National Jewish Retreat 2026: Full Schedule

Schedule is tentative and subject to change.

9:15am EDT

Together Again: The Relationships That Make or Break Our Lives

Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT

At the end of the day, life is measured less by what we achieve and more by who we share it with. Yet the relationships that matter most often receive the least intentional attention. Drawing on timeless Jewish wisdom and real-world experience, Rabbi Dovid Cohen explores what it takes to build stronger marriages, healthier families, deeper friendships, and the kind of lasting connections that give life its greatest meaning.

Speakers

Rabbi Dovid M. Cohen

Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

9:15am EDT

Way More Than Waymo: The Ethics of Programming—Who Lives and Who Dies

Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT

Ivanka

As autonomous vehicles take the wheel, they inherit humanity’s most unsettling responsibility: deciding who lives and who dies in a split-second crisis. This session explores the real-life moral dilemmas now being coded into our cars and asks who bears responsibility when machines make life-and-death choices. At the intersection of cutting-edge AI and timeless Jewish ethics, we confront a provocative question: Who—if anyone—has the right to program the “correct” decision?

Speakers

Rabbi Yechiel Krisch

Rabbi Yechiel Krisch is a science journalist and rabbi. His coverage of biomedicine, technology, environmental issues, space, mathematics, and health policy has appeared in The New York Times, Scientific American, The Atlantic, and numerous other publications. As an ordained rabbi... Read More →

Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT
Ivanka

Lecture

9:15am EDT

When the Rebbe Challenged Me: Personal Encounters That Changed the Way I Live

Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT

Crystal

Behind-the-scenes encounters you won’t hear anywhere else: personal attention, a blunt call to maturity, a life-changing directive on marriage and family, an Israeli political storm, and intimate moments in the Rebbe’s home and at the Ohel on Gimmel Tammuz.

Speakers

Rabbi Dovid Eliezrie

Rabbi Dovid Eliezrie is a senior Chabad shliach in Yorba Linda, California. He is the author of Undaunted, a biography of the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe. His first book, The Secret of Chabad, was honored by the National Jewish Book Award. Rabbi Eliezrie is active in national and global Jewish affairs, serving on the Board of the Jewish Agency for Israel and as president of the Rabbinical Council of Orange County, California... Read More →

Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT
Crystal

Lecture

10:20am EDT

Building a World through Kindness: Rebuilding a Fractured World—One Act at a Time

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT

Crystal

In a world that often feels fractured and uncertain, what is the one force that can truly hold it together? Drawing on timeless Torah wisdom and powerful real-life stories, this lecture reveals how even the smallest act of kindness carries the power to transform lives—and shape the future of our world. Sometimes, a single moment of compassion can echo across generations.

Speakers

Rabbi Moshe Bryski

Rabbi Moshe Bryski is the director and spiritual leader of Chabad of the Conejo in Agoura Hills, California. He oversaw the establishment of numerous neighboring Chabad centers and founded the Conejo Jewish Academy, an adult Jewish education institution serving 3,000 students annually... Read More →

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT
Crystal

Lecture

10:20am EDT

Halachah in the Hot Seat

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT

White & Gold 2

From modern dilemmas to timeless debates, join Rabbi Yosef Marlow as he dives into the burning questions on the minds of today’s Jewish world. Whether it’s technology, ethics, or everyday challenges, we’ll explore how eternal Torah wisdom guides us through the complexities of the present.

Speakers

Rabbi Yosef Marlow

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

10:20am EDT

I Lived in a Drug Rehab for Five Years: How I Built Successful Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Facilities, and What I Learned about Recovery

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT

White & Gold 1

The creation of my company was not only via business development but also with Torah and
Divine Providence. And ultimately what I experienced living in the rehab for many years has
become quite useful for those who want to learn about this devastating addiction crisis.

Speakers

Rabbi David Nesenoff

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

10:20am EDT

Trust and Your Gut: How Faith, Stress, and Health Are More Connected Than You Think

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:20am - 11:10pm EDT

Ivanka

We carefully monitor what we eat, how much we exercise, and how well we sleep. But what about the health of the soul? Join Rabbi Manis Friedman for a fascinating exploration of the connection between faith, purpose, and well-being. Discover why human beings may be wired for belief, and how a healthy spiritual life can profoundly impact the way we think, feel, and live.

Speakers

Rabbi Manis Friedman

Rabbi Manis Friedman is a world-renowned author, lecturer, philosopher, co-founder of the Bais Chana Institute of Jewish Studies, and founder of It’s Good to Know website. He is the most popular rabbi on YouTube and is the author of numerous books on relationships and ethics including, The... Read More →

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:20am - 11:10pm EDT
Ivanka

Lecture

11:25am EDT

Order Confirmed. Gratitude Pending. Why Demanding More Is Short-Circuiting Your Miracles

Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT

White & Gold 1

We're constantly refreshing the page, waiting for the next blessing to arrive. But what if the miracle has already been delivered? Charlene Aminoff shares a powerful perspective on gratitude, faith, and learning to recognize what's already in your hands.

Speakers

Mrs. Charlene Aminoff

Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

11:25am EDT

The Forgiveness Experiment: What Would Your Life Look Like If You Let It All Go?

Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT

Crystal

Everyone says forgiveness is important. Few people actually try it. What happens when we stop replaying old hurts, release the weight we've been carrying, and discover what life looks like on the other side? The results may surprise you.

Speakers

Rabbi Yisroel Bernath

Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT
Crystal

Lecture

11:25am EDT

Unwrapping Your Legacy: What Halachah Really Says about Your Will

Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT

White & Gold 2

Think your will is in order? Halachah may say otherwise. Discover what matters, what’s often missed, and how to do it right.

Speakers

Rabbi Moshe Lieberman

Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

11:25am EDT

Where Is G-d When It Hurts? The Hardest Question in Judaism

Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT

Ivanka

Why do good people suffer? Why does a loving G-d allow pain, tragedy, and loss? In this powerful session, Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet tackles Judaism’s most difficult question and explores what faith really means when life stops making sense.

Speakers

Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet

Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT
Ivanka

Lecture

2:00pm EDT

A WILD Jewish Love Story: A Chinese Movie Star and a Puerto Rican Wall Street Woman

Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT

Crystal

He was a Chinese movie star. She was a Puerto Rican Wall Street executive. Neither imagined Judaism would completely change the course of their lives. Join Matt Trusch and Yael Trusch for the fascinating, funny, and deeply moving story of how two unlikely journeys led to one extraordinary Jewish future.

Speakers

Mrs. Yael Trusch

Mr. Matt Trusch

Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Crystal

Lecture

2:00pm EDT

Fanatics and False Messiahs: The Scandal That Fractured the Jewish World

Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT

White & Gold 2

A mysterious mystic. A desperate generation. A promise of redemption that swept across continents. Four hundred years after the birth of Shabbetai Tzvi, discover how one man captivated the Jewish world—and why his story still matters today.

Speakers

Rabbi Mendel Krasnjanski

Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

2:00pm EDT

The Greatest Story of All Time

Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT

White & Gold 1

Experience Rabbi Reichman's viral TED Talk like never before. This session explores the profound connection between the Torah and the story we have all come to know and love: the hero's story. This inspiring session will empower you with the tools to transform your life into a story of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.

Speakers

Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

3:10pm EDT

Blackout: Developing Your Spiritual Night Vision

Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

White & Gold 1

When life goes dark, most people stop looking. Charlene Aminoff shares how faith, resilience, and a shift in perspective can help us develop the spiritual night vision to navigate uncertainty, find meaning, and uncover light where others see only darkness.

Speakers

Mrs. Charlene Aminoff

Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

3:10pm EDT

Has Religion Been Good for the World? The Case For—and Against—Faith

Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

Crystal

Wars, oppression, division, guilt: religion has been blamed for all of them. Yet faith has also inspired charity, morality, community, and some of humanity's highest ideals. So, what's the verdict? Join Rabbi Manis Friedman for a candid exploration of religion's complicated reputation, and discover why the real question may not be whether religion has helped the world, but what happens when it disappears.

Speakers

Rabbi Manis Friedman

Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
Crystal

Lecture

3:10pm EDT

How You Say It Matters: The Secrets to Being an Outstanding Speaker

Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

White & Gold 2

Have you ever been asked to say a few words in shul or in a business presentation and want to
stand out and make an impact? Learn the hints, methodology, and inside scoop to create the
most interesting speech from a global speaker who has inspired thousands of audience
members.

Speakers

Rabbi David Nesenoff

Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

3:10pm EDT

My Grandfather: A Nazi? How I Discovered My Grandfather Was a War Criminal.

Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

Ivanka

Silvia Foti was raised in Chicago on heroic stories of her grandfather, a Lithuanian captain who survived two years in a Nazi concentration camp only to be executed by the KGB in 1947. But in Lithuania, she heard he was a “Jew-killer.” Hear as she tells the story of her twenty-year search for the gut-wrenching truth.

Speakers

Mrs. Silvia Foti

Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
Ivanka

Lecture

4:20pm EDT

Becoming a Mother Without a Womb: How Raw Faith Rewrote My Story

Wednesday August 5, 2026 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT

Crystal

Born without a womb, Ariella was told motherhood was impossible. Through groundbreaking medicine and unwavering faith, her story took an unexpected turn. Ariella shares a deeply moving journey of hope and the quiet strength it takes to keep believing.

Speakers

Mrs. Ariella Kamen

Wednesday August 5, 2026 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT
Crystal

Lecture

4:20pm EDT

Broken Strings, Beautiful Music: Finding Strength, Purpose, and Song, Even When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned

Wednesday August 5, 2026 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT

White & Gold 1

This lecture takes us on a journey through Jewish history, Torah, and powerful modern stories—all in search of the secret behind the Jewish people’s unbreakable spirit. It shows how even in the face of exile, illness, grief, and unimaginable loss, we don’t just survive: we sing, we hope, and we rebuild. In a world that teaches us to despair, this talk reminds us that hope isn’t naïve: it’s holy, and it might just be the most Jewish thing of all.

Speakers

Rabbi Moshe Bryski

Wednesday August 5, 2026 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

4:20pm EDT

Holy Intimacy: The Transformative Power of Mikvah

Wednesday August 5, 2026 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT

White & Gold 2

Far more than a ritual, Mikvah offers a powerful framework for renewal, connection, and sacred intimacy within Jewish marriage. In this women-only session, explore the emotional, spiritual, and practical depth behind one of Judaism’s most timeless and transformative traditions.

Speakers

Mrs. Rivkah Slonim

Wednesday August 5, 2026 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

4:20pm EDT

Somatics, Souls, and Psychedelics: Can Therapy Replace Chasidus?

Wednesday August 5, 2026 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT

Ivanka

Never before has a generation invested so much in mental health—and in the search for healing, meaning, and purpose. From therapists' offices to psychedelic retreats, people are exploring new paths to well-being and transcendence. Where does Chasidus fit into this conversation, and what unique perspective does it bring?

Speakers

Rabbi Yechiel Krisch

Wednesday August 5, 2026 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT
Ivanka

Lecture

9:15am EDT

Breaking the Overthinking Habit: How to Let Go of Fear and Live with Trust

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT

White & Gold 1

Can we really live with less worry? Yes: not because life becomes predictable—but because we become anchored. This class explores the difference between emunah and bitachon and offers a practical road map to seeing G-d’s hand in the details of everyday life. When faith becomes trust, life begins to feel lighter.

Speakers

Mrs. Sarah Pachter

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

9:15am EDT

Do All Dogs Go to Heaven? Do Animals Have Souls? And What Makes Humans Unique?

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT

Ivanka

What truly separates humans from the rest of creation? Do animals possess souls, and if so, what makes the human soul unique? Explore the fascinating Jewish perspective on instinct, consciousness, and the spiritual difference between humans and animals.

Speakers

Rabbi Yechiel Krisch

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT
Ivanka

Lecture

9:15am EDT

I Didn't Ask to Be Born

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT

Crystal

You didn't ask for life, so why does life ask so much of you? Rabbi Manis Friedman explores the deepest questions of existence, purpose, and responsibility, uncovering a perspective that can transform the way you think about being here in the first place.

Speakers

Rabbi Manis Friedman

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT
Crystal

Lecture

9:15am EDT

Stalin Couldn’t Break Him, Hitler Couldn’t Crush Him: The Rebbe’s Blueprint for Defeating Antisemitism

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT

White & Gold 2

Stalin tried to erase Jewish life. Hitler tried to annihilate it. Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson—the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe—answered with unstoppable, defiant Jewish strength. This session uncovers his radical, courage‑driven blueprint and shows how it can transform the way we confront antisemitism today, moving us from fear and reaction to bold, visible, and proudly Jewish living.

Speakers

Rabbi Dovid Eliezrie

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

10:20am EDT

G-d: The Original They/Them: Because the Creator of the Universe Doesn't Fit in Your Box

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT

Crystal

Think you’ve got the Infinite figured out? Think again. In Jewish mysticism, the Divine isn’t just a “He” in the sky—it’s a reality that defies every category we try to impose on it. Join us as we explore the ultimate paradox: how G-d can be intimately present in every detail of life, yet remain infinitely beyond the reach of the entire universe.

Speakers

Mrs. Rivkah Slonim

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT
Crystal

Lecture

10:20am EDT

The Legacy Letter: What Future Generations Will Thank You For

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT

White & Gold 2

What do you want to leave behind? Through timeless Jewish wisdom, inspiring stories, and a powerful reflective exercise, discover how clarifying your deepest values can transform the way you live today—and the legacy you leave for tomorrow.

Speakers

Rabbi Moshe Bryski

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

10:20am EDT

The Rabbis Who Predicted Uterus Transplants: How a Forgotten Rabbinic Debate Became Medical Reality

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:20am - 11:10pm EDT

White & Gold 1

A woman receives a transplanted uterus and gives birth. It sounds like a modern medical miracle. Yet rabbis were discussing uterus transplants long before they were performed. In fact, they debated the legal implications more than a century ago. Explore the remarkable story of the question that arrived one hundred years too early—and the Jewish legal issues it raises today.

Speakers

Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:20am - 11:10pm EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

11:25am EDT

From Conservative Rabbi to Chabad: From Guitars on the Bimah to Black Hats on Shabbos

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT

White & Gold 2

A respectful inside look at the liberal Jewish movements and how I was led from being a
Conservative progressive liberal rabbi to becoming a Chasid of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. A unique true story that is not only personal, but also encompasses the various movements in
Judaism and how Chabad stands out for many Jews who seek to understand Torah amidst
modernity.

Speakers

Rabbi David Nesenoff

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

11:25am EDT

JoyWorks: Jewish Wisdom for a Happy Life

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT

Ivanka

What if joy isn't something you find - but something you cultivate?
In this highly anticipated launch of his new book, Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet draws on timeless Jewish wisdom, compelling stories, and contemporary insights to reveal how lasting happiness is built, not stumbled upon. Discover practical tools for developing resilience, gratitude, purpose, and inner peace - even in the face of life's greatest challenges. Leave with a renewed perspective on what it truly means to live a joyful life.

Speakers

Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT
Ivanka

Lecture

11:25am EDT

The Secret Language of the Talmud: Why the Talmud Interrupts Jewish Law with Strange Tales

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT

White & Gold 1

Why does the Talmud pause its legal debates to tell stories of demons, miracles, impossible journeys, and unforgettable characters? Explore some of the Talmud's most captivating tales and discover why the Sages used narrative to convey ideas that law alone could never express.

Speakers

Rabbi Naftali Silberberg

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

11:25am EDT

Three Minutes Underwater: The Miracle That Changed Our Family Forever

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT

Crystal

One summer afternoon, a two-year-old girl was pulled lifeless from a swimming pool. What happened next would defy every expectation and transform an entire family's life. In this unforgettable and deeply moving presentation, Charlene Aminofff shares the miraculous story of her daughter Gali's survival, the crisis that tested her faith, and the lessons about trust, prayer, and Divine providence that continue to inspire thousands around the world.

Moderators

Mrs. Yael Trusch

Speakers

Mrs. Charlene Aminoff

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT
Crystal

Lecture

11:25am EDT

Unexpected Gifts of an Unexpected Journey: When Life's Detours Become Its Greatest Gifts

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT

Majestic

Some of life's greatest gifts arrive in packages we never would have chosen. Through a deeply personal story of raising a child with special needs, Rabbi Dovid Cohen explores how unexpected challenges can uncover deeper purpose, joy, and faith.

Speakers

Rabbi Dovid M. Cohen

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT
Majestic

Lecture

3:10pm EDT

Pulsating MatriarX - The Rachel and Leah Energies That Shape the Jewish Soul

Thursday August 6, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

White & Gold 2

Rachel and Leah were more than biblical figures. They represent two powerful spiritual energies that continue to shape our inner world, our relationships, and the story of the Jewish people. Through the lens of Jewish mysticism, explore the hidden paradigms pulsating beneath the surface of the soul and discover how these ancient forces still live within us today

Speakers

Mrs. Rivkah Slonim

Thursday August 6, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

3:10pm EDT

What do Jews Really Think About Non-Jews: The Rebbe's Vision For All Humankind

Thursday August 6, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

Crystal

For generations, Judaism's message was largely focused inward—building families, communities, and a sacred way of life. Yet the Rebbe envisioned something far bigger: a universal moral awakening that would elevate all of humanity. Time and again, proposals were made to bring this vision to the world, and time and again the answer was: not yet. What is this mission? Why did the Rebbe see it as so essential? And could it be that the moment he was waiting for has finally arrived?

Moderators

Rabbi Yosef Vogel

Speakers

Rabbi Manis Friedman

Thursday August 6, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
Crystal

Lecture

3:10pm EDT

Your Attention IS You: How to Control Your Mind Before it Controls You

Thursday August 6, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

White & Gold 1

We live in a world engineered to distract us. Between endless notifications, mental overload, and constant pressure, staying focused has become one of modern life’s greatest challenges. In this practical and eye-opening session, Dr. Nachi Felt explores how your brain gets overwhelmed and shares a powerful tool to help you think more clearly, regain control of your mind, and focus on what matters most.

Speakers

Rabbi Dr. Nachi Felt

Thursday August 6, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

4:20pm EDT

Beat Swords into Plowshares: From Vision to Victory

Thursday August 6, 2026 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT

White & Gold 2

Can humanity ever truly move beyond conflict? From the prophets’ ancient vision of the messianic era to the turbulent realities of today’s world, this session explores Judaism’s dream of a future transformed, where war gives way to peace, destruction to growth, and the world moves closer to the coming of Mashiach.

Speakers

Rabbi Simon Jacobson

Thursday August 6, 2026 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

4:20pm EDT

G-d, Where Were You? A Journey through Tragedy, Protest, and Unshakable Faith

Thursday August 6, 2026 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT

Crystal

When life breaks your heart, easy answers aren't enough. Explore the Jewish response to suffering, loss, and resilience through powerful stories and timeless Torah wisdom.

Speakers

Rabbi Moshe Bryski

Thursday August 6, 2026 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT
Crystal

Lecture

4:20pm EDT

If a Machine Could Carry Your Pregnancy . . . Should It? Ectogenesis and the Artificial Womb in Jewish Law

Thursday August 6, 2026 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT

White & Gold 1

For the first time in history, human pregnancy may soon take place entirely outside the body. As artificial womb technology moves from science fiction to medical reality, Jewish law faces unprecedented questions: Would an artificially gestated baby be considered human? Would it be Jewish? Would we violate Shabbos to save it? This session explores the sweeping Jewish legal and ethical implications of ectogenesis—and how the future of reproduction challenges our most fundamental assumptions.

Speakers

Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman

Thursday August 6, 2026 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

4:20pm EDT

The Great Talmudic Debate: Who Has the Authority to Interpret G-d's Word?

Thursday August 6, 2026 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT

Majestic

Who decides what the Torah means? Discover the fascinating relationship between the Written and Oral Torahs, and how generations of sages shaped Jewish law without changing its Divine foundation.

Speakers

Rabbi Chaim Block

Thursday August 6, 2026 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT
Majestic

Lecture

9:15am EDT

Antiques Roadshow, Jewish Medicine Edition: Stories, Secrets, and Surprising Artifacts from Our Medical Past

Friday August 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT

Crystal

Step into a Jewish twist on Antiques Roadshow, where curious artifacts come with remarkable stories. In this fast-paced session, Dr. Reichman reveals exceedingly rare, never exhibited medical items from across Jewish history—including some suspected forgeries. You will learn the true origins and significance of each piece, uncovering the surprising role Jews played in shaping the world of medicine.

Speakers

Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman

Friday August 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT
Crystal

Lecture

9:15am EDT

How Chasidus Changed My Life

Friday August 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT

White & Gold 1

What keeps an entrepreneur grounded, clear-headed, and functional turns out to have nothing to do with revenue and everything to do with an ancient body of wisdom most businesspeople have never heard of. This is the story of how daily study of Chasidic thought became the one practice that holds everything else together.

Speakers

Mr. Josh Goldhirsch

Friday August 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

9:15am EDT

Spirituality Deficiency Syndrome: The Quiet Crisis in the Jewish Soul—And How to Fix It

Friday August 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT

White & Gold 2

Could your soul be suffering from "Spirituality Deficiency Syndrome"? Through humor, powerful stories, and timeless Jewish wisdom, discover why so many of us feel spiritually depleted—and learn how to reconnect with the meaning and purpose we've been searching for.

Speakers

Rabbi Moshe Bryski

Friday August 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

9:15am EDT

The Khazars and the Jews: The True Story behind the Modern Myths

Friday August 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT

Ivanka

Long before the Khazar Kingdom was distorted into modern antisemitic tropes, it was a real and complex empire with a compelling historical story. This session explores what scholars actually know about the Khazars, what they did and did not become, and how their history has been misused today. We will separate real history from modern mythmaking and uncover why the truth about the Khazars matters today.

Speakers

Dr. Henry Abramson

Friday August 7, 2026 9:15am - 10:05am EDT
Ivanka

Lecture

10:20am EDT

A Lovable, Vulnerable G-d: The Surprising Jewish Understanding of the Divine

Friday August 7, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT

White & Gold 2

We often imagine G-d as all-powerful, self-sufficient, and beyond human need. Yet Jewish thought paints a far more surprising picture: of a G-d who loves, waits, forgives, and even makes Himself vulnerable in pursuit of a relationship with humanity. Join Rabbi Manis Friedman for a fresh look at the Divine qualities that make G-d not only awe-inspiring, but deeply lovable.

Speakers

Rabbi Manis Friedman

Friday August 7, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

10:20am EDT

Does Religion Produce Monsters? Faith, Fanaticism, and the Fine Line In-Between

Friday August 7, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT

Ivanka

Faith has moved people to acts of courage, kindness, and sacrifice, and it has also been used to justify cruelty and control. When does devotion cross into fanaticism? This session examines how sacred ideas can be distorted by fear and power, and how authentic Jewish wisdom offers safeguards against faith becoming dangerous.

Speakers

Rabbi Simon Jacobson

Friday August 7, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT
Ivanka

Lecture

10:20am EDT

Hacking the Human Mind: Brain Chips, AI, and the Future of Free Will

Friday August 7, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT

Crystal

The mind was humanity's last private place. Now, brain chips and AI are breaking down the door. As technology learns to decode—and perhaps influence—our thoughts, who controls your mind, your choices, and your freedom? Welcome to the next frontier of medical ethics.

Speakers

Rabbi Yechiel Krisch

Friday August 7, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT
Crystal

Lecture

10:20am EDT

Holding On Without Holding Tight: Bitachon, Anxiety, and the Art of Letting Go

Friday August 7, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT

White & Gold 1

Many people believe in G-d, yet still feel overwhelmed by fear, pressure, and the need to control everything around them. Drawing on classical Jewish wisdom and a modern understanding of stress and the nervous system, this session explores how bitachon can help us move from anxiety and emotional exhaustion toward greater calm, resilience, and inner steadiness."

Speakers

Mrs. Stephanie Abrahami

Friday August 7, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

11:25am EDT

Anchored: Finding the Foundation That Holds You—In the Storm and in the Stillness

Friday August 7, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT

White & Gold 1

This is the true story of a relationship with Hashem that grew in the cracks of chronic pain and anxiety. The story of discovering that the anchor was never something to be built—it was something to be found, felt, and turned toward. Drawing from the wisdom of Chasidus and the insights of modern psychology, Anchored offers practical tools for becoming more intentional in thought, speech, and action — so you can open the vessel, deepen the relationship, and root yourself in the One anchor that never moves.

Speakers

Mrs. Terri Klein

Friday August 7, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

11:25am EDT

Do Jews Belong on the Temple Mount? Understanding the Halachah and History Behind the Question

Friday August 7, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT

White & Gold 2

When did Jews ascend the Temple Mount—and when did they not? Explore the historical record and the halachic sources that shaped Jewish practice across the centuries. Discover how that history informs one of the most significant halachic questions of our time: should Jews ascend the Temple Mount today?

Speakers

Rabbi Mordechai Dinerman

Rabbi Mordechai Dinerman co-directs the Jewish Learning Institute’s curriculum department. He has authored, edited, or otherwise participated in creating over twenty JLI courses on numerous Jewish topics, including Life in the Balance (Jewish Medical Ethics), How Happiness Thinks (Positive... Read More →

Friday August 7, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

11:25am EDT

Gratitude Is an Attitude: The Life-Changing Power of Appreciation

Friday August 7, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT

Crystal

What if the secret to a richer, happier life isn’t getting more, but noticing more? Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet explores the transformative power of gratitude and how a shift in perspective can change the way we experience our relationships, challenges, and everyday lives.

Speakers

Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet

Friday August 7, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT
Crystal

Lecture

11:25am EDT

Pulsating MatriarX: Part 2 Living the Rachel and Leah Paradigm

Friday August 7, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT

Majestic

Rachel and Leah were more than biblical figures. They represent two powerful spiritual energies that continue to shape our inner world, our relationships, and the story of the Jewish people. Through the lens of Jewish mysticism, explore the hidden paradigms pulsating beneath the surface of the soul, and discover how these ancient forces still live within us today.

Speakers

Mrs. Rivkah Slonim

Friday August 7, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT
Majestic

Lecture

11:25am EDT

Why I Won't Let Darkness Win: How to Keep Living When Your Heart Keeps Breaking

Friday August 7, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT

Ivanka

Some stories challenge everything we think we know about resilience. Having endured loss and heartbreak that would break most people, Orit Mark Ettinger chose a different path. In this moving and inspiring presentation, she shares her family's extraordinary journey, the faith that sustained them, and the decision to keep choosing light, even in life's darkest moments.

Speakers

Mrs. Orit Mark Ettinger

Friday August 7, 2026 11:25am - 12:15pm EDT
Ivanka

Lecture

3:05pm EDT

How I Went from PLO Sympathizer to Pro-Israel Advocate

Friday August 7, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm EDT

White & Gold 2

Once a celebrity journalist with PLO sympathies, Molly Resnick’s life took an unexpected turn toward Jewish learning and life. In this powerful session, she shares the eye-opening moments that reshaped her identity, her values, and her mission.

Speakers

Mrs. Molly Resnick

Friday August 7, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

3:05pm EDT

Jews, Meet History: We've Been Here Before

Friday August 7, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm EDT

Crystal

The names are different. The circumstances are new. The questions are remarkably familiar. Join historian Dr. Henry Abramson for a fascinating journey through the moments in Jewish history that feel uncannily relevant today—and the wisdom they offer for what comes next.

Speakers

Dr. Henry Abramson

Friday August 7, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm EDT
Crystal

Lecture

3:05pm EDT

Will the Real Leader Please Stand Up? Who Really Shapes the World—and Why?

Friday August 7, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm EDT

White & Gold 1

History remembers great leaders—but what actually made them great? Discover the Jewish perspective on leadership, influence, and the qualities that leave a lasting impact on the people and world around us.

Speakers

Rabbi Moshe Krasnanski

Rabbi Moshe Krasnanski is the director of Chabad of the Town in Montreal, Canada. A beloved community rabbi and educator, he delivers classes on numerous Jewish topics to diverse audiences.

Friday August 7, 2026 3:05pm - 3:55pm EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

6:45pm EDT

Shabbat: Bringing Heaven Down to Earth

Friday August 7, 2026 6:45pm - 7:00pm EDT

Ivanka

Speakers

Rabbi Simon Jacobson

Friday August 7, 2026 6:45pm - 7:00pm EDT
Ivanka

Lecture

11:00am EDT

Re’eh: When Every Choice Becomes Destiny

Saturday August 8, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

White & Gold 2

Parshat Re’eh presents one of the Torah’s most dramatic visions of free will: not what some philosophers describe as neutral trade‑offs, but stark choices between right and wrong, good and bad, that bring blessing or curse and shape our destiny. This session explores how Re’eh turns everyday decisions into moments of profound moral weight—and what that means for the way we live today.

Speakers

Rabbi Dovid Eliezrie

Saturday August 8, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

3:00pm EDT

Before I Was Me: Reincarnation, Past Lives, and the Secret of the Soul Before Birth

Saturday August 8, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Ivanka

Long before we enter this world, kabbalah teaches that the soul has already traveled a remarkable path. What purpose do those earlier journeys serve, and how do they shape the life we are living now? This session explores the kabbalistic secret of the soul before birth, offering a clear and inspiring framework for understanding reincarnation and the deeper story of who we were—and who we are meant to become.

Speakers

Rabbi Yechiel Krisch

Saturday August 8, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Ivanka

Lecture

3:00pm EDT

Judaism's First Female To Appear In Print: Rivka Tiktiner's Seven-Branched Vision for the Jewish Future

Saturday August 8, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Crystal

A pioneering voice in Jewish history, Rivka Tiktiner used the seven-branched menorah to articulate a compelling vision of Jewish life, purpose, and continuity. Discover why the insights of Judaism's first female author still resonate today.

Speakers

Dr. Henry Abramson

Saturday August 8, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Crystal

Lecture

3:00pm EDT

Resurrecting Mammoths and Reading Minds: The 2026 Jewish Medical Ethics Update

Saturday August 8, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

White & Gold 1

Mammoths may return. AI is helping create children. Scientists are detecting signs of consciousness where none seemed to exist. Welcome to medicine in 2026. In this annual Retreat favorite, Dr. Reichman explores the year's most astonishing medical breakthroughs and the profound Jewish ethical questions they raise.

Speakers

Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman

Saturday August 8, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

3:00pm EDT

What Does Antisemitism Have to Do with the Jews?

Saturday August 8, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Majestic

Antisemitism returns in every generation, taking on new faces and new forms. Beyond the hatred itself, is there a message for us? Drawing on Chasidic teachings and Jewish thought, we'll explore how adversity can become a catalyst for greater unity, purpose, and spiritual growth—and what today's challenges may be calling us to strengthen.

Speakers

Rabbi Moshe Krasnanski

Rabbi Moshe Krasnanski is the director of Chabad of the Town in Montreal, Canada. A beloved community rabbi and educator, he delivers classes on numerous Jewish topics to diverse audiences.

Saturday August 8, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Majestic

Lecture

7:45pm EDT

Beyond Jewish Survival: A Jewish Revival From Defense to Destiny

Saturday August 8, 2026 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT

Crystal

The Jewish story has always been one of resilience, but it was never meant to end with survival. Drawing on history, current events, and timeless Torah insights, this lecture explores why the next chapter of Jewish life must be defined not by what we are fighting against, but by what we are living for. The result is a compelling call to action for a new era of Jewish revival.

Speakers

Rabbi Moshe Bryski

Saturday August 8, 2026 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
Crystal

Lecture

7:45pm EDT

Building Bridges, Not Broiges: The Jewish Art of Letting Go of Grudges

Saturday August 8, 2026 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT

Ivanka

Resentment weighs more than we realize. In this practical and deeply relevant session, Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet explores the Jewish approach to conflict, forgiveness, and emotional freedom, and how letting go of grudges can transform our relationships and our lives.

Speakers

Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet

Saturday August 8, 2026 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
Ivanka

Lecture

7:45pm EDT

Holy Desire: The Psychology of Love, Attraction, and Sacred Intimacy (Couples Only)

Saturday August 8, 2026 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT

Majestic

What creates deep emotional and physical connection, and what quietly erodes it over time? In this candid and thoughtful discussion, Dr. Nachi Felt explores the psychology of intimacy through the lens of Jewish wisdom, offering insight into love, attraction, communication, and the sacred work of building lasting closeness in marriage.

Speakers

Rabbi Dr. Nachi Felt

Saturday August 8, 2026 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
Majestic

Lecture

7:45pm EDT

The Surprising Questions Asked by America's First Jews: Inside America's Earliest Halachic Correspondence

Saturday August 8, 2026 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT

White & Gold 1

One of the earliest surviving records of American Jewish life is a fascinating exchange of halachic letters dating to 1790. Step into the conversation between Jews in Philadelphia and Newport, and discover what their questions reveal about the realities of building Jewish life in early America.

Speakers

Rabbi Mordechai Dinerman

Saturday August 8, 2026 7:45pm - 8:30pm EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

9:30am EDT

History's Greatest Jewish Dilemmas: The Best of JLI's Award-Winning Course—in One Special Session

Sunday August 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

White & Gold 1

Experience the most fascinating real-life questions ever brought to the world's greatest rabbis. Through gripping stories and timeless wisdom, discover how Jewish law has guided generations through an ever-changing world.

Speakers

Rabbi Mordechai Dinerman

Sunday August 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture

9:30am EDT

Proof the Devil Is Real?! The Origin and What the Bible Really Says about Satan's Fall

Sunday August 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Ivanka

Did Satan rebel against G-d? Was he cast out of Heaven? Is the Devil an independent force of evil? Many of the beliefs people hold about Satan come from sources outside the Bible. Join Rabbi Simon Jacobson, as he separates myth from scripture, explores Judaism's fascinating understanding of Satan, and reveals what the struggle between good and evil really means for our lives today.

Speakers

Rabbi Simon Jacobson

Sunday August 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Ivanka

Lecture

9:30am EDT

Raising Humans: Building Happy, Healthy Families in a Chaotic World

Sunday August 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

White & Gold 2

In a world of constant pressure, distraction, and anxiety, raising grounded and emotionally healthy children has never felt more challenging. Discover timeless Jewish wisdom and practical insights for building stronger families, deeper connection, and homes where children and grandchildren can truly thrive.

Speakers

Mrs. Rivkah Slonim

Sunday August 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

9:30am EDT

The End of Death? Longevity, Gene Editing, and Signs of a Messianic Future.

Sunday August 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Crystal

The first generation to dramatically slow aging may already be alive. Scientists are extending lifespans, rewriting genes, and pursuing technologies once confined to science fiction. Are these merely medical breakthroughs, or could they be part of a larger story foretold by Jewish tradition? Join us as we explore the race to extend human life, and what it may reveal about the world we are destined to build.

Speakers

Rabbi Yechiel Krisch

Sunday August 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Crystal

Lecture

10:45am EDT

1940s Budapest: Nicht für Kinder The Holocaust, the Iron Curtain, and the Twins Who Remained

Sunday August 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Ivanka

Two young brothers come of age in 1940s Budapest as Jewish life is pushed into hiding. From yellow stars and false names to the terror of the Danube and a narrow escape from behind the Iron Curtain, this survivor testimony traces how ordinary childhood moments were reshaped by fear and the quiet acts of courage that sustained them.

Moderators

Mrs. Yael Trusch

Speakers

Mr. Laszlo Selly

Sunday August 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Ivanka

Lecture

10:45am EDT

Ask the Rabbi Doctor: The Jewish Medical Ethics Crossfire

Sunday August 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Crystal

From pig heart transplants and AI to contested embryos and aid-in-dying legislation, everything is on the (operating) table. Bring your questions—or borrow someone else's—as we tackle the most challenging, surprising, and thought-provoking issues in health care today. No question is too simple, too complex, or too controversial. And yes, everything is covered by insurance.

Speakers

Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman

Sunday August 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Crystal

Lecture

10:45am EDT

Marriage Is Made in Heaven. How on Earth Does It Work?

Sunday August 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

White & Gold 2

Modern culture tells us to follow our hearts, find the perfect match, and expect marriage to fulfill our every need. Judaism sees things differently. Join one of the Jewish world's most beloved relationship thinkers for a practical, humorous, and deeply insightful look at what marriage is really for—and how it can become one of life's greatest sources of meaning, connection, and joy.

Speakers

Rabbi Manis Friedman

Sunday August 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
White & Gold 2

Lecture

10:45am EDT

Ruth: Not the Story You Think You Know Love, Controversy, and the Birth of a Dynasty

Sunday August 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

White & Gold 1

Everyone knows the story of Ruth. Or so they think. Discover the overlooked controversies, surprising twists, and legal drama behind the Moabite outsider who became the matriarch of King David's dynasty."

Speakers

Rabbi Chaim Block

Sunday August 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
White & Gold 1

Lecture