- Family and Society
- Ways of Redemption
vegetarian
Question
1. will Hashem judge vegetarians more mercifully than, lets say, someone who is exactly the same as said person but the only difference is the second person eats meat- since they arent causing as much suffering to animals? Like will that one lifestyle choice in and of itself cause Hashem to treat them more mercifully?
2. how does being a vegetarian affect the kosher status of a kitchen/what would they need to do?
Answer
Shalom,
Thank you for your questions.
1. The question of vegetarianism is addressed by Rav Kook zt”l in his work “Chazon HaSimchonut”. While he feels it is a messianic ideal, he raises serious doubts about whether it is appropriate for mankind at this stage of human development. This would also be applicable to an individual’s personal development. That is, while being a vegetarian may be a good thing for one person, at a certain stage of their development (such as Rav Kook’s student, Rav David HaCohen – The Nazir), it may be inappropriate for a different person. So, in answer to your question – it depends.
2. Theoretically a totally vegetarian kitchen would have many less issues with the laws of kashrut. However, just because a kitchen is vegetarian doesn’t make it kosher (but they are certainly moving the right direction). Here is a list of issues that still need to be addressed.
a. Were the utensils ever used (even in the distant past) for non kosher foods? Is so they need “koshering”.
b. There are certain vegetarian products that are not kosher – non-certified wine, wine vinegar, cheeses to name a few. These cannot be used (and if they were used, the vessels may need koshering). (Also, certain products you might assume to be vegetarian might contain non-kosher products in them… who would believe it, but some of those “additives” are animal products! Or the foods were cooked together with non-kosher foods).
c. “Tovelling” (immersing in a mikvah) of vessels.
d. “Jewish cooking” – certain foods may not be cooked by a non-Jew (unless a Jew takes part in the cooking by, for example, lighting the stove).
e. Checking foods for small insects that kosher laws forbid.
If the question relates to your own kitchen, then we’d be more than happy to answer any other practical questions you have about koshering your kitchen. In the mean-time, you should take some comfort in the knowledge that a vegetarian is certainly eating much more kosher food that a non-kosher meat-eater. May you merit to continue to grow in Torah and Mitzvot.
Blessings.

Bible- would G-d exchange His People
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 11, 5772

more questions on vegetarianism
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 3, 5782

Solomans third temple
Rabbi David Sperling | Elul 8, 5773

Various Questions about the Messianic Age & Mashiach
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 24, 5782

Rabbi David Sperling

Heating Up Baked Items on a Hot Plate on Shabbat
Adar II 25, 5771

tikkun chatzot
Iyyar 22, 5771

Rosh Hashanah
Adar II 25, 5771

Attitude Towards Other Nations
Iyyar 7, 5771

Attending a Mixed Wedding
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 6 Av 5765

When does the Jewish day begin?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 10, 5775

Bracha on water
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | Cheshvan 16, 5769
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

Torah vs. Tanak additions
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 4, 5783

Follow-up question on names
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Shevat 9, 5783
How to split expenses for a group event
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Shevat 9, 5783
