Shalom , Dear Rabbi , My question is regarding eating meat, I believe that in the Torah, it is stated , “eat meat IF you desire it greatly”. I don’t know what the exact meaning is but it seems to suggest TO NOT eat meat unless you desire it greatly. I don’t believe I have ever heard any Rabbi ever mention that verse in many years that I have listened to lectures from mostly orthodox Rabbis. And I was wondering what are your thoughts about why that may be . In fact regarding meat consumption they are mostly nonchalant or mostly dismissive of any concept of vegetarianism. Certainly None has ever said anything regarding trying to TEST-YOUR LEVEL OF DESIRE before consumption . Also , Rabbi Anava has greatly encouraged not to eat meat because he believes up to about 95% of the kosher meat out there is really not kosher either because of cruelty in care while being raised making them halochicly not kosher or matters of shchita or others.. My question then becomes , how will that be possible, specially with regards to the mitzvah you mention that we MUST eat meat on Shabbat and holy days . I’ve tried to fight my gluttony towards this issue and reduced my consumption to nearly zero because of the quality and kashrut and mostly because of that verse in the Torah . Am I really committing a sin by not eating meat on Shabbat and the holy days ? How could that be when the Torah states the opposite which is to consume meat only if you desire it greatly. I just want to mention briefly as well ,having in mind it’s controversial nature , that many documentaries featuring physicians and scientists argue that animal products specially processed meat is detrimental to human health and it relates to almost every severe illness facing humanity , which makes it impossible for someone , anyone , not just someone ill , trying to be as healthy as possible (guarding life) to perform that particular mitzvah. The main reason being that , as someone going through this myself, it seems that a level of disgust is raised within one about eating animal flesh after one has stopped it for a while .Please guide us regarding this important issue . Much appreciated.

Asked on October 19, 2020