Judaism
and Vegetarianism
Reviewed by Mai Chung
Howard F. Lyman, author of Mad Cowboy, said of his
friend Richard Schwartz: "He is changing the
world and I am proud to be his friend. You do not
have to be a Jew to read and enjoy Judaism and Vegetarianism.
Richard has written brilliantly a most fascinating
book, no matter what your religion ..."
This book isn't just about using biblical evidence
to show that a loving and caring attitude towards
animals is present in Judaism. Schwartz embraces a
wider vision than that. This book is about understanding
that never before have the problems and threats related
to animal-based diets and agriculture been so urgent.
It is increasingly clear, Schwartz points out, that
a shift towards vegetarianism is a planetary imperative,
not a luxury.
Since Judaism, like most other religions, has a
strict traditional outlook, isn't a move towards vegetarianism
a move away from Jewish traditions with regard to
diet? Schwartz shows that vegetarianism is actually
a return to Jewish traditions—to taking Jewish
values seriously. The sheer amount of study that has
gone into this book is enthralling in itself. No stone
is left unturned, with a precise answer given to the
most difficult of questions.
This book is about understanding and not resisting
the need for evolution to take place, whilst staying
close to one's roots. This is a great book—pro-life
and pro-animals—and frankly, one I couldn't put
down.
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