For those who are unable to arrange tours of the zoo, or who wish to supplement the zoo tour with further information, or who simply would like to hear in-depth material, Zoo Torah lectures are available.
Although lacking the unique zoo environment, the subject matter alone makes for lectures that are fascinating.
Furthermore, there are many Zoo Torah concepts which simply cannot fit in to a three hour zoo tour; an entire series of lectures is available.
In addition, biofacts (animal artifacts), such as skulls, teeth and fossils are sometimes provided to illustrate some of the messages and to stimulate interest.
These lectures last about an hour and are suitable for adults or senior students; most of them are text-based and source sheets are also provided.
Some lectures are also accompanied by multimedia presentations.
Click here to download a brief (15 minute) lecture (in mp3 format) on identifying animals in the Torah,
delivered at the OU's conference on the mesorah of kosher birds and animals
I) General Introductions
1) Zoology and ZooTorah
An introductory lecture that gives an overview of all the various aspects of Zoo Torah.
2) Nature's Song
A look at Perek Shirah, the encyclopedia of nature that assigns verses to various creatures, thereby teaching lessons on life and the universe.
II) Man and Animals
3) The Amazement of Animals
Why and how Judaism requires us to relate to the animal kingdom as a source of inspiration, with some extraordinary examples
4) Zoos and Teddy Bears
Contemplating animals and animal imagery in Torah law and custom
5) Man Versus Animals
An important discussion of man's status vis-?-vis the animal kingdom
6) The Jewish Conservationist
Revealing the deep, dark, religious secret of conservationists.
7) Rationales for Kindness to Animals
An analysis of different reasons for being kind to animals
8) Animal Lovers
If being kind to animals makes you into a better person, why do we see animal lovers who are not good people? This presentation explores several aspects to this problem.
9) Laws of Sensitivity to Animals
A study of the nineteen Scriptural commandments that relate to kindness to animals.
10) Jewish Pets
Does Judaism approve or disapprove of keeping pets? What are the relevant laws and principles?
11) Meet the Meat
What would you do if a cow begged you to eat it? This question launches a balanced and comprehensive study of vegetarianism in Torah sources.
12) The Torah Zoo
What would a zoo that was designed on Torah principles look like?
13) Animals on Trial
Can an animal commit a sin? An analysis of the philosophy behind the practice of sentencing animals in Torah courts.
14) Utilizing Animals
When are we allowed to inflict pain upon animals, and why?
15) The Laws and Symbolism of Kosher Creatures
A look at the deeper significance of kosher animals and birds
16) Kosher Conundrums
The intriguing cases of the kashrus of giraffe, buffalo, turkey, and locusts
III) Animals of the Torah
17) The Jewish Approach to Zoology
The perception and classification of animals in Jewish thought
18) Identifying Animals in the Torah
From well-known creatures that are usually misidentified, to bizarre mysteries, this presents the methodology and examples for identifying animals in the Torah.
19) The Amazing Elephant
Insights into the characteristics of these creatures in halachah and machshavah.
20) Behold the Behemoth
A profound look at the symbolism of the hippopotamus in the Book of Job
21) The Legend of the Unicorn
An exploration into different unicorns that seem to be described in the Torah, including the re'em and the tachash, and their real-life possible identities.
22) The Lion King
The symbolism of the lion as the king of beasts and the eagle as the king of birds
23) The Leopard of Greece
A profound study at the Greek and Chanukah symbolism of the leopard.
24) Monkey Business
Insights into the characteristics of these creatures in Jewish law and thought.
25) Day of the Hyena
A look at the redeeming features of this much-maligned creature.
26) The Hare and the Hyrax
An analysis of the topic of animals with one kosher sign being used as evidence regarding the Torah's divine origins.
27) The Birds
The symbolism of ostriches, ravens and other birds in Torah literature.
28) Snakes Alive
An intriguing presentation on snakes in Torah sources.
29) The Frogs of War
The deeper significance of the frog plague in Egypt... and why they might not have been frogs at all.
30) Varmints!
Intriguing Halachos and Torah perspectives on various types of rodents and reptiles.
31) Bees and Honey
A look at bees, stings, honey, propolis, and all other apiary related topics in Jewish philosophy and law.
IV) Torah and Science
32) Science and Religion
A sophisticated explanation of how the proof of God from the natural world is not what people think it is.
33) Jurassic and Jew
A unique presentation on Judaism, dinosaurs, and the age of the universe.
34) Untangling Evolution
An original and analytical approach to a famous topic, very different from any other. This is a complex and lengthy presentation that is best done in two or three sessions.
35) Mysterious Creatures
A fascinating investigation into bizarre animals that are mentioned in Torah literature, such as dragons, phoenixes, griffins, fireproof salamanders, and mermaids!
36) Spontaneous Generation
Are there mice that grow in the mud? Or lice that develop from dust? What about creatures that grow on trees? This presentation explores these and other cases of spontaneous generation in Torah sources.