Speaker · Author · Cambridge University Press

Rabbi Moshe
Zeldman

Former Atheist. Philosopher. Orthodox Rabbi.
Bringing Torah into the conversations that define our age.

Rabbi Moshe Zeldman speaking to an audience

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Rabbi Moshe Zeldman

From Atheist to
Orthodox Rabbi

I grew up in Toronto, studied Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, and Philosophy at the University of Toronto, and by then I was a committed atheist. Then I encountered rational arguments, wrestled with them for years, and everything changed.

For over 35 years I've been teaching Torah and Jewish philosophy to thousands of students across more than 25 countries — from beginners asking their first questions to advanced scholars. I left organized formal education to teach independently, because I believe the most important conversations happen outside institutional walls.

I am the author of Why Listen to the Rabbis? and a contributor to THINK, published by Cambridge University Press, where I offer a philosophical analysis of the New Atheism and its critics. I live in Jerusalem with my family.

My conviction is simple: Torah has the most rigorous and compelling answers to the questions that define our age — on morality, meaning, consciousness, free will, and the future of humanity. My job is to make that case, clearly and without apology, to anyone willing to engage.

30+ Years Teaching
25+ Countries
2 Published Works
20,000+ Participants

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That Works for You

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@moshe_zeldman

Instagram

Short-form responses to atheist philosophers, scientists, and cultural critics. The fastest way to see the arguments in action.

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@moshe_zeldman

YouTube

Long-form conversations on Torah, philosophy, Jewish identity, and the questions modernity can't answer.

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Substack

Essays

Written depth in two streams: Faith and Reason (philosophy) and Parsha and Practice (weekly Torah).

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Shmoozing Facebook Group

Facebook Community

Join the conversation — questions, reactions, and discussion from the community around the podcast and essays.

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Shmoozing Podcast

Podcast

Audio editions of the long-form conversations. Available on all major podcast platforms.

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TorahAnytime

Archive of Torah Classes

In-depth shiurim for the observant community. Browse the full library of recorded classes.

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Keynotes & Presentations

Rabbi Zeldman has spoken at Harvard, Oxford, the United Nations Israeli Mission, and Jewish communities, campuses, and conferences across 25 countries. He is available for keynote addresses, Shabbaton programs, community scholar-in-residence weekends, and conference presentations.

Rabbi Moshe Zeldman speaking to a packed audience
Harvard University Oxford University United Nations — Israeli Mission Aish HaTorah Jerusalem Olami — Worldwide Chabad International Discovery Seminars Student Missions to Poland Cambridge University Cholent Society

Grappling with the God Idea

Is belief in God a philosophical embarrassment — or the most rational position available? A rigorous examination of the arguments, from Aristotle and Maimonides to the New Atheism, that takes the objections seriously and answers them.

Artificial Intelligence and Free Will

If we are biological machines shaped by genetics and environment, what becomes of moral responsibility, human dignity, and the very idea of a self? One of modernity's most urgent questions — and Torah's answer.

The Moral Imperative

Where does morality come from in a universe without God? A direct challenge to the secular assumption that ethics can survive without a foundation — and the case that it cannot.

Who Are the Jews?

What does it mean to be Jewish in a post-October 7 world? A philosophical and historical exploration of Jewish identity, mission, and why the Jewish people's survival is not a coincidence.

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

The question that never gets old — and the Torah's answer that cuts deeper than comfort.

Did God Really Speak at Mount Sinai?

The historical and philosophical case for the most audacious claim in human history. Harder to dismiss than you think.

Science and Torah: Conflict or Resolution?

The supposed war between science and Torah is largely a misunderstanding — but the real questions it raises are profound. A clear-eyed engagement with what science can and cannot tell us.

Hidden Torah Codes

You've heard of the controversy. Now examine the scientific evidence and fascinating examples of findings from modern-day events — a rigorous look at what the data actually shows.

The Problem with Happiness

"Just focus on the good!" doesn't really work — and everyone knows it. Torah teaches a genuine secret to happiness: a 3-word principle and a 60-day challenge that actually changes how you live.

Ongoing Torah Study

For those seeking sustained, serious engagement with Torah philosophy — whether exploring for the first time or deepening an existing practice — Rabbi Zeldman offers ongoing online classes via Zoom and periodic in-person intensives.

These are not introductory seminars. They are substantive engagements with the ideas — on God, morality, meaning, Jewish identity, and the philosophical foundations of Torah — for people who want to go beyond the surface.

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Online — Current Zoom Series

Real Questions That Deserve Real Answers — a 10-part course for committed Jews who take their Yiddishkeit seriously and want to go deeper. Women's program: Elul 2026. Men's program: November 2026.

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In-Person — Scholar Intensives

Periodic in-person learning sessions for groups in Jerusalem and on international visits. Ideal for communities, campus groups, or private gatherings seeking deep, focused engagement.

Private, One-on-One

I work privately with individuals who feel disconnected from their Judaism, who know the answers are in Torah but haven't found them on their own, and help them build a life where Torah and Mitzvos actually feel like their own. It's packaged into a 12-week program that meets you where you are right now. Click to book a 30-minute free exploratory call.

What People Ask

  • Questions about God, belief, and the foundations of Torah
  • Identity and belonging — Jewish and personal
  • How do I turn my Judaism from rituals to a relationship with God
  • Philosophical challenges to Torah worldview
  • The gap between what we know intellectually and how we live
  • Textual Study: Parsha, Maimonides, Luzatto, Kuzari, Maharal, Mitzvot, Halacha
  • Decisions that require wisdom beyond information

Background & Published Work

Has Spoken At

  • Harvard University
  • Oxford University
  • United Nations — Israeli Mission
  • Aish HaTorah Jerusalem
  • Olami — Worldwide
  • Chabad International
  • Discovery Seminars — Worldwide
  • Student Missions to Poland
  • Cambridge University Cholent Society

Published Work

  • Why Listen to the Rabbis?
    Available on Amazon →
  • THINK — Cambridge University Press
    Forthcoming — philosophical analysis of the New Atheism
  • Times of Israel
  • Jerusalem Post
  • Globe and Mail (Canada)

Background

  • Bachelor's — AI, Mathematics & Philosophy
  • Rabbinical Ordination — Jerusalem Rabbinate
  • Guest Lecturer, Touro College — Torah & Positive Psychology, co-taught with Prof. Tal Ben-Shahar (Harvard)
  • 30+ years teaching, 25+ countries
  • Based in Jerusalem

Get in Touch

Direct Contact

Based in Jerusalem, Israel

For speaking inquiries, please include the date, location, expected audience size, and event type. I respond to all serious inquiries within 48 hours.