Judaism's Top Talks

Listen to highlights from a variety of first-rate speakers from past sessions of the National Jewish Retreat. The National Jewish retreat is the premier Jewish event of the year, bringing 1200 Jews of all backgrounds together for 5 days of learning, inspiration and good times. get a taste of it by listening to these excerpts ranging from Talmudic interpretation to fascinating first person human interest stories. Featuring speakers from all walks of Jewish life. Register at JRetreat.com

The Evolution of the Talmud- Rabbi Mordechai Dinerman

Join us on a journey through the rich history of Talmudic manuscripts and print editions. You will learn that although we don’t have manuscripts that can be definitively dated to before the twelfth century, a discerning eye can use extant manuscripts to hear distinct echoes of much older ones. Delve into the fascinating stories linked to the little-known Spanish and Portuguese printings that coincided with the end of Jewish life on the Iberian Peninsula and to Soncino’s controversial decision to place Tosafos on the page of the Gemara. Discover the introduction of folio numbers by Daniel Bomberg, and join us in the search for the first rabbi to utilize this revolutionary system. Finally, we’ll delve into the heartbreaking story of the burning of the Talmud in 1553 and the draconian censorship that followed, culminating in the notorious Basel edition.   This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

01-29
50:34

From Sinai To Cyberspace - Rabbi Yosef Shusterman

Unlock the history and development of Jewish law from Mount Sinai to modern times in this overview of 3,000 years of Jewish legal thinking. This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

06-10
40:02

The Meaning of Dreaming- Rabbi Mordechai Dinerman

Dreams can feel real and significant but they can also be products of our imagination. How can we distinguish between meaningful dreams and those to be disregarded? How can we interpret our enigmatic dreams and address the unsettling ones? It’s time to explore this topic through the lens of the Talmud and kabbalah.   This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

05-20
50:56

Great Debates in Judaism and Medicine - Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman

Discover the fascinating Jewish debates on questions of medical morality throughout history, from the ethics of reproduction to the question of when life ends. This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

05-13
55:20

Time to Flourish - Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky

Gain insights and tools for boosting your sense of happiness and connection through gratitude, kindness, and social interaction. This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

05-06
36:41

Yizkor: Here and Beyond- Rabbi YY Schochet

Join a compelling journey through the meaning of the Yizkor service, sure to stir your soul, invoke emotion, and offer comfort. This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

04-28
50:38

Miracle on the 101 Freeway- Rabbi Moshe Bryski

Hear the logic-defying story of Rabbi Moshe Bryski’s brush with death on the 101 freeway, his recovery, and the wisdom and inspiration he took from it all. This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

04-22
52:17

The History of the Blood Libel - Dr. Henry Abramson

Hear the inside story of how a twelfth-century episode of mass psychosis spawned the blood libel myth that still plagues Jewish communities today. This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

04-21
43:43

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Jews - Rabbi Pinchas Allouche

Gain insight into the routines and attitudes that create a successful Jewish life alongside practical tools for creating your success story. This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

04-15
44:35

Is Free Speech Jewish? - Rabbi Dovid Eliezrie

When it comes to freedom of speech, where does Judaism draw the line? Hear Judaism’s surprising perspectives on this hotly contested issue playing out across the country. This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

04-08
53:10

Get to Know Your Soul's Personality - Mrs. Rochel Schmukler

Gain key insight into human personality and harness timeless Jewish wisdom for personal growth and self-discovery. This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

04-01
48:22

Where Mitzvot Meet Mental Health - Rabbi Dr. Saul Haimoff

See how Jewish practice aligns with positive mental health habits to empower a more mindful and meaning-filled Jewish life.   This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

03-25
45:36

Decoding the Ketubah- Rabbi Mordechai Farkash

Uncover the workings of the cryptic Aramaic document that anchors every Jewish marriage. This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

03-18
49:52

The Aleph of Happiness- Brynna Barnholtz, Noa Buchris & Avin Kreisler

Why is it that so many people, despite having so much, are so unhappy? Hear three students of Jewish learning who teach on their college campuses share Judaism’s practical solution for a more fulfilling pursuit of happiness. This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

03-11
50:44

A Guided Tour Through the Afterlife- Rabbi Pinchas Taylor

Gain insight into Judaism’s belief in the afterlife in this guided tour through the stages of the soul’s journey after life on earth. This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

03-04
46:52

Heroic or Horrific: Masada on (Moot) Trial

What really happened at Masada, and who is at fault for the deaths which occurred? A federal judge presides over the proceedings. Join the jury, hear the expert testimony, and share your take. Featuring: Judge Nancy Miller, Expert wintesses: Dr. Henry Abramson and Rabbi Avraham Zajac, Prosecution: Dr. Martin Pritkin, Prosecutor: Mr. Rafi Kaplan This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

02-26
45:12

Together We Can: The Power of Community - Panel

The Year of Hakhel celebrates getting together with our community. Enjoy this panel discussion with Rabbi Pinchas Taylor, Mrs. Michal OShman and Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, on the necessity of social and spiritual connectedness to promote mental wellness and create a more healthy and integrated life. Plus, take home practical tips to make your neighborhood into a community. Moderated by Rabbi Dovid Goldstein   This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

02-19
48:54

Singing in the Rain: From Exile to Redemption- Rabbi Moshe Bryski

An enlightening new perspective on finding meaning in some of life’s most challenging moments.   This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

02-12
52:42

In Conversation with Holocaust Survivor Joseph Alexander - Mr. Joseph Alexander & Mrs. Esther Teichtel

Hear the chilling testimony of a 101-year-old Holocaust survivor as Joseph Alexander recounts his experience living through 12 concentration camps.   This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

02-05
35:43

Life Lessons From the Royal Family- Rabbi YY Schochet

Hear a firsthand account of encounters with the British royal family and gain compelling lessons for everyday life. This session took place at the 17th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

01-22
42:13

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