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A major part of Jewish Veg’s work is to educate the public about Jewish veganism, animals, health, and our environment. Below you will find links to more information on the Jewish basis for veganism including relevant passages from the Torah, plant-based eating, and caring for our bodies, and how climate change relates to the Jewish law of bal tashchit (do not destroy).

Jewish Veganism

In the first story of our people, God creates a paradise where humankind is 100% plant-based. That’s a story we’ve read, chanted, and carried with us for thousands of years. It’s a tradition that is formative and central to our people. And that’s only the beginning…

Animals

Why did God create animals? What does our tradition and Torah have to say on this subject? The ethical treatment of animals is so central to Judaism that we even find it in the Ten Commandments… read more about animals and Judaism. You can also find more information on our blog, such as in our Animal FAQs and in our article about how animals are our friends, not our food.

Health

A vegan diet consisting primarily of unprocessed or lightly processed fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and spices is considered an ideal way to meet most people’s nutritional needs. Read more about veganism and health, or find more information in our Health FAQs. You can also read more about the seven species (Shiv’at Haminim) and their role in nutrition.

Environment

There is a Jewish law, bal tashchit which means do not destroy. In Jewish teaching, caring for the Earth is every bit as practical as it is spiritual. And climate change, more than ever, is something we must work to stop. The solution is right there in front of our face — whenever we look down at what’s on our plate. Read more about veganism and our environment, then check out our Environment FAQs and our blog post “The Solution to Climate Change Starts on Our Plates.”