Raphael Adler

Rabbi

Expertise:
Jewish Studies & Jewish Humor

Available for in-person lectures in:
South FL

Available via Zoom?
Yes

To book Raphael, e-mail:
dan@hudakonhollywood.com

Rabbi Raphael Adler leads an active Conservative Congregation in South Florida. A life-long avid popular culture devotee, Raphael lectures on a wide variety of topics gleaned from his studies and interests. He served as a Congressional Intern in college, received traditional Rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University, and a Master's Degree in Philosophy. He was awarded a Doctor of Divinity from the Jewish Theological Seminary and presents popular weekly lectures in Delray Beach on contemporary topics through a Jewish lens.

Lectures include:

Jewish Lectures

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Fabulous Females: Little Known Jewish Women Who Changed The World

Battling gender bias and antisemitism, these fascinating females made their mark in areas as diverse as science and the arts, including business, espionage, politics and so much more. Through incredible courage and endless determination these women lacking notoriety have created an enduring legacy that we will explore.



How To Avoid The Evil Eye: A Jewish Guide To Superstition and Magic

Spit three times, wear a magical amulet, keep demons far away, and change your luck. The common sense wisdom of “Bubbe Meisas,” folk remedies and healing incantations will be revealed for you. Be amazed as ancient Kabbalistic magic comes alive for our time.



Much More Than Gefilte Fish and Chicken Soup: How the Jews Invented and Improved the Food We Eat

From chocolate to coffee, bananas to bagels and beer to foie gras, the Jewish contribution to the culinary arts is staggering. This lecture tells the story of the Jews’ impact on food through the ages. What’s Jewish about the food we eat? Enjoy a nutritious nosh for your brain that will expand your knowledge, not your waistline.

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Criminals, Con-Artists, Socio-Paths and Swindlers...and Jewish Too!

The lecture tells the larger-than-life accounts of the colorful characters whose dastardly deeds definitely did not make their mothers proud. Some you have heard of, and others you will never forget. Why did they cross the line? How did they reconcile their sins with their Jewish conscience? You are invited to take a lighthearted look at the dark side of some nefarious no-goodnicks. We will tell their true stories and marvel at their chutzpah!

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I Didn't Know They Were Jewish!

Some are barely Jews, others reject their faith, a few deny their Jewish lineage completely, and many surprisingly are practicing Jews who have achieved notoriety and acclaim and yet their membership in the People of Israel remains hidden. This lecture is an enjoyable journey that will surprise, shock, annoy and delight you. In the end you’ll scratch your head and exclaim, “I Didn’t Know They Were Jewish!”



Unlikely Jewish Sports Heroes

Featuring athletes from Table Tennis to Tennis, Chess to Track, Football, Wrestling, Hockey, Boxing, Basketball and much more. Includes discussion of: The All-Star catcher who was a spy. The Gymnast whose Olympic skills made it through Holocaust. And the professional wrestler who was also a rabbi, heroin addict and championship boxer. Impressively, all of these these incredible achievements occurred while battling anti-Semitism and exclusion.



The Oy of Defeat and Mazel Tov of Victory: Jewish Amazing Athletes

Including: The 5-foot 3-inch basketball hall of famer who changed the sport.
The 10-time female Olympic medalist who survived the Holocaust and communism to become the founder of gymnastics in Israel. The All star catcher who was both a scholar and spy, and a bull fighter from Brooklyn!



What a Bargain!

This lecture focuses on the Jews who pioneered department and discount stores, including Macys, Sears, Marshalls and more. Learn they’re larger than life back stories and the keys to their success.



Mobsters, Murderesses and Madams

Including: The not so nice Jewish girl who ran the most successful house of prostitution in New York City. The Jewish mother who headed a feared criminal empire in America, and the glamorous Jewish lady who was a real life Robin Hood and jewel thief!



Female Fitness Pioneers

This lecture focuses on the Jewish women who created the fitness, fashion and health movements with their visionary ideas and creativity.



Jewish Female Spies

Their courage, cunning and chutzpah are mostly unknown. But the true stories of these Jewish espionage agents redefine the term “women of valor.”



The Jewish Geniuses of Florida

Includes a discussion of the condo community pioneers, the architects who invented the Miami Beach look, the creators of the modern cruising, and visionaries of art and cuisine.



Our Lenny!

The little known Jewish backstory of the great composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein (“West Side Story”). His passion for Israel and Jewish prayers were the heart and soul of his music.



The Jewish Story of Peter Max

From European refugee to the Jewish ghetto of Shanghai and the state of Israel, Max’s Jewish art and history tell a truly incredible story.

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Celebrity Gentiles Who Love Jews

This lecture covers celebrities we all know, but some may not know how friendly they are to the Jewish people, featuring: Dick Van Dyke, J.K. Rowling, Cher, Frank Sinatra, Dolly Parton, Will Smith, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Madonna and many more. Discover the inspirational Jewish stories that helped shape these legends, all of whom have taken the unpopular and principled position of fighting anti-Semitism and standing with their Jewish friends.



Canadian Jewish Giants

Explore the life lessons of Canadian Jewish Giants. Meet the military hero who courageously fought the Nazis only to risk his life again to help create the State of Israel. The billionaire businessman whose philanthropy and morality made him a true titan. The talented singer and composer who returned to his faith and gave the world heavenly melodies. The housewife who single-handedly secretly rescued thousands of Jews from certain death with little regard to her own safety. We will shine a light on the athletes, actors, and innovators whose Canadian Jewish lives continue to inspire and enlighten us.



The Jewishness Of Great Comedians

We will screen clips of their Jewish routines and reveal the touching backstories of Comedy legends: Joan Rivers, Jackie Mason, Billy Crystal, Robert Klein, Modi and more. Discover how they transformed anti-Semitism, poverty and personal pain into Jewish joy!

Non-Jewish Lectures



First Ladies: Secrets, Scandals and Service

Enjoy the little known stories of First Ladies who secretly took over presidential duties, saved the White House Treasures, killed a civilian, and more unbelievable true tales of the women standing beside the president. Do you know which First Lady graces U.S. currency? You’ll find out in this lecture!



Toy Stories: The Magnificent Men And Wonderful Women Who Invented The Toys Of Our Youth

The sight of a Teddy Bear, Lionel Train or even Barbie can sometimes take us back to playing with those toys as children. How did the creators come up with the soldiers, dolls, trains, board games and other amazing playthings that gave us endless hours of wonder? Join me in this hour-long lecture for a joyous journey back to our past.



Oddball Inventions and Their Amazing Stories

From frisbees to microwave ovens, Slinky’s to chainsaws, Listerine and more: Discover how these everyday items came into being, and why they remain popular today.



The Rest Of The Story: Hollywood Edition

The behind the scenes tales and off-screen secrets of our favorite film and television celebrities. Some will annoy and others will inspire, but all will surprise you. Including: Why did the studios shadow Spencer Tracy? How “It’s A Wonderful Life” brought Jimmy Stewart out of his post World War II depression, how Marilyn Monroe helped Ella Fitzgerald, and why no actress wanted to kiss Clark Gable. This hour-long lecture includes these and many more dazzling details!

Are you ready to bring Hudak On Hollywood to your community?

Please e-mail dan@hudakonhollywood.com for additional information. We look forward to hearing from you!

dan@hudakonhollywood.com