73. Vegan Rabbi on Being a Jewish Vegan

How much does veganism have to do with Jewish values? Turns out, a lot! Rabbi Shmuly is one of the most influential Rabbis in the USA, and he is here to talk about his plant-based journey, the intersection between vegan and Jewish values, and how to stay plant-based at traditional Jewish meals.   Show Notes: How Rabbi Shmuly went from no interest in veganism at all to living the plant-based lifestyle Raising plant-based children How Rabbi Shmuly embraces transformation and compassion Why a plant-based lifestyle complements Jewish values The difficulty of being in jewish spaces that don’t understand/embrace vegan sensibilities How religion can challenge us to not accept the world as it is, but instead to help us envision and work towards what it should be How religion can help people to support each other and build community How the current food system & factory farming conflicts with Jewish morals Why a Kosher label doesn’t always mean the food was produced ethically How people are becoming more aware of the suffering of other beings, creating new pathways for change Jewish ethos & rejecting dogma How the systems of oppression and technologies of destruction towards people compare to the mass slaughter of animals Being an advocate for those who aren’t seen or heard Tips for using kosher labels to figure out what’s vegan How to politely navigate Jewish holidays and traditions as the only vegan in the room Feel empowered as a vegan at a traditional meal by hosting the event Tips for creating your own vegan traditions Vegan ingredient replacements for traditional Jewish dishes Vegan Jewish recipe suggestions The importance of deepening our inner world in order to create change in the outer world Thank you to our sponsors Maxine’s Heavenly & Natreve    Resources: Rabbi Shmuly’s books Vegan Passover guide Vegan Hanukkah guide Vegan challah bread recipe Vegan noodle kugel recipe Carrot lox recipe Vegan latke recipe  Vegan matzo ball soup recipe