The Limmud Fest program: what to expect

by Sam Sherry Limmud Fest marketing volunteer

As we count down the days to Limmud Fest (have you booked your tickets yet? no? then what are you waiting for?!), it's time for the next post in our series where we get to know a bit more about the volunteers who have been working hard behind the scenes to create this unique Jewish community event. Today we have Stefan Misrachi from the Limmud Fest programming team. I asked Stefan about some of the highlights from this year's program.

SS: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you came to be involved in developing the program for Limmud Fest.

Stefan Misrachi

Stefan Misrachi (SM): I have been involved in various leadership roles in Jewish communal organisations since I was in high school. I went to my first Limmud Oz in Year 11, and have been an avid fan of Limmud Oz and Limmud Fest ever since. I currently work as a lawyer, and I wanted to volunteer for this year's Fest in the programming space, since the program, with its variety of sessions and speakers, is the heart of any Limmud event.

SS: What are your top five sessions on this year's program, that you think are not to be missed, and why will you be attending them?

SM: The sessions by our international guest speaker, Hagai Segal, present an amazing opportunity to learn from a leading expert in Middle East affairs and global terrorism. We have a fantastic Friday night service, with an Orthodox minyan and a very special appearance by the Kesher crew who will lead us in a musical and spiritual Kabbalat Shabbat service. We also have a talented line-up of local and Melbourne-based presenters. To be honest, it is impossible to rate only five sessions - they all look brilliant.

SS: Can you provide us with a sneak preview of the Saturday night program? Who will be performing?

Max Jared

Shannyn Gelbart

SM: Saturday night is shaping up as a night to remember. We have a mix of live music, DJ, dancing, film and culture to rival any night out in Sydney. There is even a bar. We have very special guests Max Jared and Shannyn Gelbart who will rock out with new music from their Jewish folk/hip hop/pop band Ahavat Hinam. We have Dan Segal and his band to keep the party pumping. And finally, DJ Laivi Frankel will be mixing up some beats with a special surprise (which may or may not be a Silent Disco. Hint: it really will be a Silent Disco. Be excited).

SS: Help! There are two sessions that I really like the sound of, but they're on at the same time. What should I do?

SM: First: panic. Second: stop panicking, and check if the speakers you want to see are doing any other sessions - there may be more than one opportunity to hear from him/her. Third: don't worry, there's always Limmud Oz next year, 6-8 June 2015! ;-)

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Limmud Fest is taking place from 28th-30th November on the Central Coast, NSW, only 1.5 hours north of Sydney.

Pre-booking is essential as numbers are limited! Click here to book or for more information on the full program visit the Limmud website www.limmud-oz.com.au.

Limmud is a non-profit, all-volunteer based event, supported by The Shalom Institute.