"This season, while we count the omer, we should re-educate ourselves about the hazards of meat production," the authors write. Credit: Creative Commons/Farm Sanctuary.
Lag B’Omer is considered a minor holiday in the Jewish calendar, but even a minor holiday is still a holiday and therefore worth celebrating. A great way to celebrate Lag B’Omer is through vegetarianism, as Lag B’Omer is deeply connected to vegetarianism.
Lag B’Omer represents the 33rd day of the counting of the omer, the fifty days between Passover and Shavuot, reminding us of the link between these two holidays. While Passover celebrates our freedom from slavery, Shavuot celebrates our receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. During Passover, Jews would bring barley to the Temple in Jerusalem; on Shavuot, Jews would bring their first fruits. Between these two holidays, while counting the days, Jews traditionally brought an omer of grain to the Temple. The word lag represents 33 and an omer is a measurement. The goal is not only to count the omer but to make the omer count.
According to a midrash, there were fifty days between the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and the receiving of the Torah – between liberation and law – because the Jewish people were not yet spiritually pure. On our modern journeys, in our efforts toward liberation, we can increase our purity by eating vegetarian foods. We can purify our health and purify our planet, while purifying our spirit. Many people who switch to a vegetarian diet report feeling physically, emotionally, and spiritually better. Lag B’Omer presents a special opportunity to reflect back upon where we’ve come from as well as to look forward to where we might, and should, be going, as it is a time for self-awareness, self-growth, and community development.
We sincerely hope that Jews will enhance their celebrations of this ancient and beautiful holiday of Lag B’Omer by making it a time to strive even harder to live up to Judaism’s highest moral values and teachings. We certainly don’t need more “things”in our homes and we don’t necessarily need to make an agricultural pilgrimage; instead, we do need more meaning, purpose, and spirit in our lives. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this. One significant way is by moving towards vegetarianism.
By sharing grain with others, Lag B’Omer demonstrates the power of cooperation and community. In contrast, meat-eating demonstrates the opposite. Raising animals for consumption, besides being cruel to animals (and therefore violating tsa’ar ba’alei chayim, causing unnecessary harm to animals), uses and wastes a tremendous amount of grain as well as water, land, soil, and fossil fuels (transgressing bal tashchit, the injunction not to waste anything of value), while destroying communities (the opposite of tikkun olam, healing the world), degrading the environment (not the way to be shomrei adamah, partners in re-creating our world), and damaging human health (going against pekuach nefesh, the need to protect our health and lives).
Judaism also stresses the importance of tzedakah, that we be kind, assist the poor and weak, and share our food with the hungry, yet approximately 3/4 of major U.S. crops – e.g., corn, wheat, soybeans, oats – is fed to the billions of animals destined for slaughter. Further, Judaism repeatedly suggests that we pursue peace and justice, and vegetarianism is one key step on that path.
While millions of people annually die from over-consumption, particularly consumption of fat and cholesterol, millions of people annually die from under-consumption, from starvation and hunger-related diseases. Indeed, it takes many pounds of grain, rich in fiber and other nutrients, to produce a single pound of cholesterol-laden meat. Although the world produces more than enough food to feed all its people, the inequality of wealth and power, along with the inefficiency of land use and food distribution, creates conditions that lead to scarcity, chronic hunger, malnutrition, and starvation. Lag B’Omer reminds us to enjoy the bounty of our crops and to share our resources.
World hunger is neither necessary, automatic, nor inevitable.
Vegetarianism creates conditions that are more fair and just, more efficient and sustainable, thereby potentially allowing more people to be fed, rather than using land, grain, water, labor, energy, and other resources to produce food to be fed to animals that are later killed and fed to people. In addition to being better for health and the environment, vegetarianism is better for food security and the alleviation of world hunger. Food security, in turn, may prevent the all-too-common instances of jealousy, covetousness, ethnic tensions, and then violence, war, and genocide.
Traditionally, many Jews refrain from open celebration during the counting of the omer. However, Lag B’Omer is a day during this season upon which marriages, haircuts, and other celebrations are allowed to begin again because miracles have occurred on Lag B’Omer. It was on Lag B’Omer, for example, that a plague that had killed 24,000 of Rabbi Akiva’s students finally ended. Choosing vegetarianism champions life by saving lives everyday. Shortly after the plague, Rabbi Akiva chose five students to carry on his work, one of whom was the great sage Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son Rabbi Eleazar hid in a cave for thirteen years after Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, known by the acronym Rashbi, was condemned to death by the Roman conquerors of Jerusalem for speaking out against them, following the murders of Rabbi Akiva and many others. While they lived in a cave, they were sustained by their studies of the Torah, a local stream, and a nearby carob tree for their food. These great sages demonstrated that a vegetarian diet, like the manna the Israelites received in the Sinai desert, is enough to sustain a person as well as a people.
Rashbi taught that our world and the unseen “higher” worlds are unified, as manifestations of the Divine Soul, and that the meaning of life is to reunify Creation with the source of Creation. Based on this, Rashbi said that “one must remember that every act we do affects not only us but the entire world”. He also affirmed that the “crown” of a good name, doing good deeds, is the most important thing, even more so than studying Torah, and is within the reach of everyone. He further asked that his day of passing be a day of celebration. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai died on Lag B’Omer.
The Omer is sometimes referred to as the Sefirah, The Counting. Sefirah also means illuminating. Literally for some and figuratively for all, it is important to count each day and to make each day count. Eating vegetarian may allow us to live longer and healthier lives, as many scientific studies have shown, while saving the lives of countless animals. Doing so illuminates our lives as well as theirs, allowing each of us to continue the blessing of counting the omer for more years.
In addition to resource conservation and economic efficiency, a switch toward vegetarianism would greatly benefit the health of individuals, the condition of our environment, and would sharply reduce the suffering and death of billions of animals. Further, the social, psychological, and spiritual benefits should not be underestimated.
The founder of Chasidism, Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer, known as the Baal Shem Tov (Master of the Good Name), became known to the rest of the world on Lag B’Omer (he died 26 years later on Shavuot in 1760). Among his great teachings, the Baal Shem Tov said that “People should consider themselves, and the worms, and all creatures as friends in the universe, for we are all created beings whose abilities are God-given.”
This season, while we count the omer, we should re-educate ourselves about the hazards of meat production and consumption and the benefits of vegetarianism, as well as bring offerings to our inner temples. We can do this by practicing the powerful teachings and highest values of Judaism. One way to achieve the wonderful aspirations of Judaism is by switching to a vegetarian diet. A shift toward vegetarianism can be a major factor in the renewal of Judaism, as it would further demonstrate that Jewish values are not only relevant but essential to everyday personal life and global survival.
During the counting of the omer, between Passover and Shavuot, it is customary to read Pirkei Avot. In it, Rabbi Tarfon demands that “It is not your obligation to complete the task [of perfecting the world], but neither are you free from engaging in it”. Another Talmudic sage, Ben Hay Hay, says in Pirkei Avot that “The reward is in proportion to the effort”. It’s up to us to get off our good intentions and do the best we can. Shifting toward vegetarianism would be a great start! And as Hillel asks, “If not now, when?”
For more information, please visit Aish at aish.com/omer, Counting the Omer at countingtheomer.blogspot.com, the Jewish Vegetarians of North America at www.JewishVeg.com and The Vegetarian Mitzvah at www.brook.com/jveg. View a free Jewish documentary called A Sacred Duty at ASacredDuty.org. Daniel Brook, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, poet, instructor of sociology and political science, and is a member of the Advisory Committee of Jewish Vegetarians of North America. He can be contacted via brook@brook.com. Richard H. Schwartz, Ph.D., is the author of Judaism and Vegetarianism, Judaism and Global Survival, and over 150 articles and interviews located at JewishVeg.com/schwartz. He is President of Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) at www.JewishVeg.com, Coordinator of the Society of Ethical and Religious Vegetarians (SERV) (www.serv-online.org), and Director of the Veg Climate Alliance (www.vegclimatealliance.org).
An interesting point of view, it may make me reconsider eating meat
I agree to illuminate my life by being a practicing vegan. Articles like this help motivate me to rededicate myself to these ideals.
Thanks!
Excellent interesting article – making vegetable soup today !
Why do bloggers have to mold Jewish holidays into their own agenda? Judaism is not a vegetarian religion. This just puts me in the mood to offer a good juicy burger to my inner temple..
As president of Jewish Vegetarians of North America, I do niot argue that Judiasm is a vegetarian religion, but that Jews have a choice re their diets and that the choice should be made while considering that the production and consumption of meat and other animal products violate basic Jewish mandates to preserve human health, treat animals with compassion, protect the environment, conserve natural resources and help hungry people and that animal -based diets and agriculture are causing an epidemic of diseases in the Jewish and other communities, and contributing significantly to climate change and other environmental problems that threaten all of humanity. I believe it is essential that the Jewish community address these issues and consider shifts to plant-based diets to help shift our imperiled planet to a sustainable path.
For further information about Jewish teachings on vegetarianism, please see my 150 articles and 25 podcasts and complete text of my book “Judaism and Vegetarianism” at JewishVeg.com/schwartz and please see our acclaimed documentary “A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World” at ASacredDuty.com.
As president of Jewish Vegetarians of North America, I do niot argue that Judiasm is a vegetarian religion, but that Jews have a choice re their diets and that the choice should be made while considering that the production and consumption of meat and other animal products violate basic Jewish mandates to preserve human health, treat animals with compassion, protect the environment, conserve natural resources and help hungry people and that animal -based diets and agriculture are causing an epidemic of diseases in the Jewish and other communities, and contributing significantly to climate change and other environmental problems that threaten all of humanity. I believe it is essential that the Jewish community address these issues and consider shifts to plant-based diets to help shift our imperiled planet to a sustainable path.
For further information about Jewish teachings on vegetarianism, please see my 150 articles and 25 podcasts and complete text of my book “Judaism and Vegetarianism” at JewishVeg.com/schwartz and please see our acclaimed documentary “A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal the World” at ASacredDuty.com.
I know the theory of knowing your own body(well I really don’t) I read the books and academically know medically. I read your article and learnt the Bibical side. I follow, but don’t want to be labeled ,
I was wondering after years of so many important news media having health and other articles about the wrongs of meat eating, has the meat industry felt any slowing down of purchasing? Production?
What is wrong with eating meat? We’ve been doing it since we have been walking upright
Does the possibility moral growth resonate with you?
Doed moral growth mean refrying form the consumption of beef and poultry? Unless yo are wearing shoes made of canvas, are a vegan and living off the grid, I don’ think you can claim any moral superiority one me.
Excellent and heartwarming piece. I have read Mr. Schwartz’s book Judaism and Vegetarianism and among very much and nuanced reading I found that many many of our gdolim both in ancient times as over the centuries through rabbanim today who were and are vegetarians. Apart from the fact that humans were vegetarians up until after the Flood (Mabul). If some were not so immoral as to stay ignorant and/or indifferent to today’s cattle industry and how animals are reared in truly horrific ways and forced to eat not their natural food but big chunks in which there is chicken manure (sh*t, yes), and leftover garbage from slaughterhouses often their own species including herbivores like cows who eat their own and never see daylight or get into any meadow. It is one thing to put the human species central. It becomes even more important also as Jewish obligation towards animals (prohibition of tza’ar ba’alei chayim) when perpetrated by humans against defenseless beings as animals are. There is also a positive commandment to manage the planet and nature with wisdom and the warning that if not there will be no on cleaning up after us.
Oh, I forgot to mention that as a regular meat is laced with antibiotics and toxins like e.g. dioxin. If reading newspapers is something for you, Mr. Don, read or google (or duckduckgo which does not keep your reading habits in its files as Google and Facebook do) pink slime and how they produce steaks today with so-called meat glue. Bon appetit. Why pollute the earth, abuse animals, ravage the environment and poison humans? Money.
Abigail,
1.” Apart from the fact that humans were vegetarians up until after the Flood (Mabul)”
Humans have always been carnivores. As far as I might believe n God, I do not subscribe to the big flood and Noah’s Ark story. I do believe in evolutionary theory.
2. I am as wired into the news as you are. I realize that there are problems in out food system, that only means that I should consider alternative sources. I gave eaten delicious organic beef abroad (Armenia and the Republic of Georgia) and there is a difference. But to preach vegetarianism smells of arrogance. You are not any better than I am because you are a vegetarian.
I will be in La Paz, Bolivia next week and head there is a great Argentine steak restaurant. The beef is more than likely organic. I will let you know how it is.
Thanks for you concern for my choices in reading.
I
will be in La Paz Bolivia next week. I head there is a great Argentine steak house there. I’ll let you know how it is
Forget about letting me know about your trips or eating habits. I could not care less. If you are so wired (to provoke and pick a fight and pollute websites you are certainly wired) you might want to read or get up to date about the animal farming factory. But given the twisted way you like to treat people I do not think you know nor care about that. Who cares about compassion,right. Evolution is part of creation, but never you mind. People have not always been carnivores. But your science serves you right. Human as the measure of existence. Yeah…update yourself about the state of this world. Also evolution? Today, a revolution is needed although not with weapons.
Forget it, I am wasting my time.
It’s funny, I am not ridiculing you for being a vegetarian. I know many vegetarians and few vegans.They are respectful of meat eaters such as myself. What bothers me is that you are a self righteous vegetarian. But but I hold with disdain anyone who is self righteous, whether they are Christian right wingers, Tea partiers or Marxist. There is no one on tis planet who has tyne right to thumb their knows and say I am the righteous one. That goes for you.
Are there ills in out food industry? yes.
Should there be changes? yes.
BUT no one is going to turn on me and say I am immoral for eating beef, lamb or poultry. No one is going to lecture me on how man is essentially vegetarian since it holds no historic or biblical weight. And it is laughable that you combine creationism with evolution since faith and theory have clashed in the Supreme Court.
As for provoking a fight, yo might want to look at your response on May 14th. In addition to being self righteous, suggest you consider the irony of accusing me opt provoking a fight.
My Chicken Pad This was very good today,although it needed a bit spicing up.
I had a really good Llama steak in La Paz,Polivia last night.
Richard Schwartz is an amazing person, probably the world’s foremost authority on the teachings of Judaism on protecting animals and nature.
He is a real expert on Jewish law, literature, traditions, and teachings. I have seen scholars and rabbis criticize and disagree with him, but I have never seen anyone catch him in a factual error or mistake.
He understands that Judaism is a religion fundamentally of compassion and obedience to the Lord’s teachings, and this extends to all His Creatures and Creation, not just humans.
If more people adhered to Richard’s arguments, both people and animals would be better off, and this would be a better world for all of us.
Lewis Regenstein
I would like respectfully to add a note about the Biblical basis for kindness to animals that is not fully discussed in this excellent article, which well documents how a meatless diet is completely consistent with Jewish teachings, law, and tradition.
In addition to the tenets cited, numerous other aspects of Judaism require us to refrain from abuse of other creatures, which regularly suffer during the raising and slaughter of animals for food.
The code of laws forbidding cruelty to animals (“Tsa’ar ba’alei hayim”, the requirement “to prevent the suffering of living creatures”) is one of the most important aspects of Jewish law.
Indeed, the Jews pioneered the concept of kindness to animals some 3,500 years ago, and it is mandated throughout the Bible and Jewish law. Even the holiest of our laws, the Ten Commandments, requires that farmed animals be allowed to enjoy a day of rest on the Sabbath (Exodus 23:12, Deuteronomy 5:14). So the Almighty must have felt that kindness to animals was not a trivial matter.
Significantly, the first commandments given by the Lord (Genesis 1:22-28) concern the welfare and survival of animals, and human responsibilities toward them. God’s very first commandment (Genesis 1:22) was to the birds, whales, fish and other creatures to “be fruitful and multiply” and fill the seas and the skies. His first commandment to humans (Genesis 1:28) was to “replenish the earth…and have dominion” [stewardship] over other creatures.
It is truly a “shanda,” a shameful thing, that we so heavily use meat products the production of which often involves the massive abuse and suffering of billions of factory farmed creatures, many of which spend their entire lives in misery, fear, and anguish, in addition to the often painful way they are killed.
It is hard to imagine that abuse of animals would be pleasing to a merciful God. Can this truly be the will of the Lord, who called each animal He created “good” and the Creation itself “very good” (Genesis 1:29-31), who commanded us to leave some crops in the fields for the wildlife (Leviticus 25:4-7), and to allow oxen to eat while working (Deuteronomy 25:4), and who repeatedly prohibited cruelty to animals ?
As Proverbs 12:10 tells us, “A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast.” Truly, as Psalm 145:9 states, “His compassion is over all His creatures.”
Sincerely yours,
Lewis Regenstein
Atlanta, GA
The writer is the author of “Commandments of Compassion: Jewish Teachings on Protecting the Planet and its Creatures,” and president of The Interfaith Council for the Protection of Animals and Nature .