Shamayim: Jewish Animal Advocacy
81 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 19 ratingsThe Shamayim: Jewish Animal Advocacy podcast covers a range of Jewish and Vegan topics. Episodes feature weekly D'vars, a "Plant-Based Torah" series all about the intersection of Jewish values & animal advocacy, and interviews with influential voices in animal advocacy & Jewish leadership. Guests have included Kendon Alford, founder of Jewish Food Hero, and Rabbi Ed Rosenthal, founder of Tikun HaYam Jewish Marine Conservation, Jenny Goldfarb, founder of Mrs. Goldfarb's Unreal Vegan Deli, along with others who are doing vital work to help animals, the planet, and other people in their communities.
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The goal of this podcast is to uplift the voices of those in the Jewish community who care about issues surrounding the wellbeing of animals & our planet. Know someone who would be a great guest? We'd like to hear about them! Please email [email protected] with any suggestions.
Also, please share with a friend who wants to learn more about the intersections between animal advocacy and Judaism! If you'd like to support our work, a five-star rating through Apple Podcasts will help us reach even more people who resonate with our message. Happy listening!
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Episodes
Plant-Based Torah - Parashat Mishpatim: At the Heart of Justice
February 20, 2020 20:16 - 7 minutes - 9.6 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Mishpatim. This week's parsha presents laws regarding numerous topics - including animal welfare! However, the location of this law is peculiar, the meaning of which has considerably more significance than meets the eye. Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/MAiHpRUbc0k Follow Shamayim on Facebook at https://www.facebo...
The Optimistic Pragmatist - An Interview with Rabbi David Wolpe, Senior Rabbi at Sinai Temple
February 17, 2020 14:00 - 22 minutes - 30.5 MBAn interview with Rabbi David Wolpe, the Max Webb Senior Rabbi at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles. Rabbi Wolpe is among the leading figures of American Judaism, a colomnist for Time Magazine, and perhaps the most recognizable plant-based Rabbi of our time. We discuss how he navigates addressing his diet publicly and from the pulpit, some of his favorite vegan foods, as well as the optimism he feels for the future of the plant-based movement. Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is ...
Plant-Based Torah - Parashat Yitro: Idols of Silver & Gold
February 13, 2020 18:48 - 7 minutes - 11 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Yitro. In this week’s parsha, the Israelites receive the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai. Not only are animals given some pretty radical rights here, but there is foreshadowing for next week’s narrative of the golden calf with a warning against idols of silver & idols of gold. We are plagued with some radical worshipers of these idols - Big Agriculture, who exploit animals, undocumented laborers, the small farmers they put out of business, and the American taxpayers ...
Plant-Based Torah - Parashat Bo: Upon the Arms, Between the Eyes, A Reminder of Hope
January 30, 2020 22:32 - 7 minutes - 10.3 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Bo. In this week’s parsha, the Israelites are commanded to be reminded of the Exodus with a symbol on the arm and between the eyes: tefillin! Tefillin are somewhat controversial in the Jewish vegan world - but are there options to minimize the impact of this mitzvah? We explore them in this week’s episode. Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyri...
Plant-Based Torah - Parashat Vayera: Crushed Spirits & Hardened Hearts
January 23, 2020 21:09 - 7 minutes - 10.7 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Vaera. The Israelites are plagued with crushed souls, Pharaoh is plagued with a hardened heart, and the Egyptians are plagued with numerous environmental calamities. All are reflections of normal human responses to our world. How can we overcome these feelings in our time, despite our overwhelming circumstances facing us? Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted b...
Veganism & Jewish Social Justice - An Interview with Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, Founder & President of Shamayim: Jewish Animal Advocacy
January 20, 2020 19:54 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MBAn interview with Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, Founder & President of Shamayim: Jewish Animal Advocacy. He has authored multiple books on Judaism and veganism, including "the Jewish Vegan", "Kashrut & Jewish Food Ethics" and "Jewish Veganism & Vegetarianism: Studies and New Directions." He can be found on Instagram at @rabbi_shmuly and on Facebook here. Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promo...
Plant-Based Torah - Parashat Shemot: An Eternal Message of Hope
January 16, 2020 18:41 - 8 minutes - 11.5 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Shemot. Centuries have passed, and a xenophobic Pharaoh has enslaved the Israelites because he fears them. A loving mother breaks the law, and her “illegal” child grows up and becomes the greatest leader the Jewish people have ever seen. Nevertheless, Moses is an odd choice for numerous reasons - and yet, he is the one chosen to raise his voice to liberate his people. Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the l...
Plant-Based Torah - Parashat Vayechi: True Strength!
January 09, 2020 22:09 - 9 minutes - 13.3 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Vayechi. As we conclude the book of Genesis with this week’s parsha, we take a look back at the opening book of the Torah, and how we can apply its major themes through action in our lives. True strength, as portrayed by Genesis, is needed now more than ever before. Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/MAiHpRUbc0k Follo...
Plant-Based Torah - Parashat Vayigash: the Noblest Profession
January 03, 2020 22:40 - 6 minutes - 8.37 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Vayigash. Upon arriving to Egypt for good, Joseph's brothers introduce themselves to Pharaoh as shepherds, the profession of their ancestors. Shepherds play a prominent role throughout Biblical literature - so what lessons should we as modern Jews take from this ancient profession? Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/MAi...
Plant-Based Torah - Parashat Miketz: The Quiet Heroics of Pharaoh
December 26, 2019 20:12 - 5 minutes - 8.13 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Miketz. This week’s parsha features the quiet heroism of an unlikely figure - the Pharaoh of Egypt! And no - it’s not the one who you’re probably thinking of. Just as we should detest the cruelty of his successor who enslaved the Israelites, we should celebrate the Pharaoh of late Genesis who makes bold, swift changes in the face of looming environmental disaster. Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the licen...
Plant-Based Torah - Parashat Vayayshev: Resenting the Righteous
December 19, 2019 19:26 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Vayayshev. Commentators have wondered for centuries whether Joseph was genuinely righteous, or merely self-righteous. Perhaps his brother’s resentment towards him can teach us how we can best cultivate a welcoming and inviting plant-based movement without drawing resentment from others. Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.b...
Plant-Based Torah: Resenting the Righteous
December 19, 2019 19:26 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Vayayshev. Commentators have wondered for centuries whether Joseph was genuinely righteous, or merely self-righteous. Perhaps his brother’s resentment towards him can teach us how we can best cultivate a welcoming and inviting plant-based movement without drawing resentment from others. Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.b...
Plant-Based Eating on the Jewish Holidays - An Interview with Kenden Alfond, Founder of the Jewish Food Hero
December 16, 2019 23:43 - 18 minutes - 25.1 MBAn interview with Kenden Alfond, the author of the Jewish Food Hero Cookbook and the founder of JewishFoodHero.com. You can find Kenden's work on www.jewishfoodhero.com and buy the Jewish Food Hero Cookbook on Amazon here. Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/MAiHpRUbc0k Follow Shamayim on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shamayimjewishan...
Plant-Based Torah - Parashat Vayishlach: Living Up to Our Namesake
December 12, 2019 18:34 - 7 minutes - 10.4 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Vayishlach. This week, Jacob faces his toughest challenge yet - and prevails. He then has his name changed to Israel, meaning literally to have "wrestled with God". In our time, the children of Israel and the rest of humanity face our most daunting opponent in history. How can we follow Jacob's lead and tackle this issue head-on? Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music p...
Plant Based Torah - Parashat Vayaytze: Awaken to the Glory of our World!
December 05, 2019 19:24 - 6 minutes - 9.39 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Vayaytze. This week, Jacob awakens to the glory of the world around him. We, too, must do the same for all of our world's natural resources, the majesty of God's creation. Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/MAiHpRUbc0k Follow Shamayim on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shamayimjewishanimaladvocacy/ Follow us o...
The Keeper of the Mikdash - An Interview with John Netzel of Peaceful Fields Sanctuary
December 02, 2019 19:39 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MBAn interview with John Netzel of Peaceful Fields Sanctuary, a vegan farm animal sanctuary located in rural Virginia. For more information about Peaceful Fields, visit https://peacefulfieldssanctuary.org/. You can support their work by sponsoring animals through their Patreon, which can be found here: https://www.patreon.com/PFSanctuary. Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by Breakin...
Plant-Based Torah - Parashat Toledot: Peacemaking and Climate - Two Biblical Approaches
November 28, 2019 13:00 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Toledot. This week, we see the unnecessary tensions created by the inaction of people with privilege - as well as contrasting approaches taken by different Biblical ancestors. Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/MAiHpRUbc0k Follow Shamayim on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shamayimjewishanimaladvocacy/ Follow ...
Plant-Based Torah - Parashat Chayei Sarah: the Ways of Rebecca
November 21, 2019 21:08 - 9 minutes - 12.6 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Chayei Sarah. This week, our matriarch Rivka shows that compassion and justice can be pursued for all creators at the same time. We too must do the same! Additionally, we are joined by Shamayim’s Program Director, Lisa Apfelberg, to tell us about Shamayim’s upcoming Annual Retreat. For more information about the Shamayim Annual Retreat: https://shamayim.ticketspice.com/2020-shamayim-retreat Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Fr...
"And You Shall Teach It to Your Children" - A Brand-New Vegan Children's Book with authors Liora Raphael & Glenn Saks
November 17, 2019 20:00 - 17 minutes - 24.5 MBAn interview with Liora Raphael & Glenn Saks, author of the new children's book "Happy Animals: Friends Not Food". In it, readers visit an adorable Farm Sanctuary, where they meet friendly animals who just want to play and have fun. You can order the book on Amazon or directly from the publisher here: https://veganpublishers.com/multimedia-archive/happy-animals-friends-not-food/ Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http...
Plant-Based Torah - Parashat Vayera: Despair, Beware!
November 14, 2019 23:32 - 7 minutes - 10.4 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Vayera. This week, we see two very different sides of Avraham - on one hand, a loving, outspoken prophet; on the other, a dejected, defeated servant. What can we learn from his example in our own advocacy? Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/MAiHpRUbc0k Follow Shamayim on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shamayimj...
Plant Based Torah: Lech Lecha - The Promised Land is Burning
November 07, 2019 19:21 - 8 minutes - 12.1 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Lech Lecha by Kohenet Sarah Tziporah Moser. This week, God commands Abraham and his family to take a leap of faith by going to an unknown place - and are immediately faced with environmental emergency. Having just returned to her home following the Kincade Fire in Northern California, Sarah Tziporah shares how defeating it can be to realize that what was once a paradise is now rejecting the human activity there. Recorded & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is...
Shamayim Interview Series - Rabbi Ed Rosenthal
November 04, 2019 00:52 - 25 minutes - 35.7 MBAn interview with Rabbi Ed Rosenthal, founder of Tikkun HaYam Jewish Marine Conservation. To learn more about Tikkun HaYam and now to get involved, please visit https://www.repairthesea.org/. Interview conducted & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/MAiHpRUbc0k Follow Shamayim on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shamayimjewishanimaladvocacy/ Follow ...
Plant-Based Torah: Noach - When Creation Goes Wrong
October 31, 2019 18:09 - 8 minutes - 12.3 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Noach by Alex Weisz. This week, God brokenheartedly decides to start over because of the wickedness, injustice, and corruption of God’s own creation. Having been made in God’s image, we too need to explore when a human creation can no longer be justified - and the emotions that can come with that. To make your voices heard regarding Santa Anita’s outrageous treatment of its horses, please consider signing this petition to end horseracing euthenasia: https://www....
Plant-Based Torah: Bereshit - Doing the Right Thing: the Parable of Cain
October 24, 2019 21:42 - 8 minutes - 11.3 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Bereshit by Alex Weisz. In this week's parsha, Cain's attempt to do the right thing leads him to committing an atrocity. What can we learn from his mistake when trying to do what is right? Written & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/MAiHpRUbc0k Follow Shamayim on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shamayimjewishanimaladvocac...
V'zot HaBracha 5780: The View from the Mountaintop
October 17, 2019 18:34 - 9 minutes - 9.08 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat V’Zot HaBracha by Alex Weisz. This week, Moshe overlooks his people’s future just before passing away. If we are not careful, what will our own view from the mountaintop look like? How can we lead through our actions as Jews and as vegans? Written & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/MAiHpRUbc0k Follow Shamayim on Facebook at h...
Plant-Based Torah - V'zot HaBracha 5780: The View from the Mountaintop
October 17, 2019 18:34 - 9 minutes - 9.08 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat V’Zot HaBracha by Alex Weisz. This week, Moshe overlooks his people’s future just before passing away. If we are not careful, what will our own view from the mountaintop look like? How can we lead through our actions as Jews and as vegans? Written & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/MAiHpRUbc0k Follow Shamayim on Facebook at h...
Sukkot 5780: Accepting the Blessing of Vulnerability
October 11, 2019 17:25 - 8 minutes - 8.15 MBA D'var Torah for Sukkot by Alex Weisz. Sukkot forces us to be exposed to our vulnerabilities and limitations as humans - what is the lesson? Written by Alex Weisz Adapted to audio by Alex Weisz Edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/MAiHpRUbc0k Follow Shamayim on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shamayimjewishanimaladvocacy/ Follow us on Instagram...
Yom Kippur: The Challenge of a Lifetime
October 07, 2019 21:02 - 9 minutes - 8.42 MBWritten & edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/MAiHpRUbc0k Follow Shamayim on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shamayimjewishanimaladvocacy/ Follow us on Instagram at @shamayimjewishanimaladvocacy
Parashat Ekev: The Idolatry of Greed
October 07, 2019 20:59 - 7 minutes - 7.11 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Ekev by Alex Weisz. How do we reject the greed of industries threatening the future of our planet? Written by Alex Weisz Adapted to audio by Alex Weisz Edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/MAiHpRUbc0k Follow Shamayim on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shamayimjewishanimaladvocacy/ Follow us on Instagram at @shamayimjew...
Plant-Based Torah - Parashat Ekev: The Idolatry of Greed
October 07, 2019 20:59 - 7 minutes - 7.11 MBA D'var Torah for Parashat Ekev by Alex Weisz. How do we reject the greed of industries threatening the future of our planet? Written by Alex Weisz Adapted to audio by Alex Weisz Edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/MAiHpRUbc0k Follow Shamayim on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shamayimjewishanimaladvocacy/ Follow us on Instagram at @shamayimjew...
Tisha B'Av 5779: Will We Fail to Heed the Warnings?
October 07, 2019 18:38 - 7 minutes - 6.96 MBA D'var Torah for Tisha B'Av by Dr. Richard Schwartz, PhD. We have been given warning - will we listen this time? Written by Dr. Richard Schwartz, PhD Adapted to audio by Alex Weisz Edited by Alex Weisz "Uniq - Japan" is under a Royalty Free license. Photo of the license: http://bit.ly/2sTETUQ Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://youtu.be/MAiHpRUbc0k Follow Shamayim on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shamayimjewishanimaladvocacy/ Follow us on Instagram at @shamayimje...