A Rabbi Goes Veggie

WHY??

I've been thinking about becoming a vegetarian for a while. The idea of eating animals does not sit well with me, personally (though I have no moral objection to it for others). And, this year, as I prepared my High Holiday sermon (see link at the end of this paragraph or full text below), getting to challenge my congregation to take on additional mitzvot (commandments) in their lives, I realized that I have been disingenuous. So, I realized that it had to be me first: I must take on a big change in my life before I ask my community to do the same.

So, no more delays, no more excuses. No more meat, no more fish. That's my story (in brief). I'd love to hear yours!

(Link to Rosh Hashanah sermon on the Westchester Jewish Center website: http://www.wjcenter.org/educating_ourselves/ritual_library.php?page=13466)

Monday, September 27, 2010

Thanks for the support, Mike!

What would I do without the support of friends like Mike? He sent this to me in an e-mail and said that I could post it. Let me hear all of your other ones...

"I'm interested in your new commitment to vegetarianism-- this is indeed a meaty issue you've really taken a stake in. I have no beef with it just be sure to stay on track and don't chicken out. I understand that the transition to all vegetables can make one irritable and jerky. It may re-veal something about you that the lambs you shepherd at the temple will notice and follow suit. I'll stew about it a bit and might suit as well."

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Almost blew it!

Wow, that was a close one. At shul, we haven't had the good gefilte fish for a while. I got so excited when I saw it on Sukkot a couple of days ago that I put a couple of slices on my plate. One of my congregants came up to me with a quizzical look wondering if I was or was not eating fish. "No," I replied. He looked curiously at plate, when I realized...

Thank you for saving from accidentally ruining it just two weeks in!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

To Eat or not To Eat?

Question for you (especially other veggies out there). Over Rosh Hashanah, Hannah and Matan were away. There was leftover chicken that was about to go bad. As a vegetarian, better to eat the chicken or throw it away? (I chose not to eat the chicken, especially since it was Day 1 of my veggism!) Comments below, poll question on the right.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

So far, so good

So, my tenure as a vegetarian officially began eleven days ago -- the first day of Rosh Hashanah. So far, so good. No real temptations and great accommodations from those who have hosted me for meals (thank you!). Of course, after talking with a few other vegetarians, I realize that Pesah WILL be hard! Also, Hannah wanted to take me out for a birthday dinner to one of the local kosher restaurants. But, there really wasn't any point... what would I eat that would make it worth it? :)

We'll see how the limited diet goes on Sukkot. But, to this point, I only feel good about the decision.