Sukkot, the Jewish harvest festival, is a time for reflection on our connection to nature, food, and shelter. It’s a time of communal joy or ‘zman simchatenu’ but also one of mindful eating and celebrating the natural world. The festival of Sukkot aligns beautifully our ancient Jewish traditions and contemporary ethical values.
Central to this festival is the sukkah, a temporary structure reminding us of our dependence on the environment and our responsibility to protect & nurture it. A plant-based diet significantly reduces environmental damage and complements the values of this holiday. Additionally, Veganism aligns with the mitzvah of ‘bal tashchit’ meaning the prohibition of unnecessary waste, while promoting compassionate protection of the earth.
The festival’s focus on agriculture and abundance ought to make us think about the food we eat. Choosing seasonal, plant-based meals in the sukkah demonstrates gratitude for the food we’ve harvested, while avoiding the unnecessary suffering of animals (tza’ar balei Chaim). Moreover, traditional Sukkot dishes like stuffed vegetables, barley soups fruits complement a vegan diet perfectly. Decorating our sukkahs with biodegradable materials, sourcing sustainable arba minim (Four Species), and minimising food and plastic waste are all ways to act in accordance with the values of Sukkot.
Ultimately, Sukkot is embracing and repairing the natural world we live in & finding joy in simple, meaningful ways. A vegan approach to the festival allows us to celebrate without causing harm, nurturing both our values and the world around us.
Chag Sameach!