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Valley Beit Midrash

@valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social

22 followers 11 following 108 posts

Valley Beit Midrash is pursuing a more socially just world through learning and action rooted in Jewish ethics.

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Thanks to a matching opportunity, every gift made through the end of the year will be matched 2:1, up to $25,000, fueling pluralistic Jewish learning, humanitarian relief, and leadership development in our communities. Make a donation today: www.valleybeitmidrash.org/donate/

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

"The way anti-Semites and terrorists win, or any person of hate, is striking fear into us, where we go into hiding. We'll not go into hiding," said Rabbi Shmuly, Arizona Jews for Justice founder. We will celebrate our Jewishness and what it means to be a proud American, a part of a diverse society."

fox10phoenix.com

Arizona Jewish community boosts security, vows for unity following deadly attack in Australia

Arizona law enforcement are increasing patrols around Jewish organizations during the holidays following the deadly attack on a Jewish community in Australia.

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

We are excited to announce that Wendy DeTata has joined VBM and Arizona Jews for Justice as our new Director of Community Engagement & Office Management! This marks a step forward for VBM and AJJ as we continue to deepen our relationships, expand our reach, and strengthen our community connections.

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Professor Jon Levisohn moved past the hand-wringing and posed deeper questions: Why does Jewish knowledge matter? What kinds of knowledge are we referring to? And how might reexamining our assumptions transform the way we educate the next generation?

Why Jewish Knowledge Matters: Rethinking Jewish Literacy

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

@rabbishmuly.bsky.social suggests that we're losing much of our best talent to the most lucrative careers. What would be possible in our society if the most brilliant minds and committed hearts were working on social problems? We need to make it possible for them.

Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Israeli professor Rabbi Dr. Mois Navon (a global expert on AI & a founding engineer designing the chip powering the autonomous vehicle revolution) at VBM in partnership with ASU Jewish Studies. Rabbi Shmuly's interview "Torah Perspectives on Transhumanism" - Video: youtu.be/X1NREbUTZkU?...

Torah Perspectives on Transhumanism: Professor Navon Interviewed by Rabbi Shmuly

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

In the 44th psychology class, Rabbi Shmuly discussed Grief. He shared, "The ability to understand grief begins with acknowledging how vast and varied it can be. It's a layered, intricate process."

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #45 Grief

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

Dr. Marc Brettler spoke on Jews and Biblical Criticism. He shared how there are key elements of historical-critical analysis of the Bible, including the idea that the Torah is a composite work written over time.

Jews and Biblical Criticism

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Professor Sylvia Barack Fishman spoke on "And She Arose: Jewish Women Leaders for Our Troubled Times." She shared pictures of Jewish women filling leadership roles during troubling times, drawing on their attachments to Jewish values and culture.

And She Arose: Jewish Women Leaders for Our Troubled Times

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

A short write-up on Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz's conversation at Harvard University's Kennedy School with Divinity Professor Terrence Johnson. #newsarticle #faith

hks.harvard.edu

Faith, Justice, and the Murky Waters of Hope

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

Professor David Shyovitz spoke about "Jews and Jewish Animals in the Middle Ages," exploring classical Jewish perspectives on Judaism and, by extension, whether religious identity is a category applicable only to human beings. #animals #middleages

Jews and Jewish Animals in the Middle Ages

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

On this year's World Day Against the Death Penalty, Rabbi Shmuly spoke with Professor Corinna Lain about the untold story behind lethal injection. #lethalinjection #interview

The Untold Story of Lethal Injection: Professor Lain Interviewed by Rabbi Shmuly

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

Join Professor Sylvia Barack Fishman as she discusses the pictures of Jewish women filling leadership lacunae during troubled and troubling times, drawing on their passionate attachments to traditional Jewish values and culture. Registration: www.valleybeitmidrash.org/class/and-sh...

Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

Parshah Noach is known for the story of Noah and the flood, but it also contains another of the most famous biblical stories, the Tower of Babel. Though it consists of only nine verses, the power of this story has caused it to be remembered for thousands of years... - @rabbishmuly.bsky.social

Parshah Noach: On the value of diversity

Parshah Noach is known for the story of Noah and the flood — but it later contains another of the most famous biblical stories, the Tower of Babel.

Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

Welcome, Ariel Rosen, AJJ's Teen Fellowship Coordinator! She is a Scottsdale native, a graduate of Fordham University and Midreshet Rache, an AJJ Social Justice Fellowship alum, and a mom of three. She is committed to advancing pluralistic Jewish values and community engagement in the valley.

Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

Wishing you a Sukkot filled with warmth and togetherness. May your sukkah be a space of reflection and a place to reconnect with yourself, loved ones, and traditions. May we step out into the fresh air of the sukkah and return feeling uplifted with a renewed commitment to learning and leadership.

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

In the 43rd psychology class, @rabbishmuly.bsky.social discussed Human Connections. He shared, "There is no substitute for human connection, that deep bond formed between people when they feel seen and valued. Connecting in this way builds trust, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging." #connection

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #43 Human Connection

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

We had the pleasure of learning from Dr. Jonnie Schnytzer as he spoke about "The Social Aspect of Reincarnation." He shared about the beautiful secret relating to the tree of life, reincarnation, and its relevance to our day-to-day lives. #reincarnation

The Social Aspect of Reincarnation

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

Rabbi Dvora Weisberg spoke to VBM about "Is Teshuvah Possible in the Internet Age?" and how we present and live as our new, improved selves when our mistakes are preserved on the internet and available for everyone to see through rabbinic texts.

Is Teshuvah Possible in the Internet Age?

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

The Elie Wiesel Social Action Fellowship is officially underway for its third year! Cohort 3 brings together an inspiring group of Jewish young professionals, all dedicated to making a meaningful impact in their communities and the world. Stay tuned as we follow their stories throughout the year.

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

In the 41st psychology class, @rabbishmuly.bsky.social discussed The Psychology of Love and Relationships. He shared, "While many people think of love as something involuntary and beyond our control, some consider love to be a choice." #love #relationships

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #41 Love

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

"There is so much noise that few have sustained practices to hear their own thoughts, check in with their own feelings, and hear the callings of their souls." #roshhashanah #newyear #newsarticle

We asked rabbis, 'What are Jews most hungry to hear this new year?' - Jewish Telegraphic Agency

In a time of turmoil in the United States and Israel, clergy offer High Holiday messages of hope and resilience.

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

We welcomed back Rabbi Yisroel Juskowicz as he spoke on "Finding Comfort in Jewish Meditation." Rabbi Juskowicz explored ancient and modern techniques rooted in Torah and Chassidic teachings that help quiet the mind and open the heart to Divine presence. #meditation #guestspeaker

Finding Comfort in Jewish Meditation

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

In the 40th psychology class, @rabbishmuly.bsky.social discussed Sports Psychology. He shared, "Modern sports psychology revisits the lessons of ancient contemplative traditions. Top-tier performance isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about blending mind, body, and spirit." #sportspsychology

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #41 Sports

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

In the 39th psychology class, @rabbishmuly.bsky.social discussed The Psychology of Change. He shared, "Cognitive and behavioral psychology takes a different approach, generally suggesting that change is possible when we shift patterns in our thinking."

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #40 Change

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

In the 38th psychology class, @rabbishmuly.bsky.social discussed The Conscious and The Unconscious. He shared, "The idea of divine consciousness stretches the limits of our imagination and our moral imagination in particular."

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #39 Conscious

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

In the 37th psychology class, @rabbishmuly.bsky.social discussed The Psychology of Secrets. He shared, "A secretive person would tend to be less extroverted and less emotionally stable, but more conscientious...Secrets can cause emotional harm, such as feelings of shame, isolation, and anxiety."

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #38 Secrets

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

In the 37th psychology class, Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz discussed the Good Samaritan. He shared, "The Good Samaritan experiment illuminates a truth central to Jewish ethics: that loving-kindness and justice are measured not by belief, but by action." #goodsamaritan #psychology

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #37 Good Samaritan

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

In the 36th psychology class, Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz discussed Bandura and the Bobo Doll Experiment. He shared, "The experiments emerged a debate that still rages today: does violence in the media result in violent behaviors from children, and should the government do anything to intervene?"

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #36 The Bobo Doll

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

"We have diapers, we have clothes, we have food and drinks, all kinds of supplies for any family that has any needs at all," said Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz of Arizona Jews for Justice, the group launching the Shalom Pantry. #foodpantry #nonprofit #humanitarianoutreach

fox10phoenix.com

'Let's be better humans': Volunteers make a difference for Arizonans with new food and supply pantry

The pantry aims to help all Arizonans in need, expanding on the group's previous outreach efforts that focused on the unsheltered. FOX 10's Steve Nielsen reports.

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

In the 35th class, Rabbi Shmuly discussed Mob Mentality. He shared, "This phenomenon compels individuals to behave in ways they would typically avoid when alone, driven by heightened emotions, a weakened sense of self, and the power of group dynamics."

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #35 Mob Mentality

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

In the 34th Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them, @rabbishmuly.bsky.social discussed The Hawthorne Effect. He shared, "An alternative to the Hawthorne Effect in the context of the workplace or incarceration is thinking about it as it relates to our relationship to God."

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #34 Hawthorne Effect

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

In the 33rd class of 50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them, @rabbishmuly.bsky.social discussed Courage. He shared, "Courage is a complex trait shaped by risk propensity, personality, and moral conviction."

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #33 Courage

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

Valley Beit Midrash (VBM) President and Dean Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz told the Jewish News, “We want to be a non-synagogue option for life cycles and celebration, so we want to be fully equipped." He knew someone close to him was able to make that desire for a Torah a reality.

Valley Beit Midrash receives Torah salvaged from Holocaust desecration

In a June newsletter, Valley Beit Midrash (VBM) President and Dean Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz joyfully announced that his global center for learning and action had just received its first

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

In the 32nd class, Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz discussed Fundamental Attribution Error: "Fundamental attribution error remains a key concept in social psychology. It not only has profound implications for our workplaces but also for our personal lives."

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #32 Fundamental

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

In the final session, Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz discussed Hazarat HaShatz. He shared how, "Finding what each person has to offer, and harmonizing all these offerings together in a song is how we lead, how we represent, and how we use our voice for the community."

Hazarat HaShatz

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

We had the pleasure of learning from Rabbi Jade Sank Ross as she taught "Psalms Throughout Our Lives.' Rabbi Sank Ross explored how the ancient words of Psalms can be part of our daily lives today and how we might forge deep and personal connections with the words of the Psalmist.

Psalms Throughout Our Lives

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

In the next part of the Amidah, Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz explored Mashiv HaRuach. He shared, "This prayer links our sense of God’s greatness to the miracle that is the life-giving sustenance of fresh rainwater."

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 30/06/2025

In last week's 50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them class, Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz discussed Fear. He shared, "Fear brings a variety of physiological changes in us, sometimes referred to as the fight-or-flight response.”

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #31 Fear

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

We had the pleasure of learning from Rabbi Dvir Cahana as he discussed "The Colours of the Parchment: An Exploration of Modern Midrash Produced by Jewish Artists." He shared how the Amen Institute has provided an incubator to empower artists with the charge of being wisdom disseminators.

The Colours of the Parchment: An Exploration of Modern Midrash Produced by Jewish Artists

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Last week, Rabbi Shmuly discussed Jungian Shadows. He shared, "Jung discovered evidence of the collective unconscious by examining the remarkable similarities in themes, symbols, and patterns found in the myths, dreams, and fantasies of individuals from diverse backgrounds."

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #30 Jungian Shadows

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Last week's Amidah Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz discussed Kedushah – Mimkomo. He shared, "We can see that in the debate between believing in the imminence of God’s place versus believing in the transcendence of God’s place, it is not only a question of which one is true." #prayer #jewishlearning

Kedushah – Mimkomo

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

Rabbi Dr. Nolan Lebovitz taught "The Case for Dual Loyalty: Healing the Divided Soul of American Jews." He shared why affirming dual loyalty serves as our best hope to shape a brighter tomorrow in the US and for our sense of Jewish peoplehood. #americanjews #guestspeaker #virtualclass

The Case for Dual Loyalty: Healing the Divided Soul of American Jews

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Rabbi Dvir Cahana, Base Rabbi for Mem Global in Miami, will share the powerful work of the Amen Institute. An incubator that empowers artists to become seekers and sharers of wisdom through Jewish text and creativity. Registration: www.valleybeitmidrash.org/event/the-co... #guestspeaker #artists

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

In this week's class, Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz discussed the Car Crash Experiment. He shared, "Humans reliably fail to notice or remember the full scope of what is happening at any given moment, as we tend to direct our focus onto one particular element."

50 Transformative Psychology Studies & Theories and Jewish Perspectives on Them #29 Car Crash

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

Dr. Michael Meyer spoke about "The Extraordinary Career of Rabbi Alexander Schindler, Innovative Reformer of American Reform Judaism." He shared Rabbi Schindler’s impact as a leader in American Jewry during the 1970s and 1980s, and reflected on the legacy he left on Reform Judaism today.

The Extraordinary Career of Rabbi Alexander Schindler

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

"Like many of us, I used to think that the 'answer' for connecting young Jewish adults to Jewish life was empowerment and innovation. I assumed that every fellowship should have the goal of building up changemakers and empowering leaders." ~ @rabbishmuly.bsky.social

blogs.timesofisrael.com

The Blogs: Have We Gone Too Far with the ‘Empowerment’ Strategy?

From the blog of Shmuly Yanklowitz at The Times of Israel

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Missed a Guest Speaker in May? We’ve Got You Covered! If you missed any of our Guest Speaker classes last month, no worries, every session is available in our Learning Library! All the guest speaker sessions, all in one place: valleybeitmidrash.org/learning-lib... #guestspeakers #jewishlearning

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

In the next part of the Amidah, Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz discussed Ya'aleh Veyavo. He shared, "This prayer, in addition to itself, is ambitious and full of varied content...It does not include material about the themes or narratives of particular holidays."

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash

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Valley Beit Midrash @valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

We had the honor to learn from Rabbi Richard Address in his talk on “The Art of Caregiving" as he explored what it means to “honor” and “respect” in the context of caregiving, and delved into the emotional and ethical dimensions of how children “repay” their parents and loved ones.

The Art of Caregiving

YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash