Lectures
Zalman Newfield has lectured at colleges, synagogues, and nonprofit organizations across North America, and is available to lecture on various topics, including:
- A Brooklyn Odyssey: My Personal Journey out of Hasidism
- Excuse Me Are You Jewish: An Insiders Perspective on Lubavitch Outreach Activities
- What Sociology Can Teach us about ultra-Orthodoxy
- Hasidic Attitudes on Secular Education
- Hasidic Exiters: Why they Leave and Where they End Up
- Black Hats on the Silver Screen: Hasidim in Popular Culture
- 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 an eloquent and warm speaker. Perhaps even more unusual for an academic, he also is a good listener, engaging audiences with his empathy, honesty, and ability to connect. These skills also inform his writing, which combines scientific rigor with the talents of a born storyteller and sensitive interlocutor.“
Professor Naomi Seidman, Chancellor Jackman Professor of the Arts, University of Toronto
“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