Bio and Speaking Topics
Rabbi Shais Taub and his wife, Brocha, were the founding co-directors of the Jewish recovery community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where they served as emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe for six years. In his soon to be released book G-d of Our Understanding: Jewish Spirituality and Recovery from Addiction, Rabbi Taub discusses the insights gained from that experience.
His two works on Tanya -- The Map of Tanya (Kehot Publication Society) and Soul Maps (Jewish Learning Institute) -- are considered revolutionary in their approach.
He currently resides with his wife and children in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
His current speaking topics include:
The World of Tanya: An Overview of the Canon Text of Hasidic Mysticism
Over two hundred years ago, the world's foremost Jewish spiritual guide created a program for spiritual growth perfectly tailored for you.
War Against the West: The Kaballah of WWIII
Islamic Fundamentalism. The rise of China. In this clash of civilizations, where do we Jews stand? Take a mystical view at the spiritual principles behind the geo-politics of the new millennium.
Make a Miracle: Your Personal, Supernatural Self-Transformation
Gain balance, emotional freedom and unconditional joy.
A Brief (Jewish) History of the Universe: Kabbalistic Cosmology
A Chasidic view on how the universe got here and what keeps it going.
What's the Secret?: Jewish Mystical Sources on the Power of Thought
If you've seen The Secret, you may have wondered what Judaism has to say about the Law of Attraction and the power of positive thinking and intent.
Accolades for Shais Taub
Rabbi Shais was here for a Shabbaton.... The highlight was definitely his overview of Tanya in two hours. Using his 'Map of Tanya' as a guide, he conveyed an excitement in learning Tanya, kept the people captivated, answered questions to the point and presented it in a way that made it relevant to their lives.
This would be a great way to kick-off a class/lecture series in Tanya or Chassidus in general. I believe all communities -- novice or advanced -- would benefit greatly from this presentation.
Rabbi Mordechai Grossbaum
Minneapolis Chabad Lubavitch
I was enthralled along with the crowd.... He spoke beautifully....
Rabbi Tzali Wilschanski
Chabad of Kenosha, WI
Shais was great. He spoke about Chasidus and the necessity to learn it all while being very entertaining. As he was leaving, the students rushed to me to set up classes with me in Chasidus.
Rabbi Mendel Matusof
Chabad at UW-Madison
Shais is entertaining and holds the crowd very well. I know many people who have been deeply affected by his talks and style. He talks with the vocabulary of an English professor and has a fascinating and unique way of bringing home a concept. Bringing him to speak is definitely a worthwhile endeavor.
Rabbi Asher Federman
Chabad of The Virgin Islands
Shais was spectacular. He can take the loftiest of concepts in Chasidus and explain them so eloquently that "regular" people can understand and relate.
He did a pre-Rosh Hashanah lecture for us and was tremendous. He is by far the best speaker we've had.
Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov, Munster, IN
Northwest Indiana Chabad
He is brilliant, he is witty, and best of all he has the capacity to bring down lofty topics in Chasidus in every day language for the guy who just walked in through the door.
Rabbi Yisrael Pinson
Friendship House
West Bloomfield, MI