Reply To: know any frum vegetarians or vegans?

The tikkun of animal souls isn’t as simple as it seems. In fact, vegetable foods also have souls, and at least one source says that “The souls hidden within vegetation are even more precious and lofty than those hidden within the animal realm.” (Rabbi Nosson Sternhartz, Likkutei Halachos, Yoreh De’ah, Chadash 3:10).

There are also teachings to the effect that “Only a Torah scholar who is God-fearing and eats with proper intent can rectify [the sparks of holiness within] the animals the Torah deems to be pure.” (Chaim Vital quoting the Arizal, Sha’ar HaMitzvos, Eikev, p.100O). Others say that certain prayers must be said at the meal to achieve the recitification, or that it only works if the “desire of his entire being for God must be present.”

Ramak, in his Shiur Komah, actually says it is dangerous to eat meat because impure souls can be attached to his soul. The Arizal also cautioned not to eat more than the minimum of meat for the same reason, and advocates abstaining from meat all week. These statements wouldn’t make any sense if it were important to shecht as many animals as possible (as you suggest). See the discussion in S’dei Chemed, Vol. 5, Inyan Achilah, which is very favorable to vegetarianism.

So the rectification of souls is one argument for eating meat, but there are also counterarguments. See R’ Sears’ book for more sources.