The Jewish Vegetarian Society's first director is a former employee of ethical treatment for animals pressure group, Peta. Suzanne Bernard, 33, has not eaten meat since she was eight and is now a committed vegan.
As well as a stint in Peta's education department, she has taught English.
Her main aims are to increase JVS membership beyond the current 500 mark and to encourage more people to appreciate that a meat-free diet is compatible with Jewish life.
She plans to relaunch the JVS website to feature innovative recipes, interactive forums and health and environmental advice. She will use Facebook and Twitter to interact with Jewish vegetarians. "I want to show people how easy it is to become vegetarian, especially these days with so many alternatives to meat."
A JC reader in-spired the society's launch nearly 50 years ago with a letter seeking out like-minded people.
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