March 14, 2012
To the Editor,
My newest book, Who Stole My Religion? Revitalizing Judaism and Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal Our Imperiled Planet, has just
been published. You can read the eBook version (which has the advantage of having the pictures in color) by visiting
http://www.box.com/s/2508ypqz2l207nvsxbga, and clicking on the download box. The book, which was written with Breslov Hasid Rabbi Yonassan Gershom, is meant, among other things, to be a wake-up call to Jews to apply Jewish values to help avoid impending climate, food, energy, and water catastrophes. While it argues strongly that Jews should be vegetarians (and preferably vegans), it is completely independent of Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA).
The book discusses many controversial topics so I do not expect you or anyone else to agree with every position in it. However,
it is very positive on Jewish teachings and aims to start respectful dialogues that will help to, among other things, reduce antisemitism, further peace efforts in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, and help shift our imperiled, conflict-filled world to a more compassionate, humane, just, peaceful, and environmentally sustainable path.
Further information is below and can be found, along with other valuable information about the book, including questions and
answers about it and how one can order the print or Ebook versions, at http://whostolemyreligion.blogspot.com/
Please let others know about the book and please let me know of others whom you suggest that I should send the link to the eBook to
and of suggestions you might have about promoting the book and its challenging messages.
Many thanks, and kol tuv,
Richard Schwartz, Professor Emeritus, College of Staten Island
Chapters include: Introduction: Who stole my religion?> Is Judaism a radical religion?>
> Should the Holocaust be a spur to action?> Are There Ways to Reduce Antisemitism?>
> Should Diaspora Jews speak out about Israeli policies?> How can we seek peace for Israel?>
> How should we respond to bias and hatred toward Muslims?> Which economic system is most consistent with Jewish values?>
> What foreign policy is most consistent with Jewish values?
> Should Jews be environmental activists? Should Jews be animal rights activists?>
> Should Jews be vegetarians, or even vegans? Should prayer inspire activism?
> How can we revitalize Judaism?