National Jewish Retreat 2026: Full Schedule

Schedule is tentative and subject to change.

10:20am EDT

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

Step into a powerful virtual reality experience featuring five survivor stories that place you alongside Holocaust survivors as they return to the places connected to their memories, transforming history into an immersive, unforgettable encounter.

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

Workshop

3:10pm EDT

Beis Medrash: Should I Sin for Someone Else's Sake?

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

Roundtable Room

Journey through the classic sources behind one of Jewish law's most fascinating moral questions: should one ever sin for another's sake?

Speakers

Rabbi Mendel Krasnjanski

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

Workshop

4:20pm EDT

Speaker Meet-Up: Your Chance to Go Beyond the Talk

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

Roundtable Room

Dive deeper with Rabbi Manis Friedman in a casual, live Q&A—where your questions lead the conversation!

Moderators

Rabbi Yisroel Bernath

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 4:20pm - 5:10pm EDT
Roundtable Room

Workshop

10:20am EDT

A Journey Back: VR Experience

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

Roundtable Room

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

Workshop

3:10pm EDT

Beis Medrash: Can a Soldier Who Killed a Terrorist Give the Priestly Blessing?

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

Roundtable Room

Jewish law draws a striking connection between taking a life and offering a blessing. Explore the timeless sources behind one of the most poignant halachic questions to emerge from modern warfare.

Speakers

Rabbi Mendel Krasnjanski

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

Workshop

10:20am EDT

Why Pray? Uncovering the Mystery and Meaning of Jewish Prayer

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

Roundtable Room

In this thought-provoking session, we will explore the profound significance of Jewish prayer. What does it truly mean to pray? Why is prayer such a cornerstone of Jewish life and tradition? Delving into the mysteries and deep meanings behind the words and rituals, this session will offer new insights into the spiritual power of prayer and its timeless relevance in our lives.

Speakers

Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan

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

3:05pm EDT

Jewish Medical Roundtable for Health Care Professionals

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

Roundtable Room

As antisemitism and ethical complexities reshape the health care landscape, Jewish medical professionals face new challenges both in and out of the clinic. Join this candid conversation to share experiences, explore real-world dilemmas, and learn from colleagues navigating similar questions.

Speakers