World’s First Vegan Jewish Center Opens in England

The center for Jewish Vegetarian Society in England recently transformed into an all-vegan facility after completing a successful crowdfunding campaign to improve its kitchen, meeting rooms, and garden. More than 300 supporters attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including vegan British Member of Parliament Kerry McCarthy. The grand opening event also featured cooking workshops, gardening, and a discussion about food ethics in relation to the Jewish faith led by rabbis Jonathan Wittenberg and Debbie Young-Somers. “We are delighted to open the doors to the world’s first Jewish vegan centre at just the right time, when community centres are in short supply, and when the production of animal products is crueler than ever,” JVS Director Lara Balsam said. “We hope to inspire the creation of many more such hubs around the world, servicing the ever-increasing demand for and interest in Jewish veganism.”