Rabbi Zushe Greenberg

Do Birds have Character? (Parshat Shemini)

Parshat Shmini: Behind the Kosher Scenes Fins and scales, split hooves and chewing cud. How is it relevant to me? Click here for the class handout

Drama in the Suez Canal. The Jewish Connection (Passover)

Zoom is for Egypt! What it takes to create a community (Passover 2021)

Torah Class Passover: Four Questions for Life On Passover eve, we all gather around the Seder table and turn our attention to the children’s recital of the Four Questions. These Questions are not just children’s play. They have deep meaning and relevance for every person’s life. The following pages contain a new and original interpretation for the ancient and beloved text. Click here for the class...

From Christianson to Abrahamson Vayikra - a term of endearment (Parshat Vayikra)

Parshat Vayikra: How Many Times Could You Ask? During the central prayer in Jewish tradition, the Amidah, we ask G-d for health, wealth and happiness. But why is it recited three times a day? Can't I suffice with once a day? And what if I lack nothing--What am I praying for? Click here for the class handout

Harry & Meghan?? - We are ALL royalty!   Did you know you are a prince/princess?   (Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei & Hachodesh)

Torah Class - Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei:  Between Right and Right It is easy to choose between right and wrong. Choosing between right and right proves more difficult. How are we to ascertain the correct course of action? Click here for the class handout

From Dust to Dust Is there a 'Best Practice Approach? (Parshat Parah)

Parshat Ki Tisa Broken Tablets: An Achievement? When the Torah eulogizes Moses, it mentions the breaking of the Tablets as one of his greatest virtues. Doesn’t that seem ludicrous? Click here for the class handout

The Window of Opportunity The Jews in Iraq who were saved on Purim

Parshat Tetzaveh: Archaeology vs. Tradition The Jewish people have traditions dating back thousands of years which outline the specific form and format of our traditions. What if archeologists find contradictory evidence? Click here for class handout

It Doesn't Always Make Sense The Path to a G-dly Connection (Parshat Terumah)

Torah Class Parshat Terumah: The Power of the Palpable Abraham planted cedars in Beer-Sheba, Jacob transplanted them to Egypt, and the Israelites took them along into the desert. Why were we dragging cedars for four-hundred years? And what does it tell us about “being Jewish at heart”? Click here for the class handout

The Water Scare at Super Bowl Jews & Water throughout History (Parshat Mishpatim) #SuperBowl #water #Mishpatim

Parshat Mishpatim: Reincarnation Can Define Your Life’s Mission People are often quick to shrug off communal responsibility. Even Moses himself, when instructed to redeem the People of Israel, made every effort to avoid the mission. What does Jewish tradition say? Is communal work really for everyone? Does reincarnation make an impact? Click here for the class handout

The Pursuit of Happiness Advice from Rabbi Dr. Twerski OBM (Parshat Yitro) #Happiness #Twerski #Advice #Yitro

Torah Class - Parshat Yitro: Leadership of Love Some religious leaders speak derogatorily about others. How did G-d respond to such behavior? What did Rabbi Eliezer do when faced with a similar situation? What did the Rebbe say? Click here for the class handout

RBG, Sheldon Adelson & Larry King.   The common denominator of these 3 famous Jews   (Parshat Beshalach)   #RBG ​ #SheldonAdelson ​ #LarryKing

Parshat Beshalach: The Emphasis on Women. The Torah contains nine ‘songs.’ The Song of Moses, the Song of David, the Song of Miriam, and so on. Jewish tradition seems to cherish the songs of the women. Why so? Click here for the class handout.

A Chassidic Inauguration 70 years of the Rebbe's Leadership (Parshat Bo)

*Parshat Bo: Why Do Rabbis Make Rules?* Throughout Jewish history, the rabbis have enacted takanot, or Rabbinic ordinances, to safeguard Jewish observance. Shabbat begins at sundown? The sages extend it by eighteen minutes. The evening Shema must be recited by sunrise? The rabbis said midnight. Where did they learn this behavior? Why are the Torah’s commands not enough?

Be a Dreamer The Secret for Jewish success (Parshat Va'eira)

Torah Class - Va’era: Jewish Genius Until two hundred years ago, eighty percent of the world’s population was illiterate. The statistic among the Jewish population was the opposite: Eighty percent could read and write. How can we explain the difference?  An insight into the age-old Jewish approach to education. Click here for the class handout