The Rise of Veganism Among Hebrews
In today’s world, veganism is being promoted as the highest standard of righteousness, health, and compassion. Some Hebrew Israelites have embraced it, claiming it brings them closer to the ways of Adam and Eve before sin entered the world. Social media is full of claims that Yahushua was vegan, that animal sacrifices were man-made, and that a return to an Edenic diet is part of our awakening.
But the truth is: veganism is not scriptural.
This article will expose the flaws in the common arguments used to justify veganism among believers. We will look at the Torah, the prophets, the Messiah’s example, and the instructions for Israel to show that while health is important, obedience to YAH’s dietary commandments is what truly sets us apart.
Argument 1: “We Should Eat Like Adam and Eve in the Garden”
One of the most common arguments is that Genesis 1:29 proves humans were originally created to be vegan:
“And YAHUAH said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed… and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.”
— Genesis 1:29
Yes, before the fall, mankind ate only plants. But this was before sin, before death, and before sacrifice. Once sin entered the world, everything changed. The fall brought about death, blood, and the need for atonement — which always involved animals.
In Genesis 3:21, after Adam and Eve sinned, YAH clothed them with animal skins:
“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the ELOHIM YAHUAH make coats of skins, and clothed them.”
This was the first act of sacrifice. Blood had to be shed to cover sin and shame. From that point forward, the Edenic diet was no longer the standard. The rest of Scripture reflects a world where meat and sacrifice were not only permitted but necessary for atonement and survival.
(See our book, Baptism Unto Remembrance: Sin-Atonement-Repentance)
Argument 2: “Killing Animals Is Unrighteous and Unclean”
Veganism argues that it is wrong to kill animals and that doing so is cruel or unclean. But Scripture shows us that YAH Himself accepted animal sacrifice and gave animals for food.
In Genesis 4, Abel’s offering — a slain lamb — was accepted by YAH, while Cain’s vegan offering was rejected:
“And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock… And the ELOHIM had respect unto Abel and to his offering.”
— Genesis 4:4
Later, in Genesis 9:3, YAH gave Noah and his descendants permission to eat animals:
“Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.”
This wasn’t unrighteous — it was lawful. The Most High Himself instituted it. When the Levitical priesthood was established, animal sacrifice became central to the faith, and clean animals were included as part of the diet of Israel (Leviticus 11).
So the idea that eating meat is unclean or cruel is not supported by Torah. Instead, what is forbidden is eating unclean animals, not meat in general.
(See our book, The Original Bible Diet: What Is the Bible Diet and Why Is Understanding Kashrut So Important to Kosher Eating?)
Argument 3: “The Levitical Priesthood Will Be Vegan Again”
Some claim that in the future Kingdom, when Yahushua returns and re-establishes righteousness, animal sacrifices will end and veganism will return. But this is directly contradicted by prophecy.
In Ezekiel 40–46, the Millennial Temple vision includes animal sacrifices and offerings. For example:
“And he shall prepare the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.”
— Ezekiel 45:17
Even in the future Kingdom, YAH ordains the use of clean animals for worship. This is not abolished — it is restored in righteousness.
Also, in Isaiah 66:3, those who offer improper sacrifices or follow their own ways are rebuked, not those who eat meat:
“He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man… Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.”
— Isaiah 66:3
This isn’t about meat being wrong — it’s about rejecting YAH’s commandments and creating false doctrines out of man-made righteousness.
(See our book, The Path: Of Righteousness)
Argument 4: “Yahushua Was Vegan”
This claim is completely false and unsupported by Scripture.
Yahushua ate meat and participated in Torah-based feasts that required animal consumption.
At Passover, lamb was required:
“Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed… And they made ready the passover.”
— Luke 22:7–13
Yahushua would not have disobeyed Torah. He also fed fish to His disciples after His resurrection:
“Yahushua then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.”
— John 21:13
To say Yahushua was vegan is to falsely accuse the Messiah of violating YAH’s Law and ignoring the feasts He came to fulfill. He ate clean meats, followed the Torah, and never promoted veganism.
(See our book, Knowing the Father and the Son: Those who seek the truth will find it)
Hebrew Israelite Dietary Law: What Does Torah Actually Say?
The Torah does not command veganism. Instead, it clearly defines which animals are clean and unclean.
“These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth…”
— Leviticus 11:2
“Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing… every animal with cloven hoofs and chews the cud ye may eat…”
— Deuteronomy 14:3–8
The Torah sets boundaries, not bans. Clean meats like lamb, goat, beef, fish with fins and scales, and certain birds are all acceptable in a Torah-based diet.
To reject what YAH has allowed is to create a new law — and add to His Word.
(See our book, The Original Bible Diet: What Is the Bible Diet and Why Is Understanding Kashrut So Important to Kosher Eating?)
Paul and Peter’s Words Twisted
Some twist the writings of Paul to promote veganism or anti-meat teachings. But Paul warned us against such doctrines:
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith… commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving…”
— 1 Timothy 4:1–3
Veganism, as a doctrine of righteousness, fits this exactly. It forbids what YAH created to be eaten — twisting health advice into religious law.
In Acts 10, Peter’s vision is often misused to say all animals are now clean — but even Peter said:
“I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.”
— Acts 10:14
The vision wasn’t about food — it was about accepting Israelite Gentile believers. It still does not support veganism or eating unclean meats.
(See our book, What Is the Gospel?)
Health vs. Holiness: Veganism as a Replacement Religion
Many people are drawn to veganism because of its focus on health, compassion, or spirituality. But when health becomes a religion — it becomes idolatry.
Modern veganism is often tied to:
New Age spirituality
Animal worship (like in Hinduism or Buddhism)
Moral superiority that replaces obedience
The Torah teaches us to treat animals well, but also to use them lawfully — for food, clothing, and offerings. To reject all animal use is to say YAH made a mistake.
(See our book, Knowing the Father and the Son: Those who seek the truth will find it)
The True Set-Apart Diet: Torah-Based, Not Trend-Based
The real Hebrew Israelite diet is based on Torah, not trends. It includes:
Clean meats
Unleavened bread during Passover
Meat offerings during feasts
Dairy and honey in moderation
Plant foods — but not exclusively
Even in the wilderness, YAH gave Israel manna AND quail:
“And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp…”
— Exodus 16:13
Rejecting clean meat is a rejection of the fullness of YAH’s provision.
(See our book, The Original Bible Diet: What Is the Bible Diet and Why Is Understanding Kashrut So Important to Kosher Eating?)
Beware of Doctrines Masquerading as Righteousness
Veganism may appear holy, but if it contradicts Torah, it is lawlessness. Clean meat is not sin. YAH gave us instruction not to harm — but also not to forbid what He allows.
“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it…”
— Deuteronomy 4:2
Let’s not trade YAH’s righteousness for man’s ideas. Eat according to Torah. Live set apart. And don’t let the world redefine holiness.
Shalom,
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