Until his death in 1999, Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg was Rosh Yeshiva of Ner Yisroel in Baltimore. For more than 50 years, Rabbi Weinberg taught in various capacities at Ner Yisroel, as well as traveling the world imparting his wisdom to thousands of eager listeners. He is the older brother and mentor of Rabbi Noah Weinberg, the dean and founder of Aish HaTorah.
Appreciating the uniqueness of a Jew is the basis for our continued existence as a nation. This inspiring examination takes a look at how we're able to maintain our kedusha and nobility of spirit even as we're performing the most mundane chores of living.
How can Jews accept upon themselves the term 'chosen people' when they also believe that racism is wrong? Hear a fascinating class on why the Jewish Nation is atypical with their bar raised higher than all the other nations. Paradoxically enough, being Jewish is not based on having a common land, language, or culture. So what precisely does 'being Jewish' really mean?
Drugs - homosexuality - crime - prayer in school. To what extent should åÔmorality' play in the formation of public policy regarding these and other issues? However, before we can find a fitting solution for these issues, the burning question to address is - to what extent do we as a society have to legislate values and lifestyles that other people choose to lead? Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg tackles this issue head-on in this open, controversial and very provocative talk.
Even an evil person thinks of himself as a good man. Rabbi Weinberg draws on many intuitive perceptions, along with many historical events to challenge and broaden your working definition of 'good' & 'evil.'
Is it really necessary to be religious to be regarded as a good person? Rav Yaakov tackles this question head on as he goes for a definition of good by using his vast knowledge of history, and the current events of his day to prove his point. A class full of back and forth action.
Can ethics exist without Torah? The question seems a bit redundant as medical centers and universities abound with studies that question and weigh matters of morality. Rav Yaakov Weinberg foresaw the disturbing trends which the world is now declaring as humane. Hear his clear distinction and bottom line for any framework that is not based on the Divine. An extremely fascinating and relevant class.
Contrary to common belief, most of us are capable of experiencing much more happiness in our lives. So what's gumming up the works? And why do even those who have a solid footing in life appear to be less than thrilled with their lot? Hear how and why people defeat their own happiness, and how to recognize that your portion of happiness is patiently waiting for you just around the corner.
When do public protests work and when do they veer off course, causing bad PR? Rav Yaakov speaks from experience, in planning the results you would like to see after the protest. An interesting class on when and how to voice public disapproval.
Rabbi Weinberg zeroes in on a number of common misconceptions that Western thought has about marriage, and shows how the Jewish vision of marriage is by far the most satisfying and rewarding of all.
Why has 'self-esteem' become such an issue in our generation? Our grandparents and all those before them never considered it one of their top ten. Rav Weinberg posits that this concept is not all that it seems, and offers a surprising alternative for self-definition and measuring ones success.