Lectures
Zalman Newfield has lectured at colleges, synagogues, and nonprofit organizations across North America, and is available to lecture on various topics, including:
- Hasidic Exiters: Why they Leave and Where they End Up
- Hasidic Dress and its Symbolism
- Black Hats on the Silver Screen: Hasidim in Popular Culture
- The Memoirs of Hasidic Exiters
- A Brooklyn Odyssey: My Personal Journey out of Lubavitch
- Do they Use a Hole in the Sheet?: Gender and Sexuality in Hasidic Culture
- The Messiah of Crown Heights: The Multiple Lives of Lubavitch Messianism
Testimonials
“Zalman Newfield is a perceptive researcher and a sensitive teacher with a fascinating personal story, as well as an engaging presenter who is generous in fielding questions with clarity and honest acknowledgment of what is known and what is unknown. Our community deeply appreciated having Professor Newfield as our thoughtful and compassionate guide to the Hasidic world and those who leave it.”
Dr. Rabbi Robert Scheinberg, United Synagogue of Hoboken, Hoboken, NJ
“Zalman Newfield gave a wonderful presentation for our synagogue about the Netflix series, “Unorthodox,” and his own research and experience. He was engaging and welcoming and absolutely captured the interest of our synagogue. I would recommend him without reservation for future presentations.”
Rabbi Rona Shapiro Congergation B’nai Jacob, Woodbridge, CT
"Zalman Newfield is a generous speaker who shared with us his extensive research, clear knowledge and personal insights into the mystery of the Hasidic community. After his charming, nonjudgmental and perceptive presentation our community only wanted more time with Zalman to continue to learn from him. Excellent experience for all."
Susan Werk, Education Director, Congregation Agudath Israel, Caldwell, NJ