Americans driving quality kosher?

My article in the JC is already paying dividends for me.

A friend in the US, sent me an article from the Washington Post detailing the growing eco-kosher movement. I have to admit, the noun 'eco-kosher' sends a chill down my spine, but on reading the article I realised there was some depth to it.

Interestingly, this is an east-coast led movement, not kooky California. Also, it is being driven by Conservative communities. Conservative communities are not traditionalists or the most observant, despite their name - and yes, that is a loaded and very subjective statement. An example of this is referenced in the article, which notes that they are trying to develop a new hecscher that is not based on widely regarded fundamentals of kashrut, such as the separation of milk and meat, but instead are focused on the ethical rearing of animals. For those that have read my article, you will know that is something I wholeheartedly support, but as someone who is relatively observant, I find it depressing that observance and well bred food appear mutually exclusive, at the moment at least.

The same article also introduced me to The Jew and the Carrot, a blog that is pushing forward this movement of decent, healthy kosher food. One to watch.