Judaism's Top Talks

What does an unexplored correspondence between psychoanalyst Carl Jung and Alcoholics Anonymous cofounder Bill W. reveal about the spiritual component of addiction? How does it help us understand something that the Chasidic masters taught about the human need to connect with G-d? Learn all that as you hear the fascinating story of how the 12 Step Program of Alcoholics Anonymous began. This lecture...

How do we get the oil out without crushing the olive? Rabbi  Dov Yona Korn  begins with Purim and the Jew’s acceptance of the Torah even though they are in exile, and struggling with existence. Why is it that when Jews are crushed they stand strong in their observance, and yet when in an environment of freedom and acceptance huge numbers run to assimilate and intermarry. Rabbi Korn, with his exube...

G-d is great--for your mental, physical, and spiritual health. Neuroscientist Andrew Newberg discusses the benefits of faith based on new evidence culled from brain-scan studies, a wide-reaching survey of people's religious and spiritual experiences, and analyses of adult drawings of G-d. This lecture was delivered at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register fo...

The 2020 Pew Study, released in May 2021, is the subject of talk around town, and many are worried about the future of Judaism in America. Hear some of the study’s findings and what they mean from rabbis, community leaders, and educators. Sometimes the numbers don’t tell the whole story. This panel comprising of Rabbi Dr. Michael Berger , Rabbi Chaim Bruk,    Rabbi Moshe Bryski ,  Mrs. Holly Cohen...

Let's face it: the Rabbis have added many strictures in Judaism. What's the deal? What gives them the authority anyways? Put your reservations about rabbinic Judaism to bed in this important journey. This lecture was delivered at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit:  Jretreat.com .

As the world has seen a rise in antisemitism in city streets and on university campuses, what can we do to ebb the tide? Should we be fighting back? This address was given at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit:  Jretreat.com .

A conversation between, Mrs. Dana Gavin,   Mrs. Chana Greenstein ,  Ms. Basya Hans ,   Mrs. Shaindy Jacobson ,   Mrs. Ya'el Roth. Peek into the personal and professional lives of four successful, happy-to-be-Jewish women on the journey of life. Unapologetic and with unmatched spirit, each of the diverse panelists will share what propels her in her mission, fusing faith and modernity. Together, the...

As a Chaplain in the US Air Force and a member of the Aleph Institute, Rabbi Estrin has helped Jews in all branches of the US Military. A peek into this little-known Jewish community and their unique experiences with sometimes humorous and sometimes tragic outcomes. This lecture was delivered at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, vis...

Modern science has uncovered many mysteries regarding life, but it has little to say about death. Join Rabbi Manis Friedman for an excursion to a place from which we can see what awaits us all. The good news is that we will travel roundtrip. This lecture was delivered at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit:  Jretreat.com .

Resilience is considered key to surviving and thriving through difficult periods in our lives. How do we build our resilience, enabling us to continue in the face of adversity? This lecture was delivered at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit:  Jretreat.com .

Meet a Jew from the other side of the world, and an instant connection is formed. Are we more than just a people? Lessons from the Lubavitcher Rebbe on love, leadership, and caring about the individual. This lecture was delivered at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit:  Jretreat.com .

When you hear the word “sober,” do you think of alcohol or drugs? But could it be that we are addicted to our emotions as well? Discover the next frontier in recovery—and a helpful tool for everyone–that allows you to stay focused and grow in every area of your life. For the lecture by Rabbi Taub that Dr. Berger references,  click here . This lecture was delivered at the 15th annual National Jewis...

How many times have you fallen short of the goals you set for yourself to do better in the coming year? Change is hard, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn the secrets to lasting, positive change using a breakthrough, science-based approach This lecture was delivered at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit:  Jretreat.com .

While Jewish divorce rates lag behind the general population, they seem to be on the rise. What can we do to save ourselves, our relationships, and each other. A lesson for the unmarried and the married alike. This lecture was delivered at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit:  Jretreat.com .

Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people, has always held a place in the heart of every Jew. Now, with the 50th anniversary of its reunification, what role does Jerusalem play in our lives? This lecture took place at the 12th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit:  Jretreat.com .

Does it really matter what we think if we don’t ever speak those thoughts, let alone act on them? Isn’t daydreaming harmless? Aren’t our actions all that really count? Learn how our thoughts are the basis for how we interact with the world around us, and discover just how much power they have, and more importantly, how much power we have over them. This lecture was delivered at the 13th annual Nat...

Giant menorahs in front of government buildings and in public squares have become a staple of the Holiday season and Jewish cultural and religious life, but the pioneering public menorahs of the 80’s faced stiff legal battles. In 1986, Chabad-Lubavitch of Pittsburgh erected its annual menorah display in front of City-County Building. The American Civil Liberties Union sued, claiming the proximity...

Thanksgiving may be recognized as an American holiday, but is it considered a Jewish one? Learn about the history of Jews and Thanksgiving as well as the power of gratitude and how to bring it into our everyday lives.

We hold these truths to be self-evident: You are infinitely greater then you think you are. How to get there? There’s a part of you that’s intrinsically bound up with the greatest of all things—G-d Himself. The more you can reach inward and unpack that explosive reality, the more you’ll discover unconditional, joyous love for yourself and others. This lecture took place at the 12th annual National...

If you ask people what Abraham contributed to the world, many will say, “monotheism.”. However, monotheism already existed. Abraham introduced something even more revolutionary. Join us to learn more about the special gift that Abraham gave to the world. This lecture was delivered at the 14th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit:  Jretrea...

Our prayers lead us deep inside as a way of connecting with an infinitely spiritual cosmos. Might there be a place within us akin to the Holy Temple? If so, how may we find it? This lecture was delivered at the 14th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit:  Jretreat.com .

What is the afterlife? Rabbi Friedman’s sensitive and meaningful approach illuminates the Jewish concept of the hereafter. This discussion includes practical applications of the core concepts of the soul and the afterlife on the here and now. This enjoyable talk is riddled with anecdotes including a fascinating story about Sara Ferguson, the Duchess of York. This lecture was delivered at the 8th a...

Speech is our defining characteristic as human beings and the foundation of any healthy relationship. But communicating clearly is the trick. Learn how to express your feelings of need, hurt, and criticism in a constructive and positive manner so that you will truly be heard. This lecture was delivered at the 13th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next re...

Facing unthinkable peril and upheaval, with traditions upended, spouses and children sent to death camps, and torn from their traditional roles, Jewish women performed truly heroic deeds during the Holocaust. Join us for an inspiring discussion of their sacrifices and courage. This lecture was delivered at the 14th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next r...

How can we overcome the anxiety of our transient lives to find serenity and happiness, when the fear of death, uncertainty, and insecurity haunt us daily? The Torah teaches us to live for the moment and cram everlasting meaning into our lives. Living in the here and now is not only the key to serenity, but the secret to making every moment momentous.