Shmuly Yanklowitz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shmuly Yanklowitz |
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| Religion | Judaism |
| Alma mater | University of Texas, Harvard University (Masters), Yeshiva University (Masters), Columbia University (PhD) |
| Personal | |
| Born | 1981 Toronto, Canada |
| Spouse | Shoshana |
| Senior posting | |
| Title | Rabbi |
| Residence | Scottsdale, Arizona |
Shmuly Yanklowitz (born in 1981) is an American rabbi and activist. He is known for his work in social justice and helping others. Newsweek magazine recognized him as one of the 50 most important rabbis in America in 2012 and 2013.
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Education and Early Career
Shmuly Yanklowitz studied a lot to become a rabbi and a leader. He received three different rabbinic ordinations. This means he was officially recognized as a rabbi three times.
He also earned several advanced degrees. He got master's degrees from Harvard University and Yeshiva University. Later, he earned a doctorate from Columbia University. He even taught classes at well-known universities like UCLA Law School.
Before becoming a rabbi, Yanklowitz worked as a consultant. He also directed a program in Washington D.C. that taught leadership skills. While studying to be a rabbi, he worked in four different Jewish communities. After becoming a rabbi, he worked at UCLA Hillel, a Jewish student organization. He also served as a senior rabbi in Kansas. In 2013, he became a leader at Valley Beit Midrash in Arizona. He helped this organization grow across the country.
Helping Others Through Activism
Yanklowitz has started many non-profit groups to help people and animals. These groups work on different social justice issues.
- He founded Uri L'Tzedek, an Orthodox Jewish group for social justice. In 2009, this group started the Tav HaYosher. This is a special seal for Kosher restaurants. It shows that the restaurants treat their workers fairly.
- He also started SHAMAYIM: Jewish Animal Welfare. This group focuses on helping animals.
- Another group he founded is YATOM: The Jewish Foster & Adoption Network. This network supports families who foster or adopt children.
- He created Torat Chayim, a group for Orthodox rabbis who want to make positive changes.
- In 2012, he helped start "Jews for Human Rights in Syria." He has worked with Syrian refugees. He even invites refugee families to his home for Thanksgiving.
- Yanklowitz also leads Arizona Jews for Justice. This group works on social justice issues in Arizona.
In 2015, Yanklowitz showed his dedication by donating one of his kidneys to someone he didn't know.
He has also worked to end the death penalty in the Jewish community. His group, YATOM, offers educational programs and small grants. These grants help families going through the adoption or fostering process. Arizona Jews for Justice launched a mobile cooling van. This van helps people experiencing homelessness during very hot weather. They also added a "Let's be Better Humans" bus to help people.
Supporting Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Yanklowitz strongly supports refugees and people seeking asylum. He believes helping them is a very important spiritual act. He has spoken out against how some asylum seekers are treated.
Through his groups, Uri L'Tzedek and Arizona Jews for Justice, he has raised awareness. They also collect supplies for asylum seekers released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Yanklowitz started The Mask Project. This project hired immigrant mothers to make masks. These masks were given to groups like the Navajo Nation and people experiencing homelessness. He has also led efforts to help Afghan refugees.
Jewish Veganism and Animal Welfare
Shmuly Yanklowitz is vegan. This means he does not eat any animal products. Under his leadership, Shamayim: Jewish Animal Welfare started the Synagogue Vegan Challenge in 2017.
He has written many articles about Jewish veganism and vegetarianism. He believes that Jewish teachings about animals can support being vegan. He has also spoken against certain methods of animal slaughter.
In 2019, Yanklowitz appeared in a documentary. The film, A Prayer for Compassion, was about veganism and spirituality.
Books and Writings
Yanklowitz has written more than 25 books. His books often explore topics related to Jewish ethics, social justice, and animal welfare.
Personal Life
Shmuly Yanklowitz is married to Shoshana. They have four biological children. They have also fostered other children. The family lives in Scottsdale.
Yanklowitz himself converted to Judaism. His father was Jewish, and his mother was Christian. He strongly believes in including Jewish converts and interfaith families in the Jewish community.
Recognition and Awards
Shmuly Yanklowitz has received many honors for his work.
- In 2022, the Center for American Progress named him one of the top faith leaders to watch.
- The Forward newspaper listed him as one of the 50 most influential Jews in 2016. They also called him one of America's most inspiring rabbis.
- In 2022, he was honored by The Leonard I. Beerman Foundation For Peace and Justice. He received this award alongside civil rights leader Dolores Huerta.
- In 2020, the international group KAICIID named him a "Hero of Dialogue."
- Yanklowitz has also spoken at the White House Passover Seder. He is a regular guest at White House Chanukah events.
