Dr. Ari Greenspan – Biography

Dr. Ari Greenspan, DMD, is a full-time practicing dentist based in Jerusalem, Israel. He specializes in dental restorations and esthetic dentistry, including porcelain veneers, crowns, and bridges. Dr. Greenspan was the first dentist in Israel to implement digital dentistry, including CEREC CAD-CAM 3D restorations.

A U.S.-trained dentist, Dr. Greenspan is also a mohel, shochet, and sofer. He is a co-founder of the Ptil Tekhelet Association and has spent more than 30 years collecting Jewish traditions and mesorot from far-flung Jewish communities around the world.  Greenspan researches and writes on many topics of Jewish law,tradition and on far flung Jewish communities. He is deeply involved with emerging Jewish communities in Africa and Asia and is passionate about teaching and supporting small Jewish communities globally.

He pioneered the concept of the “exotic kosher dinner”, preserving disappearing kosher food traditions. A frequent contributor to Mishpacha Magazine, he also wrote a column on Jewish tradition in Otiyot, a Hebrew children’s magazine, and contributes to numerous other journals.

For over 25 years, Dr. Greenspan has also produced commercial Judaica art, working with wood, metal, and glass. Most recently, he completed the design and installation of the new Tekhelet Visitors Center and Museum in Kfar Adumim.

Scholar-in-Residence & Lecturer

Dr. Greenspan has lectured extensively across the globe to dental groups, synagogues, and Jewish schools. Locations have included:
San Antonio, Los Angeles, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, St. Louis, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Toronto, London, Germany, Bulgaria, Portugal, Croatia, Sarajevo, Addis Ababa, South Africa, India, and Israel.

His presentations combine multimedia, halachic exploration, archaeology, and hands-on workshops.

Sample Lecture Topics

Tekhelet and the Search for the Holy Snail

A multimedia journey exploring the halacha, history, archaeology, biology, and chemistry behind tekhelet. Dr. Greenspan shares the personal story of rediscovering the ancient dyeing process, including a live demonstration.

Exotic Kosher Animals

From peacocks to locusts, guinea hens to yak—this talk explores the halachic investigation into forgotten kosher animals. Discover traditions preserved in communities such as Yemen, Tunisia, and Djerba.

The Great Matzah Wars

How the Industrial Revolution clashed with ancient tradition: this lecture unpacks the dramatic halachic debates surrounding the introduction of machine-made matzah in the 19th century.

Exotic Jewish Communities

Take a halachic and cultural tour through unique Jewish communities—from Eritrea to Tunisia, Djibouti to Bahrain, and Morocco to Turkey. Stories include celebrating Yom Kippur in Addis Ababa and baking matzah in the mountains of Portugal.

The Halachic History of Coffee, Tea, Sugar, and Chocolate

Explore how these everyday staples were introduced to Jewish life, and how halacha shaped their use.

How to Tie Tzitzit

An engaging, hands-on workshop for parents and children—learn the techniques and leave with your very own handmade pair of tzitzit.

Crypto-Jews: Marranos of the Past and Anusim Today

Based on personal experience living among former Anusim in Portugal, this lecture delves into the historical and contemporary journeys of hidden Jews in Spain, Portugal, and New Mexico, including a deep dive into rabbinic responses over the centuries.

Jerusalem: A Halachic Tour of the Center of the World

An in-depth exploration of ancient and modern Jerusalem, with a focus on the Temple Mount. Includes rare, unpublished photos from beneath the Mount—its hidden gates and tunnels.

The Shofar: Halachic and Historical Insights

What animals can be used? How is a shofar made? Learn the traditions, halachot, and the fascinating history of blowing shofar on Shabbat.

Why Coca-Cola Is Forbidden During the Year and Permitted on Shabbat

A humorous yet insightful title for a session on the laws of chametz, mixtures (ta’arovot), and general kashrut—based on historical research into Rabbi Tobias Geffen’s correspondence with Coca-Cola in the 1920s.

Halachic Astronomy

A fascinating overview of timekeeping in Jewish law, how astronomy intersects with halacha, and how scholars—including Anusim and Talmudists—shaped our understanding of halachic times.

The Search for the Perfect Etrog

Uncover the halachic and botanical journey of the etrog. What is a murkav and why is it forbidden? Where do the world’s etrogim grow? Discover the “etrog wars” and the ancient significance of this symbolic fruit.

COVID-19: Pandemic, Contagion, and Disease in Rabbinic Literature

A timely lecture examining how pandemics and public health crises were understood and addressed in Jewish texts throughout history.