Richard Schwartz is introduced by Rabbi David Rosen, former Chief Rabbi of Ireland. He then makes the case for Jews being vegetarians, and then responds to some challenging questions.
Questions and Answers following Richard Schwartz's Talk on “Should Jews
be Vegetarians?” at the Flatbush Jewish Community Center
TALKS BY RICHARD SCHWARTZ
Ten Strategies Toward a Vegetarian-Conscious World. Richard Schwartz discusses why a shift towards vegetarianism is so
important and outlines ten approaches to working toward a
vegetarian-conscious world.
How is This Holiday Different? Thoughts on Tu B'Shvat
Richard Schwartz discusses unique aspects of the Jewish holiday of Tu
B’Shvat (“the birthday of the trees), with an emphasis on environmental concerns.
Imagining a Vegetarian World - What a vegetarian, actually vegan world
would be like, in terms of improved human health, an end to the
mistreatment of animals, a more sustainable world and more.
Is Fur a Jewish Issue? Jewish teachings on compassion to animals,
the mistreatment of trapped and farmed animals to produce fur and
whether the benefits of fur outweigh Jewish teachings on the proper
treatment of animals.
Is Religion a Friend or Foe of Animal Activism? - dispelling some misconceptions that have lead many animal rights
activists to have a negative attitude about religion; some reasons that these activists and religious practitioners should be
allies.
Reaching Out to Religious Communities - Richard Schwartz's talk at AR2008 on challenging religious communities to apply their values to moral issues related to our diets.
DISCUSSIONS AND READINGS OF RICHARD SCHWARTZ'S WRITINGS
TALKS AND INTERVIEWS OF ISRAELI ENVIRONMENTALISTS AND VEGETARIAN ACTIVISTS (Recorded by Richard Schwartz in Israel on October, 2008)
Part 1: Alon Tal, one of Israel's leading environmentalists, founder of the Israel Union for Environmental Defense and other Israeli environmental groups, discusses global warming threats to Israel and current responses.
Part 2: Alon Tal continues his discussion of global warming threats to Israel and responds to questions.
Mira Edelstein discusses the work of "Friends of the Earth, Middle East" in trying to mitigate environmental problems common to Israel, the Palestinians and Jordan. Among the issues considered are the diminished flow of the Jordan River, the shrinking Dead Sea, Israel's water crisis and global warming effects in the region.
Avi Levi, founder and director of Green Action, a group that links consumer behavior to environmental problems, discusses the ethics of consumerism and their campaign to reduce the number of billboards.
Gil Jacobs, director of Green Course, an Israeli University-based environmental group that has chapters on 26 campuses, discusses the group's efforts to green campuses and to increase environmental awareness and activism in Israel.
Arie Raveh, owner of Buddha Burgers, a vegan restaurant in Tel Aviv, discusses the vegan foods he serves and the recent increase in veganism in Israel.