January 2025 Newsletter

Happy New Year!

Wishing you and your family a happy healthy new year from the Team at Shamayim!

Synagogue Vegan Challenge Spotlight

Vegan Kabbalat Shabbat at the Jewish Community of Amherst

“We served a sweet and sour tofu with sauteed bok choy and jasmine rice, and we served vegan chocolate chip and sugar cookies. We had Shamayim Conversation starter cards on the tables that prompted some great conversations!” – Melissa

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Vegan Cheese and Wine Tasting at Lawrence Jewish Community Center

“Those in attendance were very enthusiastic about the event. We served a multitude of vegan cheeses, breads, crackers, and fruit. President [of LJCC] Robin Rosenberg prepared a fact sheet about the impact of dairy vs. milk alternatives and of raising livestock in general; Robin presented this fact sheet and we discussed collectively before we enjoyed the spread of food and discussed the relatively merits of each “cheese.” Our guests were impressed by the statistics as well as by the array of tastes and textures of the vegan cheeses.” – Lara

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ECC Camp Chanukah at Temple Israel of Hollywood

“The educational component was developmentally appropriate for our youngest students: we discussed the miracle of Chanukah being the little bit of oil lasting for a whole eight nights–similarly, we only have one planet earth and we want it to last as long as possible. Making good choices about how we eat helps to make our one earth feel healthy and it makes us feel good to take care of our home. The kids took away what they needed to, the staff really appreciated the teaching, and everyone loved the donuts.” -Rabbi Calvin

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Campus Fellowship Spotlight

Veganism 101 with Ortal

“I shared a presentation with the fundamentals of veganism and how to become one or at least take steps in the right direction. This presentation includes definitions, resources of speeches, documentaries, and videos to watch. As well as resources for finding vegan food and products and debate advice. I also offered personal advice and explained the importance of a vegan lifestyle not just for the animals, but for everyone on Earth. The response from about 10 participants was curious but also quiet. It is a big change for many people and likely one that not will be made by them overnight. But I can also tell that a lot of the information I shared will stick in their minds and affect their future decisions. I think a lot of curiosity stems from people hearing things about health and nutrition that goes against what they have always been taught and therefore I would go into more detail about that aspect and sharing more documentaries that combat those myths.”- Ortal

Upcoming Programs

January 23:

Animal Advocacy in Politically Changing Times

Upcoming Debate*

*Due to rules set by our donor, this event cannot be recorded or live-streamed.

Want to bring Rabbi Shmuly to your community for a chance to win $5,000?

Apply to debate Rabbi Shmuly here

From the Blog

Miracles or Oppression: Why Hanukkah Needs a Vegan Overhaul

Read here

From the Feed

Shamayim is excited to hire David Scherzer as our new Education Associate. David will be supporting programs & creating new intellectual content to grow the Jewish vegan movement!

(Picture yesterday of Shamayim’s Rabbi-Shmuly Yanklowitz & David together for a vegan breakfast & brainstorming on building the movement!)