Asa Keisar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Asa Keisar
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Keisar at the Kibbutzim College in 2014
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| Born | September 1, 1973 Kiryat Ono, Israel
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| Nationality | Israeli |
| Years active | 2014-present |
| Known for | Vegan advocacy |
| Children | 4 |
Asa Keisar (born September 1, 1973) is an Israeli Jewish religious teacher and rabbi. He is also a strong supporter of veganism. He gives many talks in Israel, explaining why he believes being vegan is important. He teaches that the Torah (Jewish holy texts) wants us to be kind to animals. He also says that veganism is the best way for people to live, according to the Torah.
Contents
Asa Keisar's Early Life and Learning
Asa Keisar grew up in Kiryat Ono, Israel. His family followed a National Religious way of life. His family background is Yemenite Jewish. He was raised eating a vegetarian diet, meaning he didn't eat meat. Later, he chose to become a vegan, which means he also avoids dairy and eggs.
He served in the Israeli army. After that, he went to a special school called a yeshiva in Israel. Here, he studied Jewish religious texts and laws.
Why Asa Keisar Supports Veganism
Keisar became a vegan after learning about how animals are treated on large farms. He found out about problems in places that produce eggs and dairy products.
His Book: Velifnei Iver
In 2015, he wrote a book called Velifnei Iver. This name means "Before the Blind." It refers to a rule in the Book of Leviticus that says, "Do not put a stumbling block before the blind." In his book, he argues that eating meat, eggs, and dairy is no longer allowed by Jewish rules. This is because of the cruelty animals face in today's big farms. His book has also been translated into English.
Veganism as a Torah Ideal
Asa Keisar believes that veganism is the best way to live according to the Torah. He uses old Jewish writings like the Biblical texts, the Talmudic texts, and halachic (Jewish law) sources to support his view. He says that while eating meat is allowed in the Torah, it doesn't mean it's always the best choice.
He explains that the Torah allowed some things in the past, like owning slaves. But these things are not seen as ideal today. He argues that eating meat was allowed as a special permission, not as the main goal. Keisar encourages people in Israel to eat plant-based foods. He points out that modern farms, like slaughterhouses and egg farms, often treat animals badly. He says this treatment goes against Jewish law.
Spreading His Message
Keisar's book, Velifnei Iver, was given out to many yeshivas in Israel in 2016. He also gives a short talk called Religious Veganism. In this talk, he shares what the Torah and other Jewish scholars say about eating meat. He has given this lecture at universities, high schools, and yeshivas across Israel.
Videos of his lecture have been watched millions of times online. In 2017, the President of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, even wrote a letter to Keisar. The President thanked him for his work on veganism and for caring about animal suffering.
His Second Book and Vegan Kosher
In 2018, Keisar published his second book, Velifnei Iver Hashalem. This book was also given out for free to yeshivas. It added more pages and updates to his first book. Important rabbis have praised his work.
In 2020, Keisar started a special sign called Vegan Kosher. This sign helps companies show that their products are both vegan and follow Jewish dietary laws. This means the products are made without animal harm and are also kosher.
Documentary About Holy Vegans
Asa Keisar took part in making a documentary film called Holy Vegans. This movie started filming in 2016. It is about vegans and the vegan lifestyle in Israel. The film was still being made as of 2023.
Asa Keisar's Personal Life
Asa Keisar lives in Petah Tikva, Israel. He has four children.
