Lecture Topics
Choose from the list or select your own
You can choose from one of dozens of lectures, some of which are listed below. Or you can select a title of your own. For more information, contact us here.
Radical Reinvention: Discover a Happy New You
An inspirational lecture exploring how we can break free of limitations. Through the lens of Jewish Mysticism, Shimona charts the inborn and environmental factor that keep us stuck - and the means to cut those ties loose. Gain access to your highest potential. Touch your ultimate purpose on this journey to a Happy New You!
(This lecture is appropriate for both general audiences and those dealing with recovery and addiction in particular.)
Gender Blender
What drives the attraction between men and women? Join us as we take a candid look at what THE Torah’s concept of marriage and relationship means to us. Examine the meaning of soul-mate, the modalities of men and women, and how to deal with challenges. ALONG the way, get to know yourself in a whole new way. GENDER BLENDER deals candidly with tough issues, offers a foundation for healthy interaction and will jump-start your relationship on its way to a holy, healthy and happy place.
Beauty of the Beast
An inspirational and thought provoking analysis of beauty, the media, self image and the power of women, plus a deep look at coming to terms with the beast within.
Happiness is an Inside Job
How are we to live our lives with joy and inner peace? What can we do to overcome sadness, live joyfully and inspire others along the way? This lecture gets to the core of what true happiness is, why it's so elusive - and what we can do to attain joy.
Will the Real Jewish Woman Stand Up?
The perceived notion of a woman's role in Judaism often halts individual's further exploration of Torah and denies them access to their rich tradition. This lecture explores the cultural assumptions, our "ethnocentric lens," that unconsciously feeds our understandings of women in Torah. It then offers a fresh take on the potent and pivotal role of women in Torah thought and life.
1+1=1
We are many and unique and yet, at our core, we are forever one. Explore how to uncover our underlying connection with others, celebrate diversity and love others as ourselves.
Faith Under Fire
No-one is immune from suffering. So we must each cultivate a healthy response to challenge? Does Faith imply blissful denial? Does acknowledgement of pain suggest an absence of trust in our Creator? This is a philosophical and inspirational talk that charts a response to challenge.
The Mind's Eye
How do you shift perspective when you can't change reality? Our perceptions can create unimagined possibilities - or box us in. In this lecture, Shimona uses various Biblical and mystical texts that inspire the listener to move beyond limiting thoughts and behavior. (This lecture is appropriate for both general audiences and those dealing with recovery and addiction in particular.)
Helpmates, Harlots and Heroines: De-constructing Biblical Stereotypes
Many of us perceive the women of the Bible to be spineless gofers to the men in their lives. Or as brave women who defied societal norms but were consequently branded as "harlots." But is it just possible that they are heroines? Women who defy the limits of our imagination. And who afford each of us a glimpse of the bold choices available to us. Choices that can change reality for the Good. Join us in an open exploration of their lives and their meaning for us today.
7 Foods for 7 Habits
A person is likened to a tree of the field, specifically to the fruit trees for which the land of Israel is praised. Join us for a lecture that explores the grains and fruits celebrated on the annual New Year for Trees in light of Jewish mysticism. We will examine these foods as a paradigm for cultivating peace between our darker and luminous self and thus as a springboard for global change and peace.
The Sacred and the Sexual
Judaism is bent on elevating the material realm of existence. And human sexuality is no different. Find out what G-d and our sages have to say about the intimate relationship between a man and a woman. The journey takes us through the spiritual, metaphysical, psychological and practical aspects of what it means to connect at this deepest of levels.
The Waters that Keep the Fire Burning
Discover how the ancient art of ritual immersion can enrich your marriage. This lecture looks at both the practical and mystical aspects of mikva.
A Life Worth Living
Tired of your existence? Living but not alive? What does it take to activate the point within that gives meaning to life? Explore what it takes to get in touch with your essential self, activate your passions, release your potential and begin to live a life that's worth living.
Life as Art: Lessons on Living From the Artistic Process
We are each created in the image of the Ultimate Artist - the Creator of our world. Thus creating is a core drive within each human being. Through using the artistic process as a metaphor, Shimona suggests numerous paths in Divine service. Painting, dance, drama and the very notion of generating something new are explained as vehicles through which we actualize our purpose.
Skeletons in the Royal Closet
The Bible is replete with mysterious encounters between men and women. From Judah and Tamar, Joseph and Potiphera, to David and Batsheba, questions about conduct and motive abound. How could men, purported to be saints, engage in these relationships - and why are they part of Biblical narrative? What are the personal lessons we can take from these "skeletons in the Royal Closet"? Join us for a lecture that will reframe your perspective of the stories you learned in grade school. And explore the Jewish take on "coming out of the closet" as we figure out how to navigate the path of transforming our own darker side.
Holy Chutzpah
Being stubborn and stiff-necked certainly has its drawbacks. But there’s an upside too. Our Iron Will has gotten us through the toughest of times and even encapsulates something of our essential nature and purpose. Come find out how to turn your steel into ploughshares.
When Not to Divorce Your Life
Insights and advice on how to deal with personal challenges and when – or when not – to walk away from it all.
Well Over the Past
We all have aspects of our past we wish we could change, even if it’s only regret for what we did not do. How do we get over the past and even transform it into a vital part of today?
Good for Nothing
Is kindness latent or acquired, where does it derive from and to what end must we direct it? Does Judaism prescribe going beyond one’s comfort zone or doing acts of kindness with ulterior motives? Come find out.
Contemplation and Healing Through Prayer
Prayer repairs the soul, aligns one’s thinking and heals the heart, even of one who has no inkling she is being prayed for. This lecture explores the dynamics of prayer at both a personal and cosmic level.
Food for Fun? Or Fuel!
A Jewish perspective on eating and Torah tools that facilitate a healthy relationship with food.
The Royal Feast: Soul-Food or Body’s Banquet?
An analysis of the mystical significance of the traditional Friday night meal and its correspondence to the meal of the Messianic era.
WordPerfect
"Talk is cheap, they say. Well Many think that speech is descriptive. Torah teaches us it is creative. So the words we say have the power to impact our lives and those of others, affecting all of reality. Examine the spiritual dimension of speech, and the psychology of slander."
What People Are Saying
Shimona is a truly gifted and inspired teacher who always makes learning a profoundly personal and stimulating experience. She manages to present a vast amount of material in an entertaining and engaging style that leaves you not only hanging onto every word but wanting to retain each one as well. Her topics are deep and relevant, culled from the teachings of Torah and integrated with parallels in current trends in psychology and contemporary culture. Shimona isn't afraid to incorporate her own life experiences and struggles for authenticity and transcendence into her work. In doing so she pulls all of us along with her."
For more testimonials, click here.