Grew up in Borough Park, Brooklyn, where both his grandfathers were Chassidic rebbes. He continued his Talmudic studies in rabbinical school and received his Ph.D. in philosophy from New York University.

Halberstam has taught at NYU and Teachers College, Columbia University, and is currently a professor at BCC/City University of New York, where he teaches philosophy and communications.

He is a frequent guest on television and National Public Radio, and a speaker for a wide array of audiences on philosophy, Judaism, and current social issues.