Matt Gewirtz

Matthew D. Gewirtz is the Senior Rabbi at Congregation B'nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, New Jersey. He is the author of The Gift of Grief: Finding Peace, Transformation and Renewed Life after Great Sorrow? (Random House). A strong advocate of social justice, Matt Gewirtz is a founding executive committee member of the Newark Coalition for Hope and Peace, an interfaith organization of Jews, Christians and Muslims that is committed to ending gang violence in Newark. Matt Gewirtz strives to find joy and meaning in his daily life and is committed to helping do the same for others. His greatest joy comes from his wife, Lauren and their three beautiful children.

Thank You, Elie Wiesel

July 5, 2016 by Matt Gewirtz

A rabbi’s thank you note to the late Elie Wiesel.

We Need To Memorialize More

June 8, 2016 by Matt Gewirtz

What turning fifty, losing a father, and celebrating ten years as a rabbi taught Matt Gewirtz about the importance of pausing for a moment to take in their power.

How Spirituality Can Help Us Lose Weight

May 11, 2016 by Matt Gewirtz

We are so used to discussions surrounded weight loss that involve physical solutions. But it could be just as likely that weight gain can be caused by our trying to fill a spiritual hole within, one which no diet will solve.

Rebranding Passover… And Judaism

April 18, 2016 by Matt Gewirtz

How the site JewBelong is trying to turn Passover, and all of Judaism, on its head: through branding.

Believing In Trump Is No Longer A Game

March 18, 2016March 17, 2016 by Matt Gewirtz

The grievances, issues, or disagreements we may have are no reason to vote for a dangerous man. And now that Trump is so far ahead, he is dangerous.

How I Learned What To Keep… And What To Let Go

February 17, 2016 by Matt Gewirtz

When his parents passed away, leaving him with a collection of mementos, Matt was suddenly confronted with how… and why… he saves the things he does.

What the Scientist Taught the Rabbi About Prayer

January 20, 2016January 20, 2016 by Matt Gewirtz

Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz describes a moment that forced him to look at his approach to prayer with fresh eyes.

Why We Should Raise Spiritual Children

January 14, 2016January 12, 2016 by Matt Gewirtz

Nothing frightens a suburban parent more than the prospect of his child getting into the car of a drunk driver. … Continue Reading

Grieving Loss Before a Death

December 10, 2015 by Matt Gewirtz

I foolishly thought burying my almost 91-year old father would have been easier than what my siblings and I went … Continue Reading

Stolen Wisdom, Shattered Trust

November 6, 2015November 6, 2015 by Matt Gewirtz

I was raised by two teachers. My parents taught me to respect and trust authority; to question with appreciation and … Continue Reading