EMMA GOLDBLATT April was a remarkable month for animal advocacy! From engaging Passover discussions to crafting vegan versions of Shabbat classics, it ignited meaningful conversations about conscious consumption and the significance of spreading empathy. Explore deeper involvement in our community by completing a survey, joining as a member, or supporting one of our numerous campaigns. Also, don’t miss out on the opportunity to apply for our Campus Fellowship and Synagogue Vegan Challenge! Learn more about how to apply by reading this blog. Let’s unite to cultivate positive change together! S ..read more

EMMA GOLDBLATT February seems to have zoomed past, hasn’t it? It’s been yet another remarkable month of animal advocacy for our global community. This newsletter will spotlight events from our Synagogue Vegan Challenge and Campus Fellows, along with other community highlights. Discover how to engage in the upcoming month and don’t forget to sign up for our Purim baking class where you can learn how to make scrumptious chocolate orange Hamantaschen! Enjoy reading! Synagogue Vegan Challenge Event Spotlight: Honoring the memory of my mother (and photos from Tu Bshvat seder) “Tu Bshvat was in an ..read more

It’s been another great month of advocating for animals and spreading our vegan message! Check out some highlights below of what we did in January, and see how you can get involved in the coming months! Synagogue Vegan Challenge Event Spotlight: Tu B’shvat seder with Toronto Partnership Minyan “We began with a vegan falafel dinner, and I shared some sources on the history and traditions Tu Bishvat. I taught about our responsibility to protect the enviroment, and how this connects to Tu Bishvat, and shared a graph (from Shamayim) on the environmental impact of different foods. We then split i ..read more

EMMA GOLDBLATT Being both Jewish and vegan is a huge part of my identity. I tend to hear a lot of the same misconceptions and get the same questions when discussing my diet with other Jewish people! I know of course that this pushback mostly comes from a place of curiosity and a desire for understanding. I thought it would be worthwhile to compile the most common misconceptions I hear and address them to the best of my knowledge (and the knowledge of the team at Shamayim) with supporting Jewish texts and also research. I hope you find these answers to be well rounded, and hopefully answer you ..read more

By Emma Goldblatt I cannot believe this year is coming to an end. It is no exaggeration that this year, as Jews, we have witnessed or endured suffering, heart ache, and a distressing rise in antisemitism. Amidst it all, I am so grateful to be part of an organization dedicated to spreading light, love, and compassion. It is more imperative than ever that we look towards the light during these times, and connect to our Judaism, no matter how that looks for us. Let us lift each other up. I am praying for all of your happiness, health, and safety for 2024! Happy New Year! –Emma Goldblatt | Program ..read more

By Emma Goldblatt The intersection of Jewish traditions and veganism is a nuanced area that merits exploration, especially when it comes to the policies within Jewish institutions. When it comes to these organizational decisions, it is important to consider the connections between ethical dietary choices and the global call for sustainable practices in order to best honor our Jewish values and beliefs. Judaism, with its deep-rooted traditions and ethical principles, already provides a framework for conscientious dietary choices. The concept of “kashrut” (kosher dietary laws) involves not only ..read more

by EMMA GOLDBLATT As we usher in a new era of conscious living, more individuals are considering the switch to a vegan lifestyle. Whether motivated by health, environmental concerns, or a deep love for animals, adopting a plant-based diet can be a transformative journey. If you’re new to the world of veganism, fear not! This beginner’s guide is here to help you navigate the transition, providing practical tips and insights to make your plant-powered journey enjoyable and sustainable. Chapter 1: Understanding the Basics What is Veganism? Chapter 2: Building a Balanced Plate Meals and Recip ..read more

Thanks to Shamayim community members for their participation and submissions so far! On this page you will find the winners and their submissions. Stay tuned for your chance to enter! Contest 1 winner: Contest 2 winner: Mazel tov to Leia Linn, winner of our 2nd Challah-days contest! Thanks to everyone who sent in submissions and keep your eye out for the next contest! First photo: “This photo is special to me because it was taken in the Middle East in Jordan. The animals were forced to work and it made me sad (refused to partake in the activity but was happy to hang with them). They were so ..read more

By Emma Goldblatt I’m not sure about you all, but this month has flown by for me! It’s been another great month of animal advocacy for our community world wide, and this newsletter will highlight some of the events from our Synagogue Vegan Challenge and Campus Fellows. You’ll also read about some other community highlights, how to get involved this coming month, and also how to have the best, yummiest vegan Chanukah possible! Happy reading! Synagogue Vegan Challenge Event Spotlight: On Friday night Nov. 3rd CBS had people come for dinner and learning. A rabbinical student from JTS was here a ..read more

By Emma Goldblatt Happy Chanukah to you and your loved ones, from the Team at Shamayim! In this guide you will learn about Chanukah, connections to animal advocacy, vegan recipes, a cruelty-free gift guide, and an 8 day vegan-ish challenge for those who are new to the plant based lifestyle, or are looking to make a change! What is Chanukah? Chanukah is our eight-day winter “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. The word Chanukah means “dedication” because we are celebrating the rededication of the Holy Temple. In the second century BC ..read more