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 ShalomShabbat 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