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 ForgottenSome 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.

The Birds That Never Forget JerusalemThe surprising connection between Shabbos Nachamu, "Shema Yisrael," and the wall swifts that return every year to the Western Wall.

(Parshat Va’Etchanan & Shabbat Nachamu)

Torah Class - Parshat Va’etchanan: When the Student Becomes a SonThe biblical approach to education transcended the boundaries of the family unit, transforming every teacher into a father and every student into a son.

Divine Providence in Every ChapterFrom one woman’s remarkable journey to the lessons of Tisha B’Av, discovering G-d’s hand in both our personal lives and Jewish history. 

(Tisha B'av)

Torah Class - Parshat Devarim: You’re the Boss – It’s on YouWhy it's much easier to control our behavior than our emotions, and how the biblical story of the spies offers a fascinating model for self-mastery and personal growth.

When Even Generals Salute (Parshat Matot -Masei)The Story of Rabbi Tzvi Rotenberg and the Timeless Message of Matot–Masei: Standing Firm in Your Principles Wherever Life Takes You. 

Torah Class - Parshat Matos-Masei: ”What’s Permitted is Unnecessary”: The Jewish Guide to MinimalismAbstain from pleasure or consume it wisely? The psychology of the biblical "Vow" offers a surprising antidote to overconsumption.

Finally, Someone Wanted IsraelWhat America at 250 teaches us about Jewish identity. (Parshat Pinchas)

Torah Class - Parshat Pinchas: The Men Who Returned from the AbyssWhen deep down you know you're wrong, but outwardly you
go with the crowd. What can we learn from the historic silence
of Korah’s sons?

Why did the Previous Rebbe end up in Prison?The surprising lesson of Yud-Beis Tammuz in reaching other Jews.

Torah Class - Parshat Balak: Is Prophecy About to Return?A journey into the idea of prophecy, its place in Jewish tradition, and the question of whether it is still relevant today.

D’fiku D’Liba – The Beating Heart

(Gimmel Tammuz- The Rebbe's Yahrtzeit)The Zohar’s remarkable answer to why the Jewish people suffer—and how the Rebbe’s heartbeat continues to give life and hope to every Jew. 

Torah Class - 3rd of Tammuz: Heart of the People

A fascinating look at the Jewish leadership model that champions empathy and relentless action.

Torah Class - Parshat Shelach: From a Historical Failure to a Guide for Life

The Chassidic perspective on facing challenges, taking responsibility, and the courage to step out of your comfort zone.

Type A and Type BThe journeys of the Jewish people in the wilderness combined constant uncertainty with remarkable order and structure. 

(Parshat Behaalotecha)

Torah Class - Parshat Beha’alotcha: DoorDash in the DesertThe remarkable story of the Manna, the power of Shabbat,
and how the Torah provides illuminating guidance.

The Oldest Jewish Artifact Ever FoundThe astonishing discovery that preserved the words of Birchas Kohanim.

(Parshat Naso)

Shabbat: Remembering Nature and Expecting Miracles

Between “Zachor” and “Shamor” lies a profound lesson: never take nature for granted, and never stop believing in miracles that can still happen at any moment, even today.

Torah Class - Ethics of Our Fathers 1: Humanity Before IdeologyThree sayings that reveal the secret of Hillel’s enduring wisdom:
an inclusive approach, self-awareness, and the understanding
that success is the greatest test of all.

Pulling An All Nighter

(Shavuot)

Shavuot: Seven Weeks of Transformation

The Secret Behind the Names of the Five Books of the Torah

Why the Jewish people chose the names Bereishis, Shemos, Vayikra, Bamidbar, and Devarim, and how those names reveal the deep bond of love between G-d and the Jewish people. 

Torah Class - Shavuot: Women Who Charted the Way

The fascinating journey of Naomi and Ruth the Moabite,
which charted the path for sincere and meaningful conversion.

The Most Expensive Jew to Leave the Soviet UnionThe story of Professor Yirmiyahu Branover and the unbreakable Jewish soul. 

(Parshat Behar-Bechukotai)

Torah Class - Parshat Behar-Bechukotai: From Curse to Blessing: How Do We Get Rid of Trouble and Pain?The message that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai sent with a carrier pigeon from his cave about positive interpretation and the path to turning our greatest challenges into our clearest blessings.

Awe That Comes from Love“Dark clouds are coming over the city of Nevel”

(Parshat Emor)

The Story of Lag Ba'Omer

Torah Class - Parshat Emor: A Shadow of Love

Why do we celebrate the "Clouds of Glory"
instead of the life-saving Manna and Water? A journey into the secret of "Extraordinary Affection."

Stay Connected Above To Succeed Below (Rabbi Leibel Alevsky Ob"m)

Three stories from the early years of Rabbi Leibel Alevsky’s shlichus in Cleveland

Torah Class - Parshat Parshat Acharei – Kedoshim: Healing the RiftHolding it together when life begins to move in opposite directions, and nurturing an identity that keeps the family and spirit together.

Where Flow Gets Stuck: From Hormuz to the Human Heart (Parshat Tazria-Metzora)

When an inner passage opens, a person is transformed from within—and from there, all the constraints and narrow passages in the world begin to open as well.

Torah Class - Parshat Behar-Bechukotai: Small Nation, Big Idea: How Did They Survive?All the ancient empires have disappeared, but the Jewish People are still here. How does one simple mitzvah reveal the secret of Jewish survival?

The ambience of a Jewish home

Not to Visit, but to StayFrom the moon to Parshat Shemini, the same idea emerges: not to escape the world, but to remain within it and build real holiness.

(Parshat Shemini)

Milestone birthdays

(Ethics of Our Fathers)

Converting Ideas (Sefirat HaOmer)

Passover - The Second Cup: for the Wicked Son

The story of Yetziat Mitzrayim is specifically told around the second cup, to teach us that the true mission is not to give up on any Jew.

Torah Class - Pesach: Why The Suffering?

Did the 210 years of slavery improve our character?

Beyond Logic: Why Jews Run Toward Israel in a WarWhile sirens sound and shelters fill, life in Israel somehow keeps moving forward with creativity, connection, and quiet confidence. (Parshat Vayikra)

Exploring the Haggadah (Part 2)

Torah Class - Pesach: Dayeinu: More Than Just a Song

The beloved Passover song is far richer and deeper than it sounds.

From “Leil Shimurim” to Shmurah MatzahBy helping Jews obtain shmurah matzah, we merit protection for the entire year.

Exploring the Haggadah (Part 1)

Torah Class - Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei: Celebrating the Miracles

From the Gulf War to the Iran War – Seeing G-d’s Hand in History

Don’t Listen to the NoiseThe miracles we are experiencing these days are closer to Passover than to Purim.(Purim/Passover)

Torah Class - Parshat Ki Tisa: Give Half – With All Your HeartThe secret behind the Half-Shekel and the power of giving with inner fire.

The Gragger Is Not Child’s PlayPrecisely the noise of Purim is the Jewish response to uncertainty and fear.

(Purim)

Who Decides: the Moon or the CourtFrom the sanctification of the new month to the building of the Mishkan the responsibility given to the Jewish people to determine time, sanctify space and bring the Divine Presence into the world.

(Parshat Terumah)

The Megillah Uncensored #2

Join me as we delve into the uncensored story of the Megillah 

Torah Class - Purim: Let Them Make NoiseWhy the noise children make during the Megillah reading shouldn’t bother you.

The Megillah Uncensored #1Join me as we delve into the uncensored story of the Megillah 

Torah Class - Month of Adar: Winning in CourtWhat the month of Adar can teach us about timing, success, and victory in our internal struggles

Be Careful What You FightWhen life comes full circle and the mystery of reincarnation.

(Parshat Mishpatim)

Why the noise?The Ten Commandments on the Walls of a Public School

(Parshat Yitro)

Torah Class - Parshat Mishpatim: When Reason Understands, Yet Still Gets Confused

If It’s So Moral — Why Do We Need the Torah?

AI and the Rambam 

The revolution of AI is creating an enormous challenge, and its solution can be found in the very last law of the Rambam.

Torah Class - Siyum Harambam: A Glimpse into Maimonides’ Life

Between Personal Suffering, a Turbulent World, and a Vision of Repair and Hope. Marking the Completion of the Rambam Study Cycle.

The History of Chabad - # 11: The Rebbe (Part 3)

The story of the 7 Chabad Rebbe's; from a small Russian village to a global network of Jewish life and inspiration.

Torah Class - Parshat Beshalach: Antidote to Apathy

Why do we lose inspiration after a spiritual high?
Lessons from an ancient enemy in maintaining passion and vitality.

A New EraWant a blessing? Commit to a Mitzvah.

(Parshat Bo - Yud Shevat)

The History of Chabad - # 10: The Rebbe (Part 2)

The story of the 7 Chabad Rebbe's; from a small Russian village to a global network of Jewish life and inspiration.

Torah Class - Parshat Bo: “I And Not An Angel”Why did G-d insist on carrying out the Plague of the Firstborn Himself?

The History of Chabad - Part 9: The Rebbe

The story of the 7 Chabad Rebbe's; from a small Russian village to a global network of Jewish life and inspiration.

Torah Class - Parshat Vaera: To Question Without QuestioningA faith unshaken by questions

The Quiet Miracle of Our GenerationSuffering in our generation, like in Egypt, is not a punishment but a preparation for redemption.

(Parshat Shemot)

The History of Chabad - Part 8: The Frierdiker Rebbe (#2)

The story of the 7 Chabad Rebbe's; from a small Russian village to a global network of Jewish life and inspiration.

Torah Class - Parshat Shemot: In the Footsteps of MosesFrom the palace, through the sheepfold, to the question no one dared to ask.

Treat Me Like a BrotherWhat Joseph’s forgiveness reveals about human relationships and our relationship with G-d. 

(Parshat Vayechi)

Torah Class - Parshat Vayechi: Growth Through Humility

How humility, self-awareness, and embracing imperfection become engines for real growth

Not Private PropertyFrom Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, OBM, and Hey Teves — to Serach bat Asher and Yocheved, who was born between the walls: how the very existence of a single child completes the Jewish people.

(Parshat Vayigash)

The History of Chabad - Part 7: The Frierdiker Rebbe

The story of the 7 Chabad Rebbe's; from a small Russian village to a global network of Jewish life and inspiration.

Torah Class - Parshat Vayigash: Where Were You When Joseph Was Sold?

Who was wrong, who prayed, and who should not have left - the inquiry commission's findings.

The Chabad Pioneer of AustraliaThe Roots of Jewish Life Down Under

(Parshat Mikeitz)

The History of Chabad - Part 6: The Rebbe Rashab

The story of the 7 Chabad Rebbe's; from a small Russian village to a global network of Jewish life and inspiration.

Torah Class - Chanukah: The Origins of The Haftarah

How a decree against Torah readings gave birth to the Haftarah custom. A story of Jewish survival.

The Hanukkah bush

The History of Chabad - Part 5: The Rebbe MaharashThe story of the 7 Chabad Rebbe's; from a small Russian village to a global network of Jewish life and inspiration.

Torah Class - Chanukah: The Battle for Jewish Identity

Why did the Greeks defile the oil in the Temple, and what does this teach us about the Torah and Jewish identity?

The Soldier That Was Pardoned

( 19th Kislev & Parshat Vayeishev)

Torah Class - 19th of Kislev: “Rabbi, What is Chabad?”Chabad, from Czarist Russian prison to today.

The Promotion Of Alfred Dreyfus

Sometimes it takes years...30, 131, or even thousands but truth rises, hatred fades, and our mission to bring every Jew home remains eternal.

(Parshat Vayeitzei)