Issues & Controversies

Did the Torah really come from heaven, or is it a product of powerful human imagination? An unapologetic response to bible criticism.

Was Torah progressive enough in its creation? Is capital punishment just? What about slavery and animal sacrifices mentioned in the Torah? Questions and Answers to Bible Criticism

Rabbi Yossy Goldman, one of South Africa’s most prominent pulpit rabbis, explores the old/new question: Why the Jews? This talk was part of a symposium on anti-Semitism in Johannesburg, SA.

Could a document written thousands of years ago in the desert have practical applications to our lives in a modern world? The difference between religion and culture.

What religion should one choose? Does any other religion fit for the Jew? In this fascinating lecture Rabbi Schochet, a leader in responding to missionaries, disputes their claims.

Does Judaism leave room for pluralism? By understading Unity, one of the basic cconcepts in Jewish thought and belief, we can explore this question.

Through humor and inspirational stories, this lecture will examine the deep and awesome dynamics of the Jewish soul and its identity.

What is the Jewish attitude towards money and making a livelihood? What economic system does the Torah advocate? What are our responsibilities as a community?

Recently some atheists in academia have launched venomous attacks on religion and belief in G-d. Join us for an up-close examination of religious belief under the critical light of reason.

Why do the righteous suffer? Rabbi Friedman examines the source of the question and redirects our thinking about Divine justice and our place in the vast eternal plan, thereby moving us to a better understanding of ourselves.

Do bad things happen at all? For this we need to better understand the nature of divine providence and free choice.

The akeida, binding of Isaac, represents the epitome of self sacrifice in the Jewish tradition; what distinguishes Abraham from the many others who sacrificed their life because of their faith?

The entire subject of astrology is something that leaves many people scratching their heads, wondering if it’s merely in the realm of the gullible. Yet there are ample references in Judaic sources….

This class addresses the controversy of the Jews as the Chosen People, what it means and how it differs from others who claim to be special.

This class addresses the Torah view on astrology, constellations and the zodiac: the mystical concept of ‘mazal’.

The Torah perspective on vegetarianism and the deeper significance of food in Jewish life.

From the perspective of Kabbalah, we will examine the inner meaning of the custom of the blessing of the sun and reflect upon its relevance within the framework of current events in the world today.

The issue of organ donation is riddled with controversy and moral questions. Explore the halachic perspective on the legality and limitations of donating and selling organs.

The issue of organ donation is riddled with controversy and moral questions. Join us as we probe the ethics and morality associated with organ donation.

Once an evangelical pastor, Yaakov Parisi shares the fascinating story of his lifelong journey to becoming Jewish. Recorded at Chabad of Oxford University.

Rabbi Nissen Mangel was a 10-year-old child when he came to the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz. There he witnessed unspeakable atrocities, but he also witnessed amazing acts of faith. In this moving and powerful talk, Rabbi Mangel tells his firsthand account of what he saw. (Many viewers may find details described to be extremely disturbing. Viewer discretion advised.)

Noted scholars and experts in their fields share their knowledge at the Oxford University Chabad Society.