Schwartz's ideas are sound

Editor: Thank you for running an editorial on the recent controversy surrounding PETA's use of Holocaust imagery in its campaign against factory farming. ("Holocaust on our plates," Bulletin, March 14) While I have nothing to add to that discussion, I do take issue with your dismissal of Prof. Richard Schwartz as a "self-appointed negotiator" and "new vegetarian activist."

Prof. Schwartz bases his positions on solid Torah principles, including tsa'ar ba'alei chayim (compassion for animals), pikuach nefesh (preserving human life) and tzedakah (charity and justice), among others. He cites the teachings of great Jewish scholars, including Maimonides and the late chief rabbi of Israel, Avraham Issac Hakohen Kook, himself an ardent vegetarian.

Leading contemporary rabbis, including Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen, the Ashkenazi chief rabbi and rosh bet din of Haifa, endorse Prof. Schwartz's work.
As your editorial rightly states, Jewish law has a tradition for respecting animals. Prof. Schwartz builds on that legacy by relating what our sages have said to the possible negative consequences on our spiritual, physical and environmental health of animal-based diets. To learn more, visit www.jewishveg.com.

According to your editorial, proper treatment of animals is already on the Jewish agenda. In that spirit, I suggest we take a closer look at what Prof. Schwartz says: our diet choices and "modern" farming methods have an impact not only on our health and ecosystem, but also on our Jewish soul.

Steve Lipari
Chair, Adam va-Adamah Environmental Society
Vancouver