About the Author


Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield

Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife, Sarah, and their five energetic children. He serves as the Director of the Jewish Outreach Initiative (JOI), a transformative program reshaping the Jewish landscape in Denver. JOI, a key program of Aish of the Rockies, is dedicated to providing authentic Jewish experiences and learning opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds in a meaningful and engaging way.

Additionally, Rabbi Lehrfield is the Co-director of SITE (the School of Integrative Torah Education), a Hebrew school alternative where Judaism is brought to life in a fun, camp-like atmosphere. He hosts multiple podcasts, all available to listen and subscribe to at joidenver.com/podcasts

Known for his warmth and genuine love for every Jew, Rabbi Lehrfield's approachable demeanor enables him to connect with people across all age groups and backgrounds. As a dynamic and engaging educator, he employs analogies and humor to make complex, profound ideas accessible and relatable to all, from novices to experts.

Rabbi Lehrfield earned his M.Ed from Loyola University in Chicago and received two rabbinic ordinations; one from Yeshivas Beis Yisroel in Jerusalem, and another from Rabbi Zalman Nechemia Goldberg, the Chief Justice of the Jerusalem High Court.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Rabbi Lehrfield is passionate about photography, baking, rock climbing, and snowboarding. These diverse interests allow him to engage with a broad spectrum of individuals and communities, furthering his mission to make Judaism relevant and meaningful for all Jews.

You can follow Rabbi Lehrfield's activities and insights at @JOIdenver on Instagram and Facebook.


The Hostages Are Home and We Can Finally Dance Again

After 736 days, the hostages return home, reminding us that true unity is forged in family, faith, and love—differences intact, yet unbreakably one.

The Meaning of Tu B’Shvat: The Hidden Season of Growth

Real growth takes time and persistence.

5 Meaningful Ways to Spend Christmas Day

While Chinese food and movies are time-honored traditions, December 25th offers a unique opportunity for Jews to engage in meaningful activities.

Why Judaism Posed a Great Threat to Ancient Greece

Hanukkah reveals the essence of true beauty.

We Have A Common Enemy, And It's Not Each Other

Our enemies love nothing more than to see us turn on each other, to weaken us from within, to turn us into our own enemies. We cannot let that happen.

Why Jews Still Cry Over the Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem

Why continue mourning over the destruction of a building that happened so long ago?

Ancient Jewish Wisdom on How to Wake Up in the Morning

How to take advantage of the moment your brain shifts from the theta state, characterized by light sleep and dreams, to the alpha state, marked by relaxed wakefulness and a calm, focused mind.

Why Jews Count Up, Not Down

Milestones are not endpoints. They’re stepping stones to propel you further.

Do You Think They Can Tell That I’m Jewish?

A Jewish student faces palpable fear of campus. How did we get here?

Raise a Glass to Freedom

Passover connects Jews through the ages and around the globe by retelling the Jewish People’s ongoing story.

Should The Passover Seder Be Different This Year?

How the Passover Haggadah speaks directly to our current situation, conveying a relevant message of hope and resilience.

The UN Resolution’s Glaring Omission

While the resolution rightly emphasizes the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid and the release of the hostages, it fails to explicitly address the root causes of the conflict: Hamas.

Stand Up for the Jewish People

Hamas isn’t waging a war only against Israel; it’s a war against the Jews.

A Disgraceful Acceptance Speech at the Oscars

Jonathan Glazer, the Jewish director of The Zone of Interest, equated Israel with Hamas and turned his back on his people.

Jews Have Nowhere Else to Go

But don’t Jews have the whole world to go to just like everyone else on the planet?

An Open Letter to Taylor Swift

I trust that your silence regarding the hostages is due to not knowing the facts. But you cannot afford the luxury to remain ignorant on this critical matter.

PODCAST: Zero Percent: Why Are Jews So Successful?

What is the secret sauce of the Jewish people that explains their over-representation in so many arenas?

 

The New Normal

Open your eyes.

 

The More You Give The More You Get

When you give, you always get more in return.

 

Just Keep Playing

God says, “Do your best, and I’ll do the rest.”

 

The Half Shekel

In the eyes of God we are all equal.

 

Spiritual Clothing

The High Priest’s clothes teach us how to approach spirituality

 

No Separation of Church and State

When it comes to Judaism's approach to being spiritual there's not separation between the ritualistic and the ethical

 

Internalize the Message

How will you let what you see affect you?

 

They Were Bitter

Our outlook shapes our reality.

 

Renewal

The very first commandment that was given to the Jewish People.

 

The Water's Feelings

How far do we have to go to make sure we don’t hurt another person’s feelings.

 

Details

For great people there are no small things.

 

Hold on to Your Values

Why do we bless our sons that they should be like Ephraim and Menashe?

 

The Light Burns On

Ignite the flame and spread the light!

 

Smile!

A smile is contageous, so share it with the world!

 

One of Those Days…

The darkest part of the night is right before the dawn

 

MVP

Real greatness is knowing where your greatness comes from.

 

Not Until You Bless Me

Never waste a good challenge.

 

Much Obliged

Gratitude is more than the magic words...

 

Who Are You?

You are so much more than what you do.

 

Impact of Small Actions

Even small actions can make enormous ripples.

 

Dust & Ash

Be the lead character in your life and live each day anew!

 

Inner Beauty

Learn how Abraham sees Sarah for who she really is.

 

The Importance of Unity

How much does God hate disunity?

 

Can Man Hide From God?

God's knocking. Will you let Him in?

 

Sandcastles: A Sukkot Parable

A story about a boy on the beach, a man in his office, and facing the inevitable.

 

The Sounds of Music

 

It's All About the Children

The Smartest Kid in the Room

It’s not our gifts that make us who we are; it’s how we use them that truly matters.

 

Choose Life

Don't just exist.

 

Grateful Am I

Start with gratitude.

 

On Top of the Eiffel Tower

What do you represent?

 

Footsteps in the Sand

We are never alone.

 

Priorities

Never lose sight of what really matters.

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