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.” ...

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

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: Jretreat.com. ...

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