Orange 11
The past year created a rift between the Israeli art world and the international one, mirroring many of the larger issues with a unique twist. We’ll dive deep into two of these events and the history behind them to uncover the intricate web of connections between art and politics and to the intersections of Israeli art and activism.
Hotel Lobby
Come outside for some fresh air, a chance to chat and reflect, and to get your fingers busy creating beautiful friendship bracelets! Materials and instruction provided (or bring your own project), and dress for the weather. We will be walking on uneven ground and sitting on mats on the floor.
Red 4
Photojournalism and documentary photography have a unique space in Israeli visual culture. Beginning with the responses of Israeli artists to the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995, this lecture will highlight moments in which the turn to realism reflects episodes of crisis in national identity.
Orange 14
Life is tough. Every day we have immense physical and emotional challenges. Prayer can help us “carry on”, especially the little “Tachanun” prayer at the end of the weekday Minchah (afternoon) service. Let’s analyse the text together and I’ll show you why it is so meaningful to me, and what it might be able to do for you…
Red 3
In the last few decades, we've started to talk of the 'Abrahamic Faiths'. Where does this expression come from and why was it adopted? Does it help us at all understand what, if anything, these traditions have in common?
Yellow 21
Come along for an update on my research on Limmud, (fairly) soon to be published as a book! Over a third of my 153 interviewees have used utopian language when describing their Limmud experience. Why? What do they mean? Is the messiah already lurking at Limmud? And will s/he promote my book??
Hotel Lobby
Mushrooms are mysterious. Perceived as life-giving, mind-blowing and deadly, fungi inspire fear, wonder and confusion. Against the odds, they thrive in cities like Birmingham. Join us for a walk to get to know your fungal neighbours. We’ll learn how to identify common species and explore the role of fungi in the ecosystem and Jewish traditions.
Red 2
What is my prayer? Where am I in prayer? Jewish prayer is a mix of obligation and connection. Together we will explore these aspects in our life. The experience includes: Intuitive writing Breathing and mindfulness exercises Jewish prayer songs Sharing and reflection Each participant will leave the workshop with a short personal prayer.
Adam Wagner Adam Rose Sharone Lifschitz
Orange 15
Shortly after 7/10/23, lawyers Adam Rose and Adam Wagner offered free legal representation to any British-linked families of hostages. “The Adams” (as they became known to the families) never expected the professional and emotional journey it would take them on, from Doha to Downing Street (through Lisbon). They will be joined by one of their clients, Sharone Lifschitz, whose father Oded is a hostage.
Orange 10
From orchestrated campaigns by foreign governments to individual actors, the active pursuit of spreading false information can and has led to not only violence—but bloodshed.
Red 5
Should our children be educated about the climate and biodiversity crisis - and if so, how? This session looks at EcoJudaism's Jewish Climate Education for primary schools and climate education more broadly and we'll discuss what works, what doesn't and where the risks are.
Orange 13
On Yom Kippur 6th October 1973 Israel faced sudden simultaneous attacks by the Egyptian army across the Suez Canal and the Syrian army on the Golan Heights. Graphic images are shown of Israel's gallant defence and counter-attacks in savage tank battles in the Siniai Desert and the Golan with the Syrian army destroyed in the 'Valley of Tears.'
Yellow 24
"What I do in private is my business" - but is it? While Mill argued for absolute personal freedom, Jewish tradition sees things differently. Should communities enforce religious standards? Do we have obligations to each other's spirituality? Explore these burning questions about personal choice, public Judaism, and the power of communal norms.
Orange 12
How can “baruch attah” be such a crucial, common phrase in our liturgy, yet we don’t really know what it means?! We’ll ask not "what", but "how" our prayer books communicate meaning. Come and explore the wondrous world of translation in over 30 bilingual siddurim from 1940 to today, to understand how liturgy means in special and surprising ways.
Red Bar/Lounge
Pack your knitting for Limmud! Join us for a relaxing time with like-minded crafters. Whether you knit or crochet, it's a chance to recharge with fellow yarn enthusiasts. This year we'll be making baby hats for the local maternity hospital in Birmingham. I wonder how many we'll be able to make! Remember life is better seen through wool!
Red 1
A session looking at the antisemitism facing Jewish players and supporters and the growth of Jewish supporters groups.