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Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.
President and advocate for vegetarianism and the environment
Richard Schwartz, Ph.D. is a prominent Jewish vegetarian activist and advocate for animal rights in the United States and Israel. He is:
Key Facts
- Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at the College of Staten Island, City University of New York1
- President of the Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA)12
- Co-founder and coordinator of the Society of Ethical and Religious Vegetarians (SERV)23
- Author of several books including "Judaism and Vegetarianism", "Judaism and Global Survival", and "Who Stole My Religion? Revitalizing Judaism and Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal Our Imperiled Planet"12
Activism
Schwartz argues that vegetarianism is the diet most consistent with Jewish teachings on health, compassion for animals, preserving the environment, conserving resources, helping the hungry, and pursuing peace.1 His writings inspired the 2007 documentary film "A Sacred Duty: Applying Jewish Values to Heal the World".2
As an Orthodox Jew, Schwartz has been active in promoting vegetarianism and animal rights through his writings, talks, articles, and leadership roles in various organizations.12 He was inducted into the Vegetarian Hall of Fame by the North American Vegetarian Society in 2005.2
Personal Life
Schwartz was born in 1934 in New York. He married Loretta Susskind in 1960 and is a member of the Young Israel Congregation of Staten Island.2 He became vegetarian in 1977 and vegan in 2000.2
