Shamayim: Jewish Animal Advocacy

Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz

Founder & President

Rabbi Yanklowitz has twice been named one of America’s Top Rabbis by Newsweek and has been named by The Forward as one of the 50 most influential Jews and one of The Most Inspiring Rabbis in America. Rabbi Yanklowitz is the author of 23 books on Jewish ethics and his writings have appeared in outlets as diverse as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Guardian, and the Atlantic among many other secular and religious publications. He has served as speaker at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and a Rothschild Fellow in Cambridge, UK.

Rav Shmuly received a Masters from Harvard University, a Masters from Yeshiva University, and his Doctorate from Columbia University. He was ordained as a rabbi by Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, along with 2 private ordinations in Israel. He serves as the Founder & President of Shamayim: Jewish Animal Advocacy. His wife Shoshana, and their four children live in Scottsdale, Arizona. They are also foster parents.

Email me: RavShmuly@shamayimvaretz.org

Eddie Chavez Calderon

Uri L’Tzedek Campaign Director

Eddie Chavez Calderon wholeheartedly dedicates himself to social justice work, a commitment he has held since his teenage years. His personal journey, which involved overcoming obstacles and fighting for the rights of migrant communities across the United States, has shaped his unwavering dedication to justice. As a DACA recipient, Eddie intimately understands the challenges faces by immigrants, driving his belief that equal opportunities and rights should be accessible to all. Alongside his advocacy for immigrants, Eddie’s journey led him to develop a profound connection with Judaism. Inspired by Jewish tradition, teaching, and texts, and guided by Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, Eddie Converted to Judaism, intensifying his commitment to bringing justice and equity into reality. Eddie’s Jewish identity provides him with a unique perspective on the daily struggles and systemic oppression faced by marginalized communities. Through advocacy and faith, he actively works to build bridges, challenge societal norms, and create a world that upholds the inherent dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances. Drawing from persona experiences and the principles of his faith, Eddie remains steadfast in his pursuit of a more just and compassionate society for all. 

Email me: eddie@utzedek.org

Neel Bhanushali

Financial Officer

As a Consultant at SM Bookkeeping Services LLP, Neel has had the opportunity to work with over 200+ clients from all over the world over the past seven years. His expertise lies in bookkeeping and accounting, and he has extensive experience in various accounting roles, including bookkeeping, accounts payable and receivable, payroll administration, staff and junior accounting. In addition, he is well-versed in popular accounting software such as Quickbooks Online, Xero, Netsuite, and Wave App.

Mayim Bialik, Phd.

Founding Member & Senior Leadership Consultant

Mayim Hoya Bialik is best known for her lead role in the 1990’s NBC sitcom Blossom, as well as for her portrayal of the young Bette Midler in “Beaches.” She has also appeared in Woody Allen’s “Don’t Drink the Water” and HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Bialik was born to first-generation American teachers and documentary filmmakers and was raised in Los Angeles, attending both public and religious school. Bialik has guest starred on some of the most beloved TV shows of the 1980s and 1990s including MacGyver, The Facts of Life, and Webster. She has appeared numerous times on The Tonight Show, the Arsenio Hall Show, and on Conan O’Brien and Jon Stewart’s early forays into late-night.

Bialik received her B.S. in Neuroscience and Hebrew and Jewish Studies from UCLA in 2000 and earned a Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 2007 from UCLA, specializing in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in adolescents with Prader-Willi syndrome. She is the celebrity spokesperson for the Holistic Moms Network, a national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting holistic and green parenting and living.

Tara Strong

Senior Advisor

In addition to being a passionate Jewish vegan and a loud & proud voice of conscience for the Israelis held hostage, she is an emmy nominated voice in countless animations such as The New Batman Adventures, Teen Titans, Teen Titans Go!, Rugrats, The Powerpuff Girls, The Fairly OddParents, The Proud Family, Xiaolin Showdown, Ben 10, Chowder, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, Unikitty!, and DC Super Hero Girls.