A weekend of learning and connection

by Sam Sherry

Sam Sherry

Last weekend was my third Limmud Fest, and now I know why people keep coming back – in addition to the sense of community, warm atmosphere, and the spirit of mutual cooperation between Fest participants, presenters and volunteers, there are always more things to learn, conversations to be had, and connections to be formed.

The only downside is that part of me inevitably feels a little sad whenever the time comes to go home, as I wonder how the two days passed so quickly! 

This year’s Limmud Fest was no different, where over 150 participants and presenters enjoyed an uplifting weekend of intellectual and spiritual nourishment on the Central Coast, NSW.

On the final day, we asked participants to describe their Fest experience by writing their comments on a ‘wall’, social media-style, in response to the question ‘You know you’ve been at Fest when…’. 

Here are a few of their responses:

• “You can’t decide what’s more exciting, the discussion about Midrash, or the silent disco!”
• “You don’t know what time of day it is because you’ve just had so many meals!”
• “You wish that the Jewish community was as open and welcoming as Limmud when you come home”

I have included a few of my own highlights from the weekend.

Something I learned…

Dr Yayu Mekonnen speaking

You never know what you will learn in a session at Limmud.  For example, did you know that the E.E.E. Sassoon High School in Mumbai was established by the Baghdadi Jewish community in India more than a century ago and still operates as a Jewish school today, with predominantly Hindu teachers and the majority of students being Muslim? Or that halachah is applied differently depending on whether you are left- or right-handed?

We also heard Dr Yayu Mekonnen talk about his work with the Israeli non-profit Save a Child’s Heart (SACH) which brings children from developing countries to Israel for life-saving heart surgery, as well as multiple sessions by Middle East analyst Hagai Segal and Israel Studies lecturer Dr David Mendelsson. 

Something that reinforced what I already knew…

For me, the session “How to survive a conversation about Israel” highlighted that differences of opinion that have long been a feature of Jewish communities (and will continue to be!).  We don’t always agree on things, let alone Israel, but one of the reasons I enjoy coming to Limmud is that it is a place where we can argue “for the sake of Heaven”. That is, we recognise that debate and discussion can further our education and understanding, provided that it is based on respect for each other.

Something that made me smile…

Ahavat Hinam performing on Saturday night

Kosher Theatresports was a hilarious and fun way to kick off the weekend as we watched people improvise their way through a variety of scenes.

Honourable mentions go to the impromptu rendition of Happy Birthday for Shannyn Gelbart during the Saturday night program (one half of the Jewish folk/rock band “Ahavat Hinam”) who celebrated her birthday during Limmud Fest, and the Silent Disco in the Wild to the beats of DJ #HashBang! and Yosl Cylich which had us dancing like no-one else could hear (literally!) until the early hours of Sunday morning.

Silent Disco 

Something that changed the way I think about Judaism…

I was personally inspired by hearing Emmanuel Blessy, a young man who grew up in Cameroon, speak of his discovery of Judaism and (difficult) decision to convert to the Jewish faith.  Seeing things that we take for granted about our faith through the eyes of someone experiencing them for the first time was thought-provoking.  While there might be aspects of our religion that we find frustrating and confusing, Emmanuel reminded us of the joy of finding the answers to our questions and of discovering ancient wisdom which can light a path for us as we travel through life.

* * * *

These are just a few of the experiences I had at Fest – if you asked me the same questions again, I would most likely respond with entirely different answers, such was the diversity of sessions and activities on offer. For example, the Kesher Crew led a meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat service which provided opportunities for reflection, and we also had sessions on the portrayal of Jews and Judaism on television, ensuring your kids stay Jewish and even salsa dancing.

The next Limmud-Oz in Sydney will take place over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend from 6-8 June 2015 at UNSW. If you’re interested in getting involved by volunteering, contact limmud@shalom.edu.au