According to tradition, Tisha B’Av is a time to mourn profound loss, destruction and senseless hatred. During the 9 days leading up to Tisha B’av, there are a number of restrictions which forbid celebrations and luxury in remembrance of the destruction of the temple and out of respect of our state of mourning.
A number of these restrictions align with modern vegan ideals, such as the prohibition on consuming meat and wearing leather. Indeed, the Jewish vegan perspective encourages us to look deeper.
The ancient Temple service centred heavily on animal sacrifices, reflecting an unfortunate reality of its time. Yet, the prophetic voice of Isaiah, challenges this practice: “To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto Me?" His questioning identifies how true repentance requires justice, mercy and easing the burden of vulnerable beings.
Tisha B'Av laments a world broken by sinat chinam (senseless or baseless hatred). Indeed a compassionate perspective recognises that true repair of our world can only begin when we extend our circle of compassion to all sentient life. By embracing a plant-based diet year-round, we align our daily choices with the prophetic vision of peace, ensuring that our hope for a repaired world extends to every living creature.