment, a unique underground garbage removal system, and numerous pedestrian and bicycle paths.

A municipal spokesman said that even though building work on the "green neighborhood" has not yet begun, demand for apartments in the project has been high.

Kfar Saba mayor Yehuda Ben Hamo said it was also the city's intention to work with local businesses to encourage them to take steps toward improving the environment. The plan was put together by councilors, municipal officials and representatives from the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

But at least one councilor was critical of the plan. Guy Ben Gal said that while on the one hand Ben Hamo was embracing the idea of Kfar Saba as a green city, on the other the municipality was dismissing a serious environmental problem in the continuing gas leak around the Golda elementary school, a problem that has affected students and residents living in the school's vicinity. Ben Gal said there was "an intolerable gap between words and deeds" in the city.

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16. “Denial is Not Just a River in Egypt”

Fire, Water and Denial

by Neal Peirce

Could there be a pattern here?

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2003990903_peirce05.html

The San Diego and Los Angeles areas are hit by a raging series of high-impact wildfires - the worst in the state's history. Many of the blazes coincide with areas
already scorched in 2003 by fires that themselves were declared California's worst ever.

But is there any move to get away from the areas where a century of firefighting has left many forests choked and overgrown, thick underbrush creating tinderbox
conditions? Apparently not. Most homeowners vow that they'll stay in the fire-prone areas, or return to rebuild on the charred foundations of their former homes.

Across the continent, "exceptional drought" - the National Weather Service's worst category - impacts Georgia and its neighboring states. Water levels in Lake Lanier, the 38,000-acre reservoir that supplies water to almost 5 million people, fall so drastically that the lake may dip into its storage capacity dregs in less than four months.

But Georgia limps along without a state water plan. No one wants to talk about water rationing. In suburban rings around Atlanta, planned new subdivisions don't have to prove a long-term water source before developers plunge into construction.

A stiffer assessment comes from Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore.: "Georgia has been sleepwalking. The Atlanta region has the most rapid growth rate in the history of
urbanization. But Georgia's never done an assessment of its water capacity."

In California, there's praise for the professionalism of last week's firefighting effort. President Bush rushed to send federal firefighters, aircraft, grants for temporary housing and repairs, plus funding to clean up debris.

But the myopia about the future seems profound. Climate change is already having an apparent impact, with a 1-degree Fahrenheit temperature rise across the West.
"Megafires" are sprouting; fire seasons are far longer than just 20 years ago.

Natural watersheds, warned California Forestry Director Ruben Grijalva last June, are being seriously encroached. With baby boomers and others buying large houses up and over the canyons, man-made structures and paved surfaces are expanding rapidly, increasing surface runoff during storms. That leads, in turn, to more soil erosion and less water for trees or vegetation. The inevitable result: more fires, whether
intentional or accidental.

Smarter land-use planning for the fire-prone areas tops Grijalva's list of solutions. But instead, notes Bill Fulton of Solimar Research in Ventura, Calif., "We
Californians are trying to fireproof ourselves" by building houses with buffers and fire-retardant construction materials. Media attention last week focused on how that tactic actually protected some subdivisions. Though Fulton notes the obvious: Smart
land-use planning is an infinitely superior solution; "subdivisions in highly flammable forests don't make much sense."

And it's not just a California problem. This year, Idaho and Utah have seen their largest wildfires in the last 50 to 100 years; Arizona, Colorado and Oregon
registered their record years in 2002, and Texas in 2006, Tom Swetnam, a University of Arizona scientist, told a congressional hearing recently. More than 8 million acres have burned this year, the second-largest number in history, behind 2006.

There's now a "flame zone" of states suffering persistent drought and susceptibility to faster, hotter, more erratic wildfires, intensified by global warming, says Blumenauer.

And it's all but sure to get worse, he notes, with rising temperatures and an expected 100 million more Americans by 2043.

Assuming Blumenauer's right, what to do? One possible idea: Congress could create a new set of federal watershed basin authorities, not to dictate to state and local governments but rather to sit down with them to balance risk and investment - negotiating, perhaps, reasonable levels of federal construction funding in
return for state and local agreement to focus on prevention, careful planning, adaptation to the immutable forces of nature and climate change.

Including, Catherine Ross of Georgia Tech suggests, accords on critical infrastructure.

Easy to do in a complex federal system? No. But there has to be a better formula than we have now. It's obvious: This century is already too dangerous to keep
sitting on our hands.

Neal Peirce's column appears alternate Mondays on editorial pages of The Times. His e-mail address is nrp@citistates.com

(c) 2007, Washington Post Writers Group

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