Rabbi Zushe Greenberg

The Sunkist fruit Gems Crisis - The Candy that Became a TraditionSometimes the things that become part of Jewish life are not the things anyone planned or designed to become traditions. Sukkot and the Four Species teach us that every Jew has a different role, and that at every stage of life, there is something unique that we can contribute to the whole.

Can AI understand the language of animals? Scientists today are using artificial intelligence to try to understand the language of animals, but Jewish tradition tells us that there were people who could already understand what animals were saying. The Torah gives us a fascinating perspective on the voices of the animal world.(Sukkot)

The Melody of Shamil

Sometimes the hardest notes in life are not the end of the song. The story of Shamil and the Song of Haazinu reminds us that every moment is part of a greater melody, one that leads from longing to hope and from exile to redemption.

(Parshat Haazinu)

Torah Class - Yom Kippur: A Soul in the Storm: The Story of Jonah & You

Why read Jonah on Yom Kippur? Discover the Chassidic perspective on the soul's journey through life's turbulent waters, and how the "ship" serves as our ultimate lifeline.

The Jewish view of a Four Day Workweek (Rosh Hashanah)

In recent years, there has been extensive public discussion about a four day workweek. The idea is no longer merely theoretical, and it raises a deeper question: if technology eventually frees people from the need to work, what will they do with that freedom?

The Rebbe’s Shofar Was Not a Sad Sound (Rosh Hashanah)Rosh Hashanah is more than the Day of Judgment. On this day, we come to crown G-d as King over the world, willingly accepting His sovereignty upon ourselves. The story of Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Sacks offers a powerful insight into the meaning of the shofar on this day. 

The Ship That Sank and the Message That RemainedThe discovery of the Altalena, 78 years after it sank, brings an old story of Jewish division and sacrifice back to the surface. Its message speaks directly to Parshat Nitzavim: the strength of the Jewish people comes from standing together, united before G-d.

(Parshat Nitzavim-Vayeilech)

Torah Class - Shabbat Selichot: Forgiveness from Connection, Not from Guilt

The reason we need a minimum of 4 days for Selichot,
and why it always starts on Motzei Shabbat.

The Debt That Was Never Forgotten Some promises are passed down from one generation to the next. The mitzvah of tithing teaches us that sometimes we are not simply fulfilling a mitzvah, we are completing a debt that began hundreds of years ago.

(Parshat Ki Tavo)

Torah Class - 18th of Elul: The Power of Reaching OutThe ancient idea that teaches us a whole community cannot exist if even a single person is missing.

The Golden Years (Parshat Ki Tetze)Aging should never mean becoming invisible, unnecessary, or forgotten. The Torah offers a very different vision, one in which the wisdom of age is valued and the later years of life can become truly golden years.

Torah Class - Parshat Ki Tetze: A Tradition of Ahavat YisraelHow the debates between the Pharisees and the Sadducees reveal the compassion and human dignity at the foundation
of Rabbinic law.

Before the call comes (Parshat Shoftim/Elul)

Modern technology is learning to prepare for emergencies before they happen. The Torah teaches us that there is also a time in our lives when we are meant to prepare ourselves spiritually, and that time is Elul. 

A Story Prepared Years in Advance (Parshat Re'eh)A story heard years earlier became the strength that was needed at exactly the right moment. Parshas Re’eh teaches that nothing we see or hear is accidental.

Torah Class - Parshat Shoftim: A War for All of UsThe Torah’s perspective on our frontline soldiers, Torah learners, recognizing Divine miracles, and our collective responsibility as a nation.

Torah Class - Parshat Re’eh: The Secret of Chabad’s impactCommunity involvement vs. The mission of the Rebbe.

Why Make Them Hungry?The Jewish people ate miraculous food every day. So why does the Torah describe it as an affliction? 

(Parshat Eikev)

Tu B'Av - 5 Historic Reasons For The Celebrations

Torah Class - Parshat Ekev: No Free LunchThe promise is granted in advance, but the right to receive it must be earned.