Orange 11
Divrey hayamim – or “Chronicles” – is one of the Bible’s least-studied books. The opening would be almost as interesting as the telephone directory (remember them?) if there were any numbers. But persevere. And perhaps we’ll discover a purpose – even a hidden magic – in the book.
2019.12.25 Chronicles.pdfRed 7
Be the guinea-pig audience for award-winning comedian Noam Shuster's hour-long show in development, "Coexistence My Ass". This trilingual set delves into Shuster's upbringing in the only village in Israel designed for Arabs and Jews to live together, and makes light of her professional career as a peace activist.
Purple 31 (Bar)
In Mexico the Day of the Dead floods the streets with colourful ofrendas (altars). Mexicans celebrate this ancient tradition to remember their departed ones. Learn a bit about the history and cultural background of this holiday and how the Mexican Jewish community experience this day.
Orange 10
Climate change is a new problem that the Torah doesn’t say anything about. But people have not changed much since ancient times, so there’s plenty it can teach us about how to respond. We’ll explore lessons from the story of Moses to overcome fear, inspire hope, and be a part of the solution. We can make it to the promised land!
Blue 33
The Jordan River is holy to half of humanity. Despite its cultural significance conflict has turned the river into little more than an open sewer. This session will discuss EcoPeace’s water diplomacy efforts in the region with a focus on the Jordan River.
Blue 34
Following the Holocaust, Satmar Hasidism was reduced to all but a handful of followers. It has since grown to become one of the largest Hasidic sect in the world. Speaking to current and former Satmarers, I researched how Satmar Hasidism has been able to reproduce itself as interlinked, insular communities and the problems this creates.
Blue 32
Can you draw a stick figure? Write words? Tell a story? Of course you can, which is why Batman creator Gorf wants you at his fun and unique structured workshop, guaranteed to get every participant creating a cartoon on Jewish themes, stories and values. Spoiler Alert: this is not a childish art class; rather, a hands-on modern communication primer.
Red 5
The Jewish world has a longstanding aversion to tattoos. Even among largely secular Jews, the taboo against body ink remains powerful. The connection with the Holocaust further complicates this. Led by a heavily tattooed Jew herself, this chavruta session will dive into the questions, discussions, and myths surrounding Jews and their tattoos.
Tattoos and Judaism Havruta Session -jk.pdfRed 3
The unabashed obsession with a woman’s body, her dress, hair and demeanour has unleashed a travesty of rabbinic power. Arguably, this increased focus on modesty is a response to changes such as an unprecedented level of women’s textual study and their increased spiritual, political, activist and communal leadership roles. Lots of images included.
Modesty - Limmud - Sally Berkovic December 2019 0.1.pdfRed 4
From Israeli flags at EDL rallies, to Netanyahu embracing Orban, the growing alliance of global fascism clearly welcomes the state of Israel. Yet this same alliance is responsible for a huge increase in antisemitism. What does it mean for Jewish safety when those who are inciting violence against us claim they "love Israel” as political cover?
Green 25
Most people think it is immoral to pay a poor person to sell their kidney. But does this belief survive reflection? Come participate in a fascinating audience debate and learn the issue from both sides and see perhaps if you will change your mind about this life-saving issue.
Green 26
Canadian theatre producer and performance maker, Michael Rubenfeld, made a play about exploring his Polish roots with his mother. Now he lives there. In this session, Rubenfeld will talk about the show that led to him now living and creating art in Poland and why he thinks Poland is one of the most important contemporary Jewish spaces in the world.
Red 2
Jews were prominent among the outspoken white opponents of South African apartheid. Most were secular Jews, communists and liberals. Some went to jail for their beliefs. But what of the rabbis? Relatively few spoke out, and those who did, found themselves in trouble with the authorities - and with their own congregations
Ben Crowne Abi Symons Jacqueline Nicholls
Orange 12
Where even to begin with 2019? From the White House to Golders Green, from the front page of the Times to the back pages of Private Eye, every week seemed to bring fresh disgrace on the Jewish people. Join us to remember what we hope everyone else will forget...
Red 8
Fun on the fringe. Tassels from Torah and Talmud – a holy reminder for anyone. We’ll have a quick look at some texts connected with those ritual knots and fringes that catch your eye, then tie our own rainbow tzitzit to take home. A beautiful reminder of your time at Limmud, oh and of the mitzvot of course! (Any gender - no strings attached.)
Elisa Orenstein Leanne Orenstein
Red 1
If you love to dance, join our energetic hip-hop session. Suitable for both beginners and those who would like to show what they already can do! (Age 8 - 12).
Green 27
The number of avoidable disease outbreaks has increased around the western world in recent years due to a decrease in vaccination rates. Explore what Judaism and Jewish values, especially those of tikkun olam and pikuah nefesh, tell us about our duty to vaccinate against disease and our responsibilities towards the health of others.
Red 6
Well we all know that famous series on Vile Victorians and Rotten Romans--but WHERE ARE THE JEWS? We answer that nagging question with our own production of the Jewish version, premiering at Limmud. Featuring horrid Talmudic stories, special guest chef Jamie OyLiver, and of course Stupid Deaths. We may be hammy, but we guarantee it's kosher!
Horrible Jewish Histories skit source.pdfYellow 22
What does beauty really mean? How do we use this word in a world that tries to narrow its meaning? Join Sara for an interactive mother-daughter discussion as we explore the definition of "beauty," and walk away with a custom mirror designed exclusively for you by your loved one. (Session opened to all girls and women.)
Red 9 (Boulevard)
The author of "A Passage to India", "Howards End" and "A Room with a View" was never antisemitic, unlike many of his contemporaries. The central character of his second novel was an extraordinary Jew. In 1939 he wrote an essay entitled "Jew Consciousness" in which he ridiculed antisemitism. Come and explore the Jewish aspects of my literary hero.
Orange 15
Joseph Dweck, Senior Rabbi of the S & P Sephardi Community, will share why he believes Judaism to be even more relevant today than any other time in history, and how it influences his life, spiritual path, and religious teaching.