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.
In which ways is Klal Yisrael a 'light unto the nations'? And how is every characteristic of the world affected by each of our small and large successes? For a talk on feeling the significance of even your smallest actions, Rav Yaakov Weinberg's explanation is one you've probably never heard before.
Sometimes the ends won't justify the means. Listen to a lecture to get a solid approach to halachic issues in kiruv and see what place compromise has in the kiruv movement.
What is a parent obligated to teach their children? And how much is the child/student himself required to learn on his own? Come join Rav Weinberg inside the Rambam as he learns several mitzvas of Talmud Torah that carry great importance.
Learn to keep disappointment or failure in perspective by focusing on our efforts more than the final result. Also learn to look back at what we have done instead of how much more needs to be done.
How is it possible to respect parents who are hostile toward observant Judaism, and who frown on their child's newfound Torah way of life? Rav Yaakov is both compassionate and clear as he delineates the crucial information that non-observant families lack, and gives guidance on how they should be approached. Learn the parameters of what is non-negotiable, what is possible to give in on, and what to do in cases when you're unsure.
For those promoting secular social justice, one of the hardest ideas to stomach is that Jews consider themselves the Chosen Nation. Perhaps people espouse that this belief is similar to the Nazi's pride in the Aryan race? Rabbi Weinberg spells out exactly why we are chosen, how it reflects our deeper responsibility, and how our perception of it opens many doors for the rest of humanity.
What do all Jews share in common? Its not their culture, nor their color - but a covenant God gave to all Jews nearly 3,500 years ago. Could it be that a Torah not divinely given could have kept a nation scattered across the globe united for so many years? With concrete and intelligible proofs, Rabbi Weinberg brings very strong evidence that the covenant expressed in the Torah was indeed given by God on Mt. Sinai. One of our best tapes. (Please excuse the poor, but very audible sound.)
Islam, Mormonism, and the other world religions are based on one assumption - parents will never knowingly lie to their children or intentionally pass along an untruth to the next generation. Why is it that Jews won't give Judaism the same objectivity and openness that they are so ready to give to all other beliefs?
There are two distinct aspects of Torah: one is the intellectual side of toiling and the smarts to really understand it, and the other is the practical side of carrying it out. Hear Rav Weinberg explain how the two work in unison, and under what circumstances they can be pursued independently.
God offered the Torah to all the nations of the world before the Jews proclaimed its willingness to follow all that He would tell them, and accept His word as law. What was the essential core issue at stake? An excellent exposition on Divine wisdom - and the imperatives it carries with it.