Won a movement by Jews toward vegetarianism mean less emphasis on kashrut (the Jewish kosher laws) and eventually a disregard of these laws?
Quite the contrary. One of the purposes of the laws of kashrut is reverence for life, which is consistent with vegetarianism. Another purpose is to avoid pagan practices, which often involved much cruelty to animals and people. This too is consistent with vegetarian ideals. In many ways becoming a vegetarian makes it easier and cheaper to observe the laws of kashrut; this might attract many new adherents to keeping kosher and eventually to other important Jewish values. As a vegetarian, one need not be concerned with separate dishes, mixing milchigs (dairy products) with fleichigs (meat products), waiting 3 or 6 hours after eating meat before being allowed to eat dairy products, storing four sets (two for regular use and two for Passover use) of dishes, silverware, pots, and pans, and many other considerations that must concern the non-vegetarian who wishes to observe kashrut strictly. In addition, a vegetarian is in no danger of eating blood or fat, which are prohibited, or the flesh
