Meet Rabbi Ben Greenfield
Ben Greenfield assumed the role of Rabbi at Greenpoint Shul in 2019. Originally from Los Angeles, Ben studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion, Yeshiva University, Oxford University, and Johns Hopkins, before receiving Semicha from Yeshivat Chovevei Torah.
Ben is a founder of the Upper West Side Moishe House, where he coordinated 200+ Jewish communal events for over 2,500 Manhattan Jews. He also served as the High Holiday and Passover Rabbi at Rikers Island. Before arriving in Greenpoint, Ben served as the Senior Interim Rabbi at Bais Abraham Congregation, in St. Louis, MO. He enjoys squash, faux-organic cooking, finger percussion, and schmoozing at kiddush, or otherwise.
Early Rabbinic Leadership
Rabbi Maurice Appelbaum served as Rabbi at the Greenpoint Shul from 2009-2019. During that time, Rabbi Appelbaum oversaw the growth of the community and membership as Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Long Island City enjoyed a renaissance in culture and population growth. Together with our lay leaders, he helped cultivate events such as monthly Friday night dinners with guest speakers, holiday programming, and other events which attracted a diverse group of attendees.
Rabbi Appelbaum recieved Semicha from Rabbi Avi Weiss at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah in Riverdale. Rabbi Appelbaum now serves as Rabbi Emeritus at the Greenpoint Shul.
Born April 29, 1910, in Zaboike, Galicia (Ukraine), Rav Jacob Zipper was Chazzan and Rabbi of Congregation Ahavas Israel from 1949-2007. As a young man, his beautiful voice earned him the title of "Angel of Tarnopol." Having survived World War II fighting in the Polish Army, Jacob and his wife, Rifcia, settled in Greenpoint in 1949. He assembled a wide circle of friends and admirers that included Chassidim, Polish immigrants, and many new arrivals to North Brooklyn. Thanks to his spirit, Congregation Ahavas Israel remains set up to serve Jews of all denominations.
Rav Zipper passed away on February 5, 2007, in Greenpoint. He is survived by nieces Rozia Hirsch and Rosalyn Suchow, great-nephews Eddy and Leon Friedfeld and Joseph Hirsch, great-niece Helene Hirsch-Wingens, and his caretaker for over 20 years, Irena Lefanowicz. He is reunited with his beloved Rifcia and has forever joined the choir of the angels. May his memory be a blessing for all.