Lectures

Chief of Police Michael P. Bruno of Tenafly, NJ, addresses parents and takes questions along with expert educator, Rabbi Yakov Horowitz. Moderated and hosted by Rabbi Mordechai Shain, executive director of Lubavitch on The Palisades.

In this first class of the series, Rabbi Friedman introduces and defines the general concept of idol worship before looking at specific “idols” of American society, starting with the worship of money.

Do we deserve to be here? Or is our existence an unearned gift? A sense of entitlement is the idolatrous notion that "If I exist, then I must be important."

Is taking care of yourself an inherent value? The difference between "self-improvement" and "improvement of self."

Serving G-d with joy is a virtue. So when does happiness become a false god? When there is a "pursuit of happiness." True happiness is to be content with what G-d gives you whereas idolatrous happiness is the desire for more than what you have.

Americans are a society of people who "love to love." But is love itself a value?

Today's society reveres famous people just for being famous. What is the difference between celebrityhood and true leadership?

Jewish educator, Rabbi Shmuel Lew, gives an overview of "Principals of Education and Guidance," a treatise by the sixth Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson. Rabbi Lew explains how the sixth Rebbe's book served as the basis for the educational approach of his successor, the seventh Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. (Presented at the Chabad and the Academy Conference at The University of Pennsylvania.)

Judaic scholar, Dr. Aryeh Solomon, conducted five years of intensive research into the writings of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. Solomon's research resulted in the first systematic analysis of Rabbi Schneerson's educational philosophy conducted according to strict academic criteria. Here he presents his findings highlighting key themes throughout the work of the Rebbe. (Presented at the Chabad and the Academy Conference at The University of Pennsylvania.)

Rabbi Shneur Zalman, founder of the Chabad school of Chasidism, uses the Sefirot to describe the relationship between teacher and student. Using practical examples, Dr. Loewenthal shows how this model has been applied by Chabad leadership in the modern era.

Rabbi Yaffe leads a discussion with a group of academics and rabbis at a conference for studying the teachings of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of righteous memory. He focuses on the emphasis placed by the Rebbe on teaching Jewish children to follow Jewish "minhagim" (customs).

No, this is not a time management seminar. Rather it is a close up look at the very first Biblical Commandment to the Jewish People – Be A Master of Your Time. In an era where technology allows us to accomplish in minutes what used to take days, one needs to ask, “where has all the free time gone?”

No matter how accomplished, happy, wealthy or talented you may be, at some point you’ll find yourself seeking a deeper meaning in life. You have read the works of every kind of philosopher, psychologist and spiritualist imaginable. It is time you look within – within your hearts, your souls, your heritage – and unleash the spirit within you.

The definition of greatness and heroism by Judaism is quite different than the way society today looks at them. What makes a hero? Who are your and your children’s heroes? Most importantly, how can you rise from a life of mediocrity and find that hero within?

The Jew has this unique ability to cry and laugh at the very same time. This lecture will glance at the past, present and future of our people – the lows and the highs, the crying and the laughter, and the “oy veys” and the joys.

From Ezekiel’s vision of the "dry bones" to the bond between generations and the phenomenon of supernatural events – past, present and future

This lecture will go beyond the abstract concept of the Holy Hosts, beckoning us to recognize the presence of angels in our own lives. A most inspirational and uplifting exercise.

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

In light of recent worrisome events in the world, Rabbi Bryski offers a classic Jewish formula for optimism in the face of adversity.

A compelling argument for the case that Jewish education must portray our ancestors not as individuals who once lived, but as people who are alive today.

“G-d, please grant me the serenity to accept that which cannot be changed; the courage to change that which can be changed; and the wisdom to know the difference.”

The journey of each individual as well as our collective journey as a people are described as part of a greater, G-dly plan.

In the opening session of this seminar, intellectual property lawyer, Frederick Pinto, gives a general introduction to the meaning and the history of intellectual property. He speaks about the future of the field and how the law will need to keep up as technology continues to advance.

Roger Hughes, one of the world's experts on intellectual property law, explains many of the anomalies and the oddities of the strange world of intellectual property.

Canadian Supreme Court Justice Marshall Rothstein presents several recent cases of intellectual property law. He examines the patentability of living beings such a genetically modified organisms and also talks about copyright as it applies to purchasing music online.

Rabbi Bell asks the question, "Does the concept of intellectual property have a source in Talmudic law?" He then cites various real cases throughout history where rabbis have attempted to settle disputes by answering this question.