Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz
President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash
A) What qualities make the nominee deserving of the Z3 Bridge Builder Award?
Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz is a fantastic candidate for the Z3 Bridge Builder Award due to his dedication to bridging divides and fostering unity within and beyond the Jewish community. His leadership is characterized by a deep commitment to social justice, interfaith dialogue, and the application of Jewish values to contemporary issues. Through his work with multiple organizations, Rabbi Shmuly has created innovative programs and initiatives that bring together diverse groups, build understanding, and promote social harmony.
As the President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash (VBM), Rabbi Shmuly leads a major pluralistic Jewish learning and community-building initiative. VBM serves as a hub for Jews of all denominations, backgrounds, and perspectives to engage in meaningful dialogue and study. Under his guidance, VBM offers a wide array of classes, lectures, and events that explore Jewish ethics, spirituality, and social justice. By creating a space where individuals can come together to learn and grow, Rabbi Shmuly has significantly contributed to bridging ideological and denominational divides within the Jewish community.
Rabbi Shmuly is also the founder of Arizona Jews for Justice, a sub-organization of VBM dedicated to addressing pressing social issues through a Jewish lens. Arizona Jews for Justice focuses on various humanitarian efforts, Arizona Jews for Justice's humanitarian bus travels throughout Greater Phoenix, providing essential supplies and services to those in need. This mobile initiative reflects Rabbi Shmuly’s commitment to meeting people where they are, offering compassion and support while bridging divides across different communities.
Rabbi Shmuly founded Uri L'Tzedek (ULT), an Orthodox social justice organization, further highlighting his commitment to building bridges within the Jewish community. ULT’s Kavod HaBriyot Shower Project is specifically designed to support asylum seekers, providing them with access to essential hygiene services such as clean showers, towels, underwear, and socks. This project is a profound expression of the Jewish value of Kavod HaBriyot (respect for human dignity) and highlights Rabbi Shmuly’s dedication to restoring dignity to those in the most vulnerable circumstances. Beyond this initiative, ULT also advocates for workers' rights through the Tav HaYosher program, especially for those in low-wage and vulnerable positions, by campaigning against unethical labor practices and ensuring fair treatment and respect in the workplace.
Rabbi Shmuly’s work with the Torat Chayim Rabbinical Association, an Uri L'Tzedek sub-organization, underscores the importance of integrating Torah study with social action. By applying Jewish law and ethics to contemporary social justice issues, Torat Chayim serves as a platform for uniting Rabbis of all backgrounds in meaningful dialogue and action that addresses and bridges divides within the community.
In his leadership of Shamayim: Jewish Animal Advocacy, another Uri L'Tzedek sub-organization, Rabbi Shmuly advocates for the ethical treatment of animals, drawing on Jewish teachings that emphasize compassion for all living beings. This work connects Jewish ethics with broader social justice movements, bridging the gap between religious values and modern concerns.
Lastly, YATOM: The Jewish Foster & Adoption Network is a testament to Rabbi Shmuly’s commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families. By addressing the needs of foster and adoptive families within the Jewish community, YATOM fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility, ensuring that every child can thrive in a nurturing environment.
Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz’s leadership across these organizations demonstrates his dedication to building bridges of understanding, compassion, and justice. His work not only strengthens the Jewish community but also connects it with broader societal efforts, making him an outstanding nominee for the Z3 Bridge Builder Award.
B) In what ways has the nominee demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their work in bridging divides?
Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz’s commitment to pluralism and embracing the diverse nature of the Jewish community sets him apart as a leader who truly bridges divides. In a world where differences can easily become points of contention, Rabbi Shmuly approaches diversity as a source of strength and enrichment. He recognizes that Jews come from various cultural, political, and religious backgrounds, and he actively works to create spaces where this diversity is celebrated rather than merely tolerated.
What makes Rabbi Shmuly’s leadership particularly noteworthy is his ability to bring together people with varying perspectives and foster a sense of unity among them. He doesn’t shy away from the complexity that comes with diversity; instead, he engages with it head-on, believing that by understanding and valuing each other’s differences, the community as a whole becomes stronger and more resilient. His approach is inclusive, ensuring that every voice has a place in the conversation, whether it’s in educational settings, social justice initiatives, or interfaith dialogues.
Rabbi Shmuly’s dedication to pluralism isn’t just theoretical; it’s evident in the practical steps he takes to ensure that the Jewish community remains connected despite its differences. Whether this be hosting many community members for a shabbat meal, teaching Torah, or hosting inter-faith education events, he consistently creates opportunities for dialogue and collaboration, breaking down barriers that might otherwise keep people apart. This focus on building bridges rather than walls has allowed him to cultivate a community where mutual respect and understanding are the norms, rather than the exceptions.
Through his leadership, Rabbi Shmuly demonstrates that embracing the full spectrum of Jewish experience—culturally, politically, and religiously—is not only possible but essential for a vibrant and united community. His work continues to inspire others to look beyond their own viewpoints and see the value in the diverse tapestry that makes up the Jewish world, fostering an environment where unity and understanding can thrive.