Shmuly Yanklowitz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shmuly Yanklowitz
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. In 2012 and 2013, Newsweek magazine recognized him as one of the 50 most important rabbis in America.

Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz's Journey

Education and Early Career

Rabbi Yanklowitz studied a lot to become a leader. He received three different rabbinic ordinations. This means he was officially recognized as a rabbi three times. He earned master's degrees from Harvard University and Yeshiva University. He also earned a doctorate from Columbia University. His studies focused on leadership, psychology, and how people develop their morals.

He taught classes at places like UCLA School of Law. Before becoming a rabbi, he worked as a consultant. He also directed a program in Washington, D.C. that taught people about Jewish activism. From 2010 to 2012, he was a Senior Jewish Educator at UCLA Hillel.

Leading Valley Beit Midrash

In 2013, Rabbi Yanklowitz became the leader of Valley Beit Midrash (VBM) in Phoenix, Arizona. He helped VBM grow from a local group to a national organization. VBM now has a new center in Denver, Colorado. As the head of VBM, Rabbi Yanklowitz has worked to promote religious pluralism. This means respecting and understanding different religious beliefs.

Featured in "The Calling"

A film crew followed Rabbi Yanklowitz for over a year. They made a PBS documentary called The Calling. This series showed seven people from different faiths. It followed them as they trained to become religious leaders. The show was broadcast in the United States in December 2010.

Thrive By Character Initiative

In 2025, Rabbi Yanklowitz started a new project called "Thrive By Character". This initiative aims to change how Americans talk to each other. Instead of focusing on arguments, it wants people to focus on good character. He believes that real change comes from within people.

Rabbi Yanklowitz's Activism

Rabbi Yanklowitz has started many non-profit groups. These groups work to make the world a better place.

• He founded Uri L'Tzedek. This is an Orthodox Jewish group focused on social justice. In 2009, they launched the Tav HaYosher. This is a special seal for Kosher restaurants. It shows that a restaurant treats its workers fairly.
• He founded SHAMAYIM: Jewish Animal Welfare. This group works to protect animals.
• He founded YATOM: The Jewish Foster & Adoption Network. This group supports families who foster or adopt children.
• He founded Torat Chayim. This is a group for Orthodox rabbis who have modern ideas.
• In 2012, he helped start "Jews for Human Rights in Syria." He has worked with Syrian refugees. He even hosts refugee families at his home for Thanksgiving.
• He also leads Arizona Jews for Justice. This group works on social justice issues in Arizona.

In 2015, Rabbi Yanklowitz donated one of his kidneys to a stranger. He believes in helping others through organ donation. He also works to end the death penalty. His YATOM organization helps families with adoption and fostering. Rabbi Yanklowitz and Arizona Jews for Justice have a mobile cooling van. It helps people experiencing homelessness during hot weather. They also have a "Let's be Better Humans" humanitarian bus. This bus helps them reach more people in need.

Helping Asylum Seekers and Refugees

Rabbi Yanklowitz has spoken up for refugees and asylum seekers. He believes it is very important to help people at the Mexico-United States border. He has criticized how some asylum seekers are treated. Through his groups, he has raised awareness and collected supplies for them.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he 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 support Afghan refugees.

Jewish Veganism

Rabbi Yanklowitz is vegan. This means he does not eat any animal products. His group, Shamayim: Jewish Animal Welfare, has led the Synagogue Vegan Challenge since 2017. He has written many articles about Jewish veganism. He believes that Jewish teachings encourage kindness to animals. He was featured in a 2019 documentary called A Prayer for Compassion. This film was about veganism and spirituality.

Books and Writings

Rabbi Yanklowitz has written over 30 books. These books often explore Jewish ethics and social justice.

Personal Life

Rabbi Yanklowitz is married to Shoshana. They have four biological children. They have also fostered other children. He lives in Scottsdale. Rabbi Yanklowitz himself converted to Judaism. He is an advocate for including Jewish converts and interfaith families in the Jewish community.

Recognition and Awards

Rabbi 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 named him one of the 50 most important Jews in 2016. They also called him one of the most inspiring rabbis in America.
• In 2022, he was honored by The Leonard I. Beerman Foundation For Peace and Justice. He received this award alongside Dolores Huerta, a famous activist.
• In 2020, the international group KAICIID named him a "Hero of Dialogue."
• Rabbi Yanklowitz has spoken at the White House Passover Seder. He has also been a regular guest at White House Chanukah events.