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Are the rabbis vegeterian?
Question
why arent the greatest rabbis alive today vegetarian? or are they? (I dont know who they are, so Im not even sure who we are talking about, but it sounds like you said some of them eat meat.) So, if in todays society, we have supplements, why do they eat meat? I am just trying to figure out if Rav Kooks theory about vegetarianism is true or not, because if its True for sure, then I would definitely become a vegetarian. But if its not true, then I might not Completely cut out all meat and fish. Why didnt the other great rabbis agree with Rav Kook? How do I know how to figure out if its true or not that vegetarianism will get me to a higher spiritual level and that its the ideal diet for humans?
thanks!
Answer
Rav Kook was unique among rabbis in his broadness in dealing with such large and philosophic, and future issues. Really all rabbis should be dealing with these important and idealistic topics, but unfortunately, the vast majority of such top level rabbis are so busy answering questions on the Talmud and halacha, that they don't deal with philosophy, or Tanach, mussar, hassidut, kabbala or the necessary sciences which would also aid them in their rabbinic decisions. Accordingly almost no rabbis, aside from some of the students of Rav Kook, are vegetarian today. Again, even Rav Kook, his son Rav Zvi Yehuda and most of his followers, including myself, are not yet vegetarians as mentioned before, in order to first concentrate on the more important obligations and good deeds towards humans. I suggest you do the same.

Gog and Magog
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 10, 5776

More questions on vegetarianism & Judaism
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 23, 5782

Revival of Dead for Maimed or Destroyed Bodies
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 25, 5781

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

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Kri u'ktiv
Adar II 25, 5771

Ayin hara and Rambam
Tevet 28, 5771

Bircat baalat habayit
Shevat 7, 5771

baruch hamavdil
Adar I 23, 5771

Popcorn at the cinema
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 8, 5773

Tehillim for a deceased parent
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Tammuz 8, 5773

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

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773

Does God Have Feelings?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 24, 5783
