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Vegan Mythbusters: Addressing Jewish Vegan Misconceptions


EMMA GOLDBLATT

Being both Jewish and vegan is a huge part of my identity. I tend to hear a lot of the same misconceptions and get the same questions when discussing my diet with other Jewish people! I know of course that this pushback mostly comes from a place of curiosity and a desire for understanding. I thought it would be worthwhile to compile the most common misconceptions I hear and address them to the best of my knowledge (and the knowledge of the team at Shamayim) with supporting Jewish texts and also research.

I hope you find these answers to be well rounded, and hopefully answer your own questions or help you when you discuss this topic with other people. Please reach out if there is anything else you are curious about.

With that, let’s hop right in!

Myth 1: Kosher Meat & Dairy is more ethical

The truth:

Currently, nearly all kosher-certified animal products come from animals raised on factory farms. ⁠

Although kosher certifiers ensure that animals are slaughtered according to kosher law, kosher certification does not evaluate any other aspects of animal welfare. Without additional welfare certifications or regulated claims, products that carry the “kosher” claim are meaningless for all aspects of animal welfare except slaughter.

Raising chickens, cattle, fish and other kosher animals in this intensive way not only causes significant suffering on an unprecedented scale; industrial animal agriculture also routinely exploits farm and food workers, is a top contributor to climate change, and is a source of future pandemic risk. (Information from Farm Forward)

Supporting Jewish texts & quotes:

  • “Every Jew must be cognizant of the ramifications of his or her actions,” R’Kook writes in A Vision of Vegetarianism and Peace, “that when humanity reaches a certain level ‘human beings will recognize their companions in Creation: all the animals.’ And they will understand how it is fitting from the standpoint of the purest ethical standard not to resort to moral concessions, to compromise the Divine attribute of justice with that of mercy . . . Rather they will walk the path of absolute good.”
  • “The commandments and values concerning animal welfare are all over the Torah in various contexts to ensure that we progress individually and collectively toward a no-harm diet (i.e. vegan diets).” The Ramban explains that one fulfills the commandment to ”Be holy
” (Leviticus 19:2) “by abstaining from those things, which are permitted to you.”
  • Maimonides writes, “Every individual according to the extent of his ignorance – does to himself and to others great evils from which individuals of the species suffer.” (Guide for the Perplexed III:11)
  • Today, the food industry mistreats many of their workers as well as the animals. The Shulkhan Aurkh writes that, “It is forbidden to purchase from the burglar an object that he stole, and it is a great sin, for such an act strengthens the hands of those who commit sins, and it causes other robberies to be perpetrated. If the robber finds no purchases, he will not rob.” (Hoshen Mishpat 356:1).

It’s tempting to want to believe that the meat we eat is ethical, that our ‘food animals’ have lived full, happy lives and that they have experienced no pain or fear at the slaughterhouse. Yet the sad truth is that all living creatures (even those labelled ‘free range’ or ‘organic’) fear death, just as we do. No matter how they are treated when alive, they all experience the same fear when it comes to slaughter. (From Vegan Society)

Myth 2 (featuring 3 mini myths): Meat is necessary for optimal health!

The truth:

Well-planned vegan diets follow healthy eating guidelines, and contain all the nutrients that our bodies need. Both the British Dietetic Association and the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognise that they are suitable for every age and stage of life. Some research has linked vegan diets with lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.

There are plenty of plant-based sources of protein, including legumes, tofu, tempeh, nuts, seeds, and grains. Many athletes and bodybuilders follow vegan diets and meet their protein needs without issues. It’s about making informed choices and planning a balanced diet.

Myth: “Soy turns men into women”

The truth:

Soy contains compounds called isoflavones. It is incorrectly believed that isoflavones ‘turn men into women’. Isoflavones are also chemically similar to the hormone estradiol due to which they are commonly called phytoestrogens 1. Estradiol is a type of female sex hormone called estrogen. As a result, people often equate isoflavones with estrogens and believe that it mimics estrogens in the body. This is a big misunderstanding. To learn more go here.

Don’t worry- according to this article from Harvard, soy is a healthy source of protein!

Myth: “Plant-based alternatives are worse for you than meat!”

The truth:

Meat substitutes are often healthier than their traditional meaty counterparts, according to a new report.

Overall, they found that ‘the plant-based products contained less saturated fat, fewer calories and significantly more dietary fibre
and had a similar percentage of calories from protein’.

According to the researchers: “This indicates that, in terms of the risk for lifestyle diseases, meat alternatives often have a slightly better composition than animal meat, especially red and processed meat.” 

Myth: “Dairy is important for your bones because it provides vitamin D“

The truth:

Research shows that dairy products have little or no benefit for bone health. Not only is milk not essential for health- it can have bad effects. Milk and other dairy products are the top source of saturated fat in the American diet, contributing to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have also linked dairy to an increased risk of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. (Information from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine)

Myth 3: Veganism Is Incompatible with Jewish Traditions and Celebrations

The truth:

This couldn’t be farther from the truth! In fact, the animal welfare, health, and environmental benefits of veganism directly align with our Jewish values, and luckily traditional Jewish dishes can be veganized! You can check out our resources section, or browse the internet for thousands of recipes to veganize your favorite Jewish dishes.

Supporting Jewish Texts & Quotes:

  • Compassion is a core value in Judaism: Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, the Chief Rabbi of Efrat, wrote that, “The dietary laws are intended to teach us compassion and lead us gently to vegetarianism.” Our role is to emulate the Divine (halakhta b’drakhav) and the Rabbis teach that we primarily do this be acting compassionately like G-d does.
  • The Gemara (Bava Metsia 32) teaches us that avoiding the suffering of animals is a biblical law that pushes off rabbinic law.
  • In addition to showing compassion to animals, eating healthfully (also a mitzvah), and taking care of our planet, reducing meat intake is also a response to global hunger. It turns out, the U.S. could feed 800 million people with the grain used to feed livestock.
  • R’Nachman of Breslav believes that “According to the Rabbis every person must say the entire world was created for me. If the world was created for me, it follows that I must always examine how I can rectify the world and fulfill its needs and pray for the world.” (Likutei Maharan 1 5:1)

FAQ: As a shomer kashrut Ashkenazi Jew, what will I eat on Pesach?

Great question! It’s important to remember that we can get protein from a number of sources. Vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach and kale, are packed with protein. Nuts are also a great place to find protein during Pesach. With the extra restrictions Pesach brings, you may not be able to enjoy many of the vegan dishes that make up your normal diet but it is a great time to experiment with new vegetable dishes.

Also, strict vegans should be aware that Rav Moshe Feinstein held that if needed one could be lenient on certain products that most treat as kitniyot but need not be considered kitniyot arguing that we don’t add to the list of kitniyot unless the minhag is indisputable (Igrot Moshe O.C. 3:63). This can include peanuts, SOY, and quinoa. Also some poskim have allowed oil that was derived (before Pesach) from kitniyot (Bamareh Habazak). I’d still inspect the ingredients in these products closely to be sure there is nothing problematic in them or be sure there was a Sephardic kosher for Passover certification on them. You should be able to buy kosher almond milk for Pesach and some soy products should be available as well.

Myth 4: Everything is okay in moderation

The truth:

This myth is more of a philosophical issue which means there isn’t really a truth, but it surely sparks an interesting conversation. While moderation is a reasonable approach in some aspects of life, the unique ethical, environmental, and health considerations associated with veganism and adhering to Jewish values make it a more complex issue.

  • Animal welfare in Jewish values: Our Jewish values align with the idea of compassion towards animals, as the Torah contains teachings about kindness to animals. Finding a balance between moderation and ethical considerations can be challenging. If one adheres to Jewish values that prioritize compassion towards animals, moderation may require careful evaluation of the ethical implications of consuming animal products.
  • Sustainability and Jewish Environmental Ethics: Plant-based diets generally have a lower environmental footprint compared to diets that include animal products. Balancing environmental sustainability with moderation involve considering the ecological consequences of consuming animal products, especially in the context of Jewish teachings about stewardship of the Earth. Some Jewish traditions emphasize the concept of “Bal Tashchit,” which means not to waste or destroy. This principle can be interpreted to support environmentally conscious choices, potentially aligning with the principles of veganism.
  • The Mitzvah of Treating our Bodies kindly: Jewish values emphasize the importance of maintaining good health. As referenced in Myth #2, meat, dairy and eggs are not always the healthiest options and in many cases are detrimental to our health. Understanding the nutritional aspects of veganism and how they align with Jewish dietary laws (kashrut) are also important to consider when using moderation as an argument.

Conclusion: Every choice we make has an impact, and many find aligning their lifestyle with their values to be rewarding.

Myth 5: Veganism Is Expensive and Inaccessible for Jewish Families (Especially ones who keep kosher)

The truth:

Veganism- when done in whole foods- plant based manner, can actually be cheaper than a diet filled with animal products!

A vegan diet can be affordable, especially when focusing on whole, plant-based foods like beans, rice, vegetables, and fruits. It’s not about buying expensive substitutes; it’s about choosing cost-effective, nutritious options.

While a new restriction may feel challenging at first, being a kosher vegan is far from impossible. There is a rapidly growing community of kosher vegans making it even more viable as consumer options expand. You will almost always be able to find something to eat wherever you are. Remember, Judaism is not an ascetic tradition so enjoyment and pleasure, in the right context, are valued but sometimes we do have to sacrifice to actualize our core values.

Myth 6: Humans are supposed to eat meat, because we’re natural omnivores

The truth:

While there is evidence to suggest that humans have evolved to be omnivores (plant and meat eaters) this doesn’t mean that it is the best choice ethically, environmentally, or nutritionally. Even if we are “natural omnivores” and able to eat meat, there is absolutely nothing natural about the horrifying practice of factory farming and the flat out unsustainable reality of eating animal products on the huge scale which is happening worldwide.

Some “food for thought”:

Myth 7: Veganism Is an Outsider Movement in the Jewish Community

The truth:

Veganism is a growing movement worldwide! Here are some recent stats:

There are no statistics that track Jewish vegans worldwide, but there are for Israel: as of 2016, five per cent of Israelis identified as vegan, one of the highest percentages in the world. That number doubled from 2010, when 2.6 per cent said they were vegetarian or vegan.

Jewish organizations promoting plant-based living:

On an individual level:

Conclusion

A lot of these truths come full circle to tell the same story: whether you believe humans are the top of the food chain, that eating animals is our G-d- given right, or that doing so brings us closer to G-d, we can’t ignore the reality and practice of factory farming that undermines many other important Jewish values we have. Follow your heart and your Jewish values and explore the benefits of a vegan diet for you, the animals, and the planet.

Learn more here.

Disclaimer:

The information provided above is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have existing health issues or concerns, it is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional. Individual health needs vary, and what may be suitable for one person may not be appropriate for another. Your doctor can provide personalized guidance based on your specific health situation and help you make informed decisions about your diet and lifestyle.

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