Judaism's Top Talks

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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. Join us at this year's Retreat in Atlanta on August 10-15. Register at JRetreat.com

National Jewish Retreat


    • Mar 27, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 48m AVG DURATION
    • 145 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Judaism's Top Talks

    Calling All Heroes - Rabbi Moshe Bryski

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2023 50:21


    We’re all fascinated by heroes, from childish dreams of superheroes to real-life heroes who put their lives on the line. But did you know that there’s a “Hero Code” waiting just under the surface inside every one of us? Learn to mirror your innate heroic qualities in your life. This lecture was delivered at the 16th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    The Jewish Response to Racism - Rabbi Simon Jacobson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2023 51:20


    How does Judaism react in the face of senseless racist hatred? And how should we think about racial issues? This lecture was delivered at the 16th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    Kosher in the Post Covid Age- Rabbi Berel Bell

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2023 55:54


    The recent upheavals surrounding Covid have transformed many aspects of our lives. When it comes to Kosher food, can we even trust what the label says? Find out how the world of Kosher food has changed in the 2022 Kosher Update. This lecture was delivered at the 16th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    The Greatest Jewish Joke Ever Written - Rabbi Mendel Kalmenson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2023 46:44


    Explore the history of Jewish humor and the humor ofJewish history. This lecture was delivered at the 16th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    Toward Jewish Mindfulness

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2023 51:21


    Jewish spirituality grounds our minds, emotions, and behaviors in a loving and compassionate life of Mitzvot. Mindfulness training cultivates an awareness of “what is happening” without being swept along by judgments and emotions. Are they compatible? This lecture was delivered at the 16th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    Assess Your Spiritual Side - Yekusiel JD Kalmenson

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2023 45:20


    This interactive session challenges you to engage your view of spirituality. Asking the questions you’ve been wondering about, we’ll introspect, discover our assumptions, and consider new perspectives. This session took place at the 16th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    The Awakened Brain - Dr. Lisa Miller

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2023 44:53


    Whether it’s meditation, a nature walk, reading a sacred text, or saying a prayer, there are many ways to tap into a heightened awareness of the world and your place in it. A leading expert illuminates the surprising science of spirituality and its application to our lives. This session took place at the 16th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    Change the Way You See Things and the Things You See Will Change - Rabbi Dovid Vigler

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 59:57


    Can bad things really come from a good G-d? This lecture was delivered at the 16th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    A Light Unto the Nations - Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2023 47:24


    If the Jewish people are G-d’s ambassadors on earth, how does that affect how we act and how other people see us? Discover what being G-d’s ambassador truly means, and recognize that somebody’s keeping an eye on you wherever you go.

    The Holy Temple Within - Mrs. Leah Rosenfeld

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2023 47:44


    Each of us embodies a minature version of the Holy Temple which once stood in Jerusalem. Learn how to navigate your soul, its purpose and your impact on the world. This lecture was recorded at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. Visit Jretreat.com to learn more and sign up to upcoming Retreats.

    Entering Into the Mind of G-d - Rabbi Laibl Wolf

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2023 46:39


    Project G-d’s mind onto the screen of time and space, and voila, you get our physical world. Join us as we unfold the matrix of creation, and realize our role as G-d’s partner in an unfinished creation. We’ll look at human psychology and the way the universe is contained within our person and life.

    What G-d Does to Your Brain- Dr. Andrew Newberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2023 42:54


    Neuroscientist Andrew Newberg draws on his years of research as he explores the measurable effect belief in G-d has on your brain, your health, and your mental wellbeing.

    A Chassidic Response to Unfathomable Tragedy - Rabbi Shalom Lipskar

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2022 57:15


    When the Surfside Condominiums collapsed on June 24, 2021, Rabbi Sholom Lipsker was just up the block. Hear the story of his personal involvement in an unfathomable communal tragedy, and the community's responce in the aftermath.

    How To Win Friends and Influence People: The Jewish Way - Mrs. Rochel Holzkenner

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2022 59:47


    Explore the Jewish guide to social skills and interpersonal relationship. Learn core insights gleaned from Tanya’s 32nd Chapter, you’ll wish you’d known sooner.

    Seizing Life's Moments - Rabbi Moshe Bryski

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2022 57:43


    Every human being is both who they are and who their G-dly potential says they can become. Life hands us myriads of opportunities to put these two dimensions into sync. The key to a meaningful and impactful life lies in seizing these moments.

    Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? - Rabbi YY Jacobson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2022 53:10


    Atheism has one major advantage: it explains evil elegantly. But how does the man of faith approach this question? In a letter penned in 1965 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe to Noble Laureate Eli Wiesel, the Rebbe discusses the questions of all questions. This lecture took place at the 11th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    Bible Criticism: Critiquing the Critics - Rabbi Dr. J. Immanuel Schochet

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2022 74:25


    Did G-d communicate to human beings all that He would like us to be doing down here? How do we know we heard G-d at Sinai? Who wrote the Torah? G-d? Moses? A committee of authors? How do we deal with apparent contradictions and inconsistencies which “academia” claims to “discover” in the Torah? Can a modern, reasonable, educated person still believe that the Torah is literally the word of G-d? If any of these questions have ever bothered you, or if you would like to better prepared to answer others when they ask, this seminar is for you. This lecture was delivered at the 4th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    Does G-d Love You? - Rabbi Aryeh Weinstein

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2022 27:12


    The commandment tells us, "And you shall love G-d," but what about the reverse? Does G-d, can G-d, love us back? Does that mean we can't get him upset? Explore the relationship of a lifetime.

    Celebrating the Service Driven Life- Rabbi David Aaron

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2022 40:49


    Discover how Torah’s spiritual technology enables us to live with purpose, passion, and power, and to fill our days with greater goodness and ultimate joy. This lecture was delivered at the 13th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    The Road to Happiness -Rabbi Mordechai Dinerman

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2022 61:30


    This talk will use Jewish perspectives on trauma, loss, and consolation, to con-sider the psychological challenges that such situations present. The wisdom of Jew-ish approaches in providing comfort and steering us towards healthy adaptations will be highlighted, in the face of psychological research. This lecture took place at the 12th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    Pro-Life or Pro-Choice?- Rabbi Tzvi Flaum

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2022 48:48


    In this session abortion will be addressed, one of the most polarizing issues in contemporary discourse, from the perspective of Jewish law and ethics. Does a woman always have the right to terminate her pregnancy? Or does life begin at conception, and destroying a fetus tantamount to murder? This lecture was delivered at the 9th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    The Power of Positive Thinking- Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2022 34:27


    Do thoughts really impact reality? Explore the power of positivity in this exploration of the expression, "Tracht Gut Vet Zein Gut", Think good and it will be good.

    The Secret of the Snake & The Garden of Eden Rabbi DovBer Pinson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2022 69:35


    As we strat the Torah anew, explore the strange story in Genesis of Adam and the Tree of Knowledge with Kabbalist Rabbi Dovber Pinson.

    Sukkot and the Four Species: Finding Individuality Within Unity - Mrs. Shimona Tzukernik

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2022 19:31


    Explore the Four Species which are taken on Sukkot: the Lulav, Etrog, Myrtle and Willow, and their representation in our lives.

    Teshuva: Time Travel - Rabbi Pinchas Taylor

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2022 39:59


    Change sins to merits with one simple discovery. Through teshuvah, repentence, we can lessen past sins and even change some to merits. Rabbi Pinchas Taylor shows how science is coming to support different approaches to time and space, which have always been known in Jewish mystical literature.

    Pulling from the Past to Fuel the Future: The Power of Teshuvah - Mrs. Dassie New

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2022 49:59


    The Talmud teaches, “A baal teshuvah stands in a place where even the most righteous cannot stand.” What is teshuvah (repentance)? Is it just saying, “I’m sorry”? That’s hardly grand! Discover the power of teshuvah, Judaism’s gift of redemptive transformation.

    Pull Weeds and Plant Seeds: A Pre-Rosh Hashanah Gardening Lesson - Rabbi Lazer Gurkow

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2022 33:19


    As you prepare for the New Year, take stock of the past one and plan for the future.

    Living a Superhuman Life - Rabbi Ari Sollish

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2022 61:11


    We expend so much time and energy chasing our dreams, but does it come at the expense of our integrity and happiness? Jewish teachings turn our quest on its head, and place the keys to our greatest dreams firmly in our hands. Learn how to navigate the incredible path Judaism sets for us to achieve a truly superhuman life.

    Who's in Charge?- Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2022 41:58


    Have you ever been shocked by something you did? In this session, we explore how our “inner games”—our thoughts and moods—shape who we are and what we do. This lecture was delivered at the 14th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    Love Tales from the Talmud - Rabbi Dov Greenberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2022 57:25


    In the thick tomes of the Talmud are buried stories of romance and courtship that rival today’s best novels. It seems that the Sages were as much experts in affairs of the heart as they were in Jewish law. But what lessons do these heartwarming episodes have for us? Can the flame of love that flickered centuries ago cast light on our lives today? This lecture took place at the 9th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    Finding Your Mission in Life - Charlie Harary

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2022 49:16


    Without some greater goal to aim for, life is a boring cycle of sleep, eat, work, repeat. We each should have a mission, something that drives us and gives meaning to our lives. Living with this awareness adds color to grey, spice to the bland. Discover how we can connect to our purpose as individuals, and as part of the Jewish nation. This lecture took place at the 9th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    You Will Yet Live Again - Rabbi Pinchas Taylor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2022 51:07


    Were you someone else in a previous lifetime? Will you come back as your pet? A fascinating tour of the Jewish view on the mystery of reincarnation. This lecture was delivered at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    The Case for Marriage - Rabbi YY Jacobson

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2022 72:26


    With the institution of marriage decaying at an alarming rate, it’s time for an honest discussion on love and relationships. In a world that is more connected than ever, why do we sometimes feel so alone? How did family, friends and spouses become strangers to one another? Dive into the human psyche as we identify what makes people click and how our society can find love once more. This lecture was delivered at the 8th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    marriage dive rabbi yy jacobson
    Repairing Rainbows- Mrs. Lynda Fishman

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2022 38:30


    At age 13, Lynda’s mother and sisters died in a plane crash. Her father was shattered and she was left to fend for herself. Her memoir, Repairing Rainbows, shares how she found the courage, tenacity, and strength to become happy and lead a meaningful life. This lecture was delivered at the 14th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    The Hazards of Loneliness - Rabbi Manis Friedman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2022 53:04


    Are you lonely? This lecture was delivered at the 14th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    Unleashing Your Power for Abundance - Rabbi David Aaron

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2022 56:52


    We live in a world of make-believe because the world, as we experience it, is actually made of what we believe about ourselves and God. Some say that seeing is believing, but Kabbalah teaches us that believing is seeing. “Bold and Blessed” is about having the courage to reclaim and activate your power to open the floodgates of abundance. This lecture was delivered at the 13th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    The Impossible Dream: The Audacity of Jewish Resilience- Rabbi Shais Taub

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2022 24:32


    What is the secret to Jewish continuity? A little Chutzpah and a lot of Mazal. This address was given at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    Are Torah and Psychology Compatible? -Rabbi Simon Jacobson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2022 49:54


    Discover the history of renown psychologist Viktor Frankl, how he developed his school of psychology, and the fateful message delivered to him by the Lubavitcher Rebbe that saved all of his work. Learn how Frankl’s work differs and is superior to the Freudian and Adlerian psychology. For more information, please visit: www.torahpsychology.org.

    The Rebbe's Positivity Bias - Rabbi Mendel Kalmenson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2022 60:23


    The Rebbe inspired hundreds of thousands of lives with his determination to see the good in every person and situation. Hear the amazing stories, and discover the awesome and transformative power of positivity. This lecture took place at the 12th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    Why Laughter Is a Lifesaver - Rabbi Abba Perelmuter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2022 41:47


    In this workshop brimming with Kosher humor, Rabbi Abba Perelmuter offers advice on how to deal with life’s challenges in a most effective way - with joy. Rabbi Perelmuter has been moving audiences across the US with his seemingly endless reserve of comical anecdotes. In this lecture he provides comic-laden insightsfor better daily interactions with our families, friends and even ourselves. This lecture was delivered at the 8th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    Is G-d in Heaven or on Earth? - Rabbi Shais Taub

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2022 54:00


    The Psalmist says, "The heavens are for G-d, and the Earth is for mankind." But is this the case? What does a spiritual G-d want to do with a physical Earth? Can there be something about this world we are not seeing? This lecture was delivered at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    The Living Torah: From Sinai to Cyberspace Rabbi Chaim Block

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2022 58:23


    Has Judaism evolved? Explore the development of the written and oral Torah, the twin traditions that stretch back to Sinai. Learn how to use ancient halachic principles to find solutions to contemporary dilemmas. You will put the eternality of Torah to the test by scrutinizing its relevance today.

    Inclusion and the Power of the Individual - Rabbi Ari Sollish

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2022 46:54


    Inclusion is an important social issue of our time, and rightly so. A society can be judged by how it values and treats every single member. How ought we relate to people with differences, and how can we create more inclusive communities that nurture the gifts of every individual? This lecture was delivered at the 14th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    The Gift of Jewish Giving - Panel Discussion

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2022 51:45


    Sharing an etymological root with tzedek (justice), tzedakah (charity) is a central Jewish ethic featured in many holidays and highlighted in the Talmud. Learn from Jewish philanthropists, as well as the founder of The Jewish giving Pledge, why they give, where they give, and what they get. This panel was featured Mrs. Pamela Dubin, Mr. Mike Leven, Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz & Mr. Eyal Postelnik at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    Navigating Life in an Uncertain World - Dr. Rona Novick

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2022 53:36


    The future is unknown and sometimes frightening. Learn the tools for managing the stress of everyday life and the curve balls thrown at us along the way. This lecture was delivered at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    The Language of Hope and Science of Change - Dr. Deborah Teplow

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2022 47:02


    Judaism is a religion of holy words, and through our words, we serve Hashem. Our words also shape our reality. Optimize the power of your words to transform your life and the lives of others. This lecture was delivered at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    Spirituality Is Simple - Mr. Smitty Grider & Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2022 52:32


    Adding spirituality to your life can be simple and a valuable tool for engaging with all the "stuff" that comes your way. A conversation between a rabbi and a therapist about small steps you can take to make yourself less angry and more present and accepting of yourself and others. This session took place at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    Of Medicine, Miracles, and Mindsets- Mrs. Chaya Rochel & Rabbi Elie Estrin

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2022 68:22


    Embark on the story of a remarkable medical journey. When their child was diagnosed in utero with complex congenital heart and gastrointestinal defects, Elie and Chaya Rochel Estrin knew they had a challenging ride ahead. Inspired by the Jewish approach to life, the Estrins battled for their baby's life despite dire predictions of a six-hour lifespan. This lecture was delivered at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

    jewish rabbi mindsets embark rochel estrin medicine miracles
    Leaving Our Personal Slavery - Mrs. Sara Esther Crispe

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2022 43:17


    Mrs. Crispe takes a lesson from the Exodus of Egypt and applies it our daily lives and personal growth.

    Seder Customs and Symbols Explained - Rabbi Menachem Wolf

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 25:06


    Explore the Passover Seder through a mystical lens from beginning to end.

    Mental Housekeeping - Dr. Rona Novick

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2022 50:17


    The average person has 6,200 thoughts every day. Are they substantial or just fleeting? Should we value all of them? Just some of them? A look at the psychological and Torah view on these brain flashes. This lecture was delivered at the 15th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.

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