Tzvee Zahavy is an expert in the fields of Judaism, Talmud and Jewish prayer. He is author of many books about rabbinic literature, rabbinic Judaism and studies of the classic Jewish liturgy.
He taught courses in Judaism, Jewish history and culture, world religions, and seminars in classical Hebrew texts. Taught the popular course at the University of Minnesota, "Introduction to Judaism" that enrolled up to 400 students each year. Taught "Introduction to Liturgy," and the "Liturgy of the Days of Awe" at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City.
His classic books include The Traditions of Eleazar Ben Azariah, Brown Judaic Studies, The Mishnaic Law of Blessings and Prayers: Tractate Berakhot, Brown Judaic Studies, The Talmud of the Land of Israel: Tractate Berakhot, University of Chicago Press, Studies in Jewish Prayer, University Press of America, The Talmud of Babylonia: An American Translation: Tractate Hullin, 3 volumes, Brown Judaic Studies. He has published many newer books available worldwide on Amazon in Kindle, paperback and hardcover editions.
Attended Yeshiva College and was graduated with a B.A. in mathematics as a member of Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honor society. Received a masters degree in Jewish History and rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University, where he studied for four years with the great sage, philosopher and Talmudist Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik.
After receiving PhD in Religious Studies from Brown University, was appointed to the faculty of the University of Minnesota where he was promoted to full professor. Served as chairman of his department and as director of the Center for Jewish Studies.
Was a visiting associate professor at the University of California at Berkeley and at the College of William and Mary. Lectured at Macalester College, the University of Notre Dame, St. John's University, University of California at San Diego, Easton College, Trinity College, Spertus College, and Bar Ilan University. He has been a visiting scholar at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and presented a paper at the World Congresses of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. Lectured to academics in Religious Studies and Jewish Studies in Shanghai, Beijing and Nanjing, China.
Received prestigious honors and grants including the Distinguished Teaching Award from the College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota, a National Endowment for the Humanities Grant and an American Council of Learned Societies Fellowship.
Was the principal investigator, of an IBM sponsored grant for developing software to assist in teaching Hebrew, and Director of a Wexner Foundation Grant.