Yom Kippur is fast approaching, beginning at sundown on October 1st, 2025, and ending at nightfall on October 2nd. It’s considered the holiest day of the Jewish calendar where we fast and take the time to reflect.

It is a day for cheshbon hanefesh, or “soul accounting,” when we’re asked to look inward, own our failures, and begin again. Yom Kippur also invites us to face the suffering we contribute to in the world around us, including the silent suffering of millions of animals in our food system.

The Torah commands, “You shall afflict your souls.” When we fast, it’s meant to be uncomfortable so we can confront the truth. A truth not only within us, but beyond us. It’s a moment that silences the world’s noise so possibly … finally… the animals can be heard.

As we already know, Jewish law prohibits causing unnecessary suffering to animals, known as tza’ar ba’alei chayim. Yet the way most animals are raised and slaughtered today completely goes against these values.

Even when meat is kosher, while it might feel more ethical, most animals still suffer for months or years before slaughter. That’s because kosher laws govern the moment of death, but rarely the conditions of life.

The prophet Isaiah asks in the Yom Kippur haftarah: “Is this the fast I desire?” This is a call to live out justice and compassion, not just fast for the sake of fasting, watching the minutes go by.

So how can we make a difference for the animals who are suffering once the holiday comes to a close? It begins with the break-fast meal and even the days that follow.

When the final shofar sounds and the relief sets in that we can finally eat, there’s a choice we can make. For the break-fast meal, rather than cream cheese on bagels, there are tons of vegan versions you can find in most stores. Our favorites are Violife and Follow Your Heart. If you want to make something from scratch, you have to check out this amazing cashew cream cheese recipe. To cover all the bases, you also need to try this delicious vegan lox recipe.

You’re not missing out or dismissing Yom Kippur tradition with these swaps; you’re actually fulfilling Judaism in its truest essence.

Yom Kippur is a day for honesty, humility, and return. And that return can mean turning away from animal suffering and toward choices that honor all lives.

This year, let your “soul accounting” include the animals suffering in factory farming. Let your fast be a protest against cruelty and your return be a recommitment to compassion. Whether it’s by switching to a vegan lifestyle, finding a shelter dog a home, helping the neighborhood stray, or just being a voice for the voiceless.

G’mar Chatimah Tovah!