Valley Beit Midrash
@valleybeitmidrash.bsky.social
Valley Beit Midrash is pursuing a more socially just world through learning and action rooted in Jewish ethics.
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.
December 8, 2025 at 5:37 PM
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.
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
youtu.be
November 26, 2025 at 9:02 PM
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?
@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.
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.
November 25, 2025 at 8:20 PM
@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.
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.
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?...
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
youtu.be
November 24, 2025 at 7:23 PM
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?...
Rabbi Shmuly's interview "Torah Perspectives on Transhumanism"
- Video: youtu.be/X1NREbUTZkU?...
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
youtu.be
November 21, 2025 at 7:53 PM
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."
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
youtu.be
November 21, 2025 at 6:08 PM
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.
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
youtu.be
November 13, 2025 at 6:59 PM
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.
A short write-up on Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz's conversation at Harvard University's Kennedy School with Divinity Professor Terrence Johnson.
#newsarticle #faith
#newsarticle #faith
Faith, Justice, and the Murky Waters of Hope
www.hks.harvard.edu
November 6, 2025 at 6:51 PM
A short write-up on Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz's conversation at Harvard University's Kennedy School with Divinity Professor Terrence Johnson.
#newsarticle #faith
#newsarticle #faith
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
#animals #middleages
Jews and Jewish Animals in the Middle Ages
YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash
youtu.be
October 29, 2025 at 10:27 PM
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
#animals #middleages
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
#lethalinjection #interview
The Untold Story of Lethal Injection: Professor Lain Interviewed by Rabbi Shmuly
YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash
youtu.be
October 29, 2025 at 7:07 PM
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
#lethalinjection #interview
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...
Registration: www.valleybeitmidrash.org/class/and-sh...
October 28, 2025 at 10:57 PM
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...
Registration: www.valleybeitmidrash.org/class/and-sh...
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
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.
www.jewishaz.com
October 23, 2025 at 6:53 PM
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
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
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.
October 17, 2025 at 8:25 PM
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.
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.
October 10, 2025 at 5:16 PM
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.
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
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
youtu.be
October 3, 2025 at 9:56 PM
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
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
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
#reincarnation
The Social Aspect of Reincarnation
YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash
youtu.be
October 3, 2025 at 7:22 PM
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
#reincarnation
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
youtu.be
September 30, 2025 at 9:17 PM
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.
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.
September 30, 2025 at 7:22 PM
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.
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
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
youtu.be
September 29, 2025 at 8:02 PM
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
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
"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
#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.
www.jta.org
September 22, 2025 at 5:48 PM
"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
#roshhashanah #newyear #newsarticle
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
#meditation #guestspeaker
Finding Comfort in Jewish Meditation
YouTube video by Valley Beit Midrash
youtu.be
September 15, 2025 at 9:34 PM
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
#meditation #guestspeaker
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
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
youtu.be
September 12, 2025 at 8:37 PM
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
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
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."
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
youtu.be
September 11, 2025 at 10:30 PM
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."
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."
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."
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
youtu.be
September 8, 2025 at 8:40 PM
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."
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."
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."
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
youtu.be
August 28, 2025 at 6:34 PM
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."
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."