Choose Limmud

By Dani Serlin, Limmud International Coordinator

My Limmud-Oz journey started 15 years ago at a Limmud Conference in snow covered Nottingham, England, where as a university student, I took part as a YAD (Young Adult Development Scheme). This meant I had a discounted place, volunteered four hours a day, and spent much of the rest of my time listening to Israeli bands and meeting old and new friends in the bar. 

For my volunteering, I was lucky enough to be placed with the Young Limmud programme. There, I was inspired by the thoughtful leaders who had planned activities which challenged and engaged my 12 year old charges.

Three years later, I became one of those leaders. A decade on, I am proud to support the development of over 80 Limmud communities around the world. In 2014, 28,500 people worldwide took part in a Limmud event. This year, in June alone we will see Limmud events in Italy, the Galil (Israel), Sydney, Chile, Bay Area (USA) and Buenos Aires (Argentina). 

For me, Limmud is a revolutionary phenomenon, making the Jewish learning at its heart accessible in more ways than can be imagined. Talmudists like Gila Fine, who is presenting at Limmud Oz next month, bring centuries old Jewish texts alive - with no prior knowledge needed. This year you will be able to learn through the lens of film, laughing, crying and critiquing, and hear from Muhammed Dajani a Palestinian professor and peace activist who took his students to Auschwitz. Closer to home and in a safe respectful space, Limmud-Oz will be holding panels and sessions to explore the public enquiry of sexual abuse, and how the aboriginal communities parallel to Jewish communities.

Limmud-Oz is what you make it. It wouldn’t be possible without the determined leadership of Co-chairs Tomer and Angela, who I had the privilege to meet last year and the volunteer teams and Shalom College staff who have worked tirelessly to create this magical space and opportunity for diverse Jewish learning. And YOU – namely, each enthusiastic, curious and diverse participant. 

Every one of us creates a Limmud community, whatever our role as planner, presenter, participant and, most of all, human beings willing to take a chance, try something new, reach out, talk to and listen to others. 

So choose to learn, choose to expand your horizons, choose to go beyond your comfort zone, choose to enrich your life, choose to be part of a global Jewish learning community. 

Choose Limmud!

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Limmud-Oz - The Festival of Jewish Ideas

Festival dates: 6 - 8 June 2015 - Book NOW!

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Limmud is a not-for-profit, volunteer based event supported by the Shalom Institute. Our valuable volunteers get a generous 50% discount from any festival ticket - join our volunteering team today!