B’nai Zion Podcast

Yom Kippur: As Patient as ChatGPT

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 pati

Kol Nidre: Promises and the Book of Joshua

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.  

Rosh Hashanah II: Making Light of Darkness

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

Rosh Hashanah I: 25 Years since 9/11 - Getting to "Let There be Light"

Reflecting on the trauma that was 9/11, Rabbi Rotenberg explores the place trauma and darkness holds in creation.   9/12/2026

All the Wrong Answers

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

WWGWD (What Would George Washington Do)

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

The Mothman

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.  

Living the Lessons Now

What it means to act on the lessons learned from illness before we get sick.   April 18th, 2026 Shabbat morning

Batel Bashishim (nullified by 1/60th)

The least known, but most important rule about keeping kosher for Passover, and it's spiritual significance. Shabbat morning March 28th, 2026

When Humility Holds You Back

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

The Place

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?    F

Lola's Golden Calf Moment

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 7t

Holy Space

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

Dwayne

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

The Real Ten Commandments

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

Good Patience/Bad Patience

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 k

Antisemitic Like Pharaoh

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 antisemi

When Judah Jumps: The Leap That Made a Dynasty

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 int

From Space Mountain to Spiritual Transformation: Lessons on Fear

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

Every Step Matters: Jacob’s Ladder and Spiritual Ascent

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 u