By Sam Sherry, Limmud Fest Marketing chair
With less than two weeks to go until early bird registration closes (Oct 31) for Limmud Fest, I spoke to the volunteer event co-chairs, Dane Stern and David Rusnak, to find out more about this year's program.
1. How did you first become involved with Limmud, and what
keeps you coming back?
Dane Stern (DS):A few years ago I saw the Limmud-Oz program in an AJN liftout and was amazed at the variety of Jewish talks, performances, workshops and social opportunities Limmud can offer over one weekend. What keeps me coming back is knowing that each hour, I can choose to attend whichever session interests me the most – it’s not always an easy choice! I’ve volunteered a few times in the marketing team, and last December I attended the week-long Limmud Conference near London with over 2,000 people. There’s room for Limmud to grow here and I love being involved.
David Rusnak (DR): I was a Limmud virgin coming into my role as co-chair of Limmud Fest, so this is the first real event that I have jumped on board with. Having a large group of passionate people to work with in organising and promoting such a great event has shown me what Limmud is and the values that Limmud stands for.
Dane Stern (DS):A few years ago I saw the Limmud-Oz program in an AJN liftout and was amazed at the variety of Jewish talks, performances, workshops and social opportunities Limmud can offer over one weekend. What keeps me coming back is knowing that each hour, I can choose to attend whichever session interests me the most – it’s not always an easy choice! I’ve volunteered a few times in the marketing team, and last December I attended the week-long Limmud Conference near London with over 2,000 people. There’s room for Limmud to grow here and I love being involved.
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| Volunteer co-chair David Rusnak |
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| Volunteer co-chair Dane Stern |
David Rusnak (DR): I was a Limmud virgin coming into my role as co-chair of Limmud Fest, so this is the first real event that I have jumped on board with. Having a large group of passionate people to work with in organising and promoting such a great event has shown me what Limmud is and the values that Limmud stands for.
2. What are you most excited about in this year's program?
DR: I am excited about the broad range of speakers and the
relaxed atmosphere that Fest will create. Being a weekend over Shabbat, it will
be great to be able to meet and get to know others who share similar passions.
DS: International presenters include Middle East analyst
Hagai Segal who will be speaking on Israel’s strategic priorities, cyber
warfare, and the rise of the far right in Europe.
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| ME analyst Hagai Segal |
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| Dr David Mendelsson |
Other highlights of the weekend include:
- A Saturday night entertainment program with live bands and a bar;
- Opportunities to connect spiritually with sessions on meditation, the Kabbalah of health & happiness, or making your own midrash;
- Arts and creative sessions including “Kosher Theatresports”, Jewish songwriting, “From Hatufim to Homeland” and an Israeli film;
- Options such as bushwalking, soccer, dancing, and platonic speed dating where you can converse with and debate your fellow Limmudniks on a range of topics; and
- A Hebrew café for those who wish to schmooze in Ivrit.
3. What advice would you give to participants looking to get
the most out of their Limmud Fest experience?
DR: Limmud is unique in the way it is run by participants
for participants. Everyone is on the same level and the phrase "the
teacher becomes the student" is something that I personally feel is a
great philosophy to live by. Come join us with an open mind, respect, and a
sense of empowerment as you continue on your Jewish journey.
DS: My advice is to participate in sessions that are new to
you, so you become enriched by your experience at Fest. That may be through
Shmooze Fest platonic speed dating, participating in kosher theatresports, a
talk on DNA & chromosomes in the Bible, or even kabbalah meditation. You’ll
learn something new and meet interesting people while doing so. You may even
develop a new hobby!
4. Will I be able to keep Shabbat at Limmud Fest?
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| Celebrating havdalah together |
DR: If you are religious, you will feel comfortable in the
surroundings that we have created, with a great Shabbat team leading the way
and the variety of services. We believe in the importance of enabling Shabbat
and kashrut to be kept in all public areas as much as possible, so that Jews do
not have to separate themselves from one another.
5. What if I'm not religious?
DR: Limmud is not about the level of observance, it is
designed for everyone to come, learn and enjoy. We respect everyone's level of
observance and therefore cater our Shabbat experience to allow everyone to feel
comfortable. With multiple services being held from Orthodox to Progressive,
there is something for everyone. Even if you aren't religious, you will be able
to enjoy a great atmosphere and mingle with other like minded individuals.
DS: Even for those who aren’t religious, you’ll find the
communal Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah experiences at Fest to be melodic and
warm. If you don’t wish to attend Friday night or Shabbat morning prayer
services, you’re free to either schmooze or attend one of the sessions we’ve
scheduled, including a Shabbat morning bushwalk. For the first time we’re
running a half-hour “Ideas exchange” during Mincha – niche half-hour sessions, some
on the grass, that are intimate and discussion-based.
6. In five words or fewer, describe what Limmud Fest means
to you.
DR: Enabling Connections, Empowerment, Participation,
Respect.
Click here to see the full program and to book!
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