Judaism's Top Talks

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 Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com. ...

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 National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com. ...

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 of the candles to the public building violated the First Amendment separation of church and state. The case went to the Supreme Court, which ruled in 1989 that the Chanukah display did not constitute government endorsement of religion. That landmark decision set a precedent for the thousands of public menorahs which will be displayed across the country starting on December 12, the first night of Chanukah. On December 6, two attorneys in the case, Jon Pushinsky, who represented the ACLU, and Charles H. Saul, who represented Chabad, presented the legal arguments for and against the constitutionality of the display of a menorah on public property at a special event at Chabad of Pittsburgh which is part of an ongoing JLI lecture series entitled “Great Debates in Jewish History.” ...