Choosing Well: Jewish Tools for Life Decisions
Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz is the President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash, Founder & President of Uri L’Tzedek, Founder & CEO of Shamayim: Jewish Animal Advocacy, and Founder & President of YATOM: The Jewish Foster & Adoption Network.
The North Peninsula Scholar in Residence is a partnership of the North Peninsula Jewish Collaboration.
Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz
Rabbi and Educator
Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz is a leading Jewish ethicist and social-impact leader. As President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash in Scottsdale, Arizona, he cultivates a vibrant, pluralistic network of learning and moral leadership engaging thousands across denominations, cultures, and faith traditions. He is the founder of several influential organizations—including Uri L’Tzedek: Orthodox Social Justice, Shamayim: Jewish Animal Advocacy, and Yatom: The Jewish Foster & Adoption Network—each rooted in his conviction that spiritual life must lead to courageous action.
A nationally recognized scholar, Rabbi Yanklowitz holds a doctorate from Harvard University and rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. He has authored 30 books on Jewish ethics and spirituality, written widely for major national publications, and represented Jewish moral leadership at the World Economic Forum. Named by Newsweek as one of America’s Top Rabbis and by The Forward as one of the 50 Most Influential Jews, he is known for making profound Jewish ideas accessible, practical, and urgently relevant to contemporary life.
Past Event Schedule
- From Me to We and Back Again: Reclaiming Your Role in the Jewish People
- Preceded by invitation-only PJCC Chai Society Dinner. To become a donor, visit pjcc.org/chai
- Preceded by invitation-only PJCC Chai Society Dinner. To become a donor, visit pjcc.org/chai
- Ethics & Appetizers: Altruism in the Age of Burnout
- Appetizers provided, no host-bar.
- Appetizers provided, no host-bar.
- Speaking of Kidneys: Organ Donation in the Age of Biotech
- This event will feature special guests Michele Solomon and Roxanne Cohen.
- This event will feature special guests Michele Solomon and Roxanne Cohen.
- Hidden Costs: The Ethics Behind Everyday Purchases
- Shabbat sermon during services, followed by reception.
- Shabbat sermon during services, followed by reception.
- Pirkei Avot: Ancient Words, Modern Messages
- Following Shabbat services and community luncheon.
- Following Shabbat services and community luncheon.
- Beyond Kosher: From Ethical Eating to Ethical Food Systems
- Havdalah and dessert reception.
- Havdalah and dessert reception.
- Ethical Technology and Truth in Public Life
- This event will have a bagel brunch.
- Click here to view a recording of the event.
Click here to view a special video interview with PJCC Chief Jewish Experience Officer, Rabbi Laurie Matzkin and Scholar in Residence Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz.
Among our event sponsors is the powerful nonprofit offering interest-free loans to help Northern California residents navigate life challenges and pursue opportunities, Hebrew Free Loan. Explore how their loans can help you and your family here.
“My life question should not be ‘What do I want to receive?’ but ‘Who do I want to be?’”
—Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, Pirkei Avot: A Social Justice Commentary
Event Schedule
Join us for a series of special event programming with Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz from March 4 to March 8. Events take place at PJCC, local venues, and local synagogues geared towards a variety of ages. See below for registration and additional information.
Questions? Contact Jewish Life at jewishlife@pjcc.org.
The PJCC is proud to be a part of the Koret Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood. We are honored to present this program through the Taube Center for Jewish Peoplehood at the PJCC.