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 your potential, and make you happier. It offers simple techniques, how to encourage optimistic behavior at work and in children. This lecture took place at the 10th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com. ...

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

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 the 10th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com. ...