Rabbi Yali Szulanski
Core Semikha, Class of 2025

Rabbi Yali Szulanski is an award-winning educator, trauma-informed emotions specialist, and writer. She founded The “I Am” Project/The Neshima Initiative, transforming classrooms, camps, and community organizations through emotional wellness practices that foster resilience and growth. With a Master’s in Psychology and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a certification in Spirituality-Mind-Body Integration, Rabbi Yali has spent 15 years teaching her curriculum focused on emotional intelligence, resilience, and community building. Her writing, rooted in personal experience, inspires meaningful change in individuals and communities. Currently, she serves as Social Emotional Learning Specialist and Guidance Counselor at SAR Academy and as Youth and Family Engagement Rabbi at The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale and continue her work educating and tending to emotional wellness at SAR Academy and beyond. Rabbi Yali lives in Riverdale with her family.
publications and media
mentions
Title | Publication | Published |
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How Taking a Few Breaths Can Improve Life in the Classroom | The Jewish Chronicle | December 16, 2021 |