Judaism's Top Talks

Clothing makes the man, the saying goes. Discover the Jewish view on dress and modesty and the way we view ourselves through the prism of others.

The Holiday of Sukkot is celebrated by eating in a Sukkah. Discover the mystical significance of the holiday along with its connection to the HIgh Holidays.

Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day on the Jewsih Calendar. Delve into its spirituality, significance and mechanics in this 50-minute crash course covering the do's, dont's and why's.

Like all Jewish practices, the complex laws of the shofar blasts are rooted in the Talmud. Go back thousands of years into Jewish legal history to explore the origin of the shofar tradition and trace the way the law developed into the sequences practiced today.

Are the High Holidays a time for guilt, or an opportunity to realize one’s true essence? Why are the confessions sung during the Yom Kippur services instead of being solemnly recited? Join Rabbi YY Jacobson in this fascinating talk about the path to real repentance, and learn how to uncover the greatness and vast potential that lies within each one of us.

Is Shabbat just about relaxation? Or is there more? Can every day feel like Shabbat, or is that pointless?

Since the time of Freud, psychotherapy has focused on the negative aspects of the human psyche. But recent developments in cognitive psychology, affirm the importance of optimism to enhance the quality of life, and how anyone can learn to practice it. Using one of the most moving stories in the books of the Prophets, this talk explores the skills that can help break up depression, better develop y...

In 1979, conjoined twins were born to a Jewish family in the United States. The drama that followed shocked doctors, challenged the leading halachic minds of the time, and ultimately involved the Supreme Court. This talk will give fascinating insight into Judaism’s approach to some of the hot topics of modern day moral dilemmas. This lecture was delivered at the 8th annual National Jewish Retreat....

The feminist revolution in the 1970s aimed to create a better world by making men more like women, and women more like men. Jewish philosophy, however, focuses on the unique and different roles of men and women. Is this a contradiction? Does Judaism believe in gender equality? Join the author of bestseller To Be a Jewish Woman for a deeper look at this contentious issue. This lecture took place at...

On Shabbat, we transcend our mundane lives and reconnect with our Maker. Learn how to tap into the uniquely spiritual side of this day, even while eating Cholent. 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 most important ingredient of a successful marriage? This lecture was delivered at the 13th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit:  Jretreat.com .

What is the connection between a test, a miracle and a banner? Mrs.  Rochel Holzkenner  shares some of her life story, about an auto accident, problems with infertility, and giving birth to a special needs baby. She defines how tests and miracles are intertwined and what the banner is for. This lecture was delivered at the 7th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register fo...

As Jews, we have a responsibility to forgive those who genuinely seek it, yet doing so is fraught with difficulties - if not outright dangers - if we cannot or should not forget the infraction. In this session, we will wade into these murky waters and emerge with surprising clarity. This lecture was delivered at the 14th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the...

When Sarah was told that, at her late age, she would have a child, she laughed, and later named her son Isaac after her laughter. Since that time, we know that life and laughter are conjoined. If you are looking for a little levity, this discussion is for you looking at the comedy of life and the Jewish jokes that make it so funny. This lecture was delivered at the 14th annual National Jewish Retr...

To save a life is one of the greatest mitzvot that one can perform. At the same time, however, it is axiomatic that we cannot save a life by ending another. The time of death, then, becomes a subject of utmost importance. Is there a halachic definition of death? Does it correspond with the medical-legal definition? And how does this affect the halachic prospects of cadaveric organ donation? This l...

On seven occasions recorded in the Torah, G-d intervenes in the lives of a person or people and encourages them to take a step forward. In this talk, we explore how to overcome the seven basic emotions that hold us back from actualizing our G-d-given potential. This lecture was delivered at the 13th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: ...

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902–94), the seventh leader of the Lubavitcher movement, is best known as simply “The Rebbe.” This panel offers an intimate view into his writings from scholars entrusted with collecting, translating, and spreading his wisdom. Presented in honor of the Rebbe's Yahrtzeit on 3 Tammuz. Learn more about the Rebbe by visiting therebbe.org This panel was featured at th...

There is an age-old Chasidic adage: Think good, and it will be good. Explore the fascinating ability our mind has to determine reality. This lecture was delivered at the 13th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit:  Jretreat.com .

How do you create and maintain lasting relationships? What is the secret to lifelong romance? Discover the secrets to authentic, enduring relationships. This lecture was delivered at the 13th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit:  Jretreat.com .

Take off your wings. No leaps of faith here! In honor of Shavuot, join  Professor Lawrence Keleman  as he takes a strictly academic approach to verifying the revelation at Mount Sinai. Professor Keleman explores every possible avenue through which the Torah could have been written and transmitted by a human being. With complete intellectual honesty, he uses logic and reason to show the outcomes of...

If you’re born Jewish, you’re Jewish no matter what. You’re bound by the laws of the Torah and branded with the title “Jew.” Is that fair? Did you choose to be Jewish? A stunning analysis of free choice forces us to reconsider the nature of our commitment to Judaism. This lecture was delivered at the 8th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, vis...

Why are Jews so preoccupied with Torah study? With a whole world to discover, why do young and old spend their free time poring over ancient texts? By understanding the cosmic fireworks that explode each time we hit the books and sit down to study we are able to appreciate why Torah learning plays such a pivotal role in Jewish life. This lecture was delivered at the 8th annual National Jewish Retr...

When Rabbi Benjamin Blech was asked by the Lubavitcher Rebbe to go on a speaking tour in the Far East, he balked. The counsel the Rebbe gave Rabbi Blech changed his outlook on Jewish identity forever, and inspired his philosophy of a Jewish solidarity that disregards our individual differences. This lecture was delivered at the 8th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to regist...

What does Moshiach really mean? How will my life change? Should I be excited about his coming? A no-holds barred session about the end of days. This lecture took place at the 12th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit:  Jretreat.com .

The coming of the Messiah (Mashiach) will be a game-changer. In addition to peace on earth, the return of the dead, and our reunion in Israel, the Messianic Age will bring specific aspects of halachah (Jewish law), including pigs becoming kosher: Imagine that! This lecture was delivered at the 14th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit:  J...