B’nai Zion Podcast

What does it mean that human beings cannot be as patient as ChatGPT? Rabbi Rotenberg explores what it means to strive for virtue - and specifically strive to be more patient human beings - in the age of AI.

9/21/2026

At a service where vows are front and center, Rabbi Rotenberg explores what we learn about the power and danger of promises from three moments in the book of Joshua.

9/20/2026

The Jewish people have lived through countless tragedies and learned what it means to laugh in the face of darkness. What role does humor have in overcoming trauma?

9/13/2026

Reflecting on the trauma that was 9/11, Rabbi Rotenberg explores the place trauma and darkness holds in creation.

9/12/2026

There are many ways one might justify offensive Torah verses. Rabbi Rotenberg explores different possibilities, why each explanation ultimately falls short, and why that matters.

00:00 Gotcha Video Setup 00:58 Facing Offensive Verses 02:14 Approach 1 Symbolic Reading 04:32 Approach 2 Historical Context 07:05 Approach 3 Numbers Argument 08:18 Why Small Parts Matter 11:41 Highlight Torahs Good 15:40 No Perfect Answers 16:18 Keep Studying Torah 17:40 Shabbat Shalom Closing Shabbat morning 7/11/26

Celebrating the Fourth of July, Rabbi Rotenberg uses some of George Washington's writings to explain what America's founding father would say about the actions of Pinchas.

00:00 America 250 Opener 01:21 Washington on Religious Freedom 02:21 Pinchas and Jealousy 04:14 Leaders Set the Tone 05:30 Last Resort Justice 07:41 Passing the Baton to Joshua 10:04 Humility in Leadership 11:23 Kiddush and Apple Pie 13:25 Closing Shabbat Shalom

Shabbat Morning 7/4/26

Guest Rabbi, Jonathan Hodson, shares the story of Rabbi Rotenberg and himself seeking out the mythical creature, "The Mothman," and the lessons learned from that trip.

April 25th, 2026 Shabbat morning

What it means to act on the lessons learned from illness before we get sick.

April 18th, 2026 Shabbat morning

The least known, but most important rule about keeping kosher for Passover, and it's spiritual significance.

Shabbat morning March 28th, 2026

In this Women’s Shabbat d’var Torah, Rabbi Keilah Lebell explores the fine line between humility and self-erasure.

Shabbat Morning March 21st 2026

On Passover we use a special name for God, "the place." How does this idea of God change the way we an relate to God at synagogue, in our homes, and in our hearts?

From Shabbat morning 3/14/26

Rabbi Rotenberg explores the moments we act out of fear instead of faith - and what it takes to pause, reset, and choose differently.

From Shabbat morning March 7th, 2026

A deep dive into three teachings about the Tabernacle, each with a message about the nature of building sacred space.

What does it take to maintain a peace full society, and what does it take to build one? Rabbi Rotenberg compares building peace to the two types of monetary gifts in the Torah, and shares how one man exemplified what it means to go above and beyond.

Receiving the Torah is only the first step in realizing its true purpose.

When is patience a virtue and when is it quietly keeping us stuck? Rabbi Rotenberg explores the difference between good patience and bad patience. He shares thoughts on knowing when to wait, when to move, and that the first step in leaving Egypt is admitting that you've had enough.

In response to recent antisemitic articles in our local paper, Rabbi Rotenberg reflects on the deeper roots of antisemitism through the lens of the Torah’s first antisemitic libel—Pharaoh’s words in the book of Exodus.

This episode reframes the Joseph narrative to highlight Judah: his role in saving Joseph, his moral awakening with Tamar, and the rabbinic midrash of Nachshon leaping into the sea.

Rabbis debate why Judah's tribe received kingship, pointing to leadership qualities shown in diplomacy, accountability, and the willingness to take courageous risks for the future.

Shabbat 12/13/25

Can fear awaken deep gratitude? Rabbi Rotenberg recounts a frightening Space Mountain ride with his young son. In the Torah portion about Jacob and Esau, we trace Jacob's response to fear: a heartfelt prayer of humility, a decision to give away part of his wealth, and a subsequent transformation after wrestling with an angel. The episode connects those moments to Jewish practices of repentance and charity, and reminds us that fear can be a catalyst for gratitude, generosity, and meaningful change.

Shabbat 12/06/25

Rabbi Rotenberg reflects on the image of Jacob’s ladder, exploring its timeless message of spiritual ascent. We are invited to consider how every step we take can bring us closer to meaning, purpose, and connection with the sacred. How can we think about the elevation of our own journeys - in mind, heart, and community?

Shabbat 11/29/25