
25 March 2026•Rachael Ashmore
Healing the Body and Planet: When Hospitals offer Plant Based foods
Why making plant-based foods accessible in medical settings is a moral imperative.

Why making plant-based foods accessible in medical settings is a moral imperative.

This issue strikes at the heart of Tza’ar Ba’alei Chayim, the Torah prohibition against causing unnecessary suffering to living creatures. Our tradition teaches that we must care for animals before ourselves (Berakhot 40a), acknowledging them as sentient beings under God’s care.

The tension at the table often stems from a misunderstanding of what makes a meal 'Jewish.' While one partner may feel the loss of traditional flavours, the vegan partner is often striving for a higher level of kashrut (kosher)


