Limmud Festival 2024

Limmud Festival 2024 – Monday 19:45

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"Love the Stranger as Yourself" - How's That Working Out?

Amos Schonfield  Raymond Simonson 

Orange 14

Why does the enduring link between refugees from Khartoum and Kabul and Jews eating kugel in Kinloss persevere? We will explore the roots of Jewish support for people seeking sanctuary, the creative ways the two communities work together, and how that connection continues despite people inside our community and out trying to separate us.

The Shoham Stones and the Breastplate of Judgement (2 of 2)

Richard Townsend 

Green 25 - Nursery

This paper unveils the Kabbalistic structure of the 'Shoham Stones and the Breastplate of Judgement' and their correlation to the Urim, Thummim, and the High Priest's hands.

Bound Up in the Bundle of Life

Yael Tischler 

Yellow 23

The Yizkor (memorial) service uses the words of the biblical heroine Abigail, who saves her family from massacre at the hands of the future King David. But what is the link between Abigail and our memorial prayers? And why might Abigail's story provide comfort to individuals and communities in mourning?

 Bound Up in the Bundle of Life Source Sheet.pdf

But Which Religion is Correct? 'Truth' in Interfaith Education

Shira Solomons  Patrick Morrow  Dilwar Hussain 

Orange 12

Judaism does not proselytise, but this is unusual among faiths in Britain. And do we Jews really have no firm beliefs that we wish others would share? Can we teach about our own faiths passionately, without the conversation slipping into persuasion? Can we allow for multiple religious “truths”, and still be rational? What is religious “truth”?

 SacksSelections.pdf  SoloveitchikOnInterfaith.pdf

Circumcision in Progressive Judaism

Howard Cohen 

Red 3

Demographic data suggests it is becoming more common for Progressive Jewish parents to decide against circumcising their sons' whilst remaining actively engaged their communities. In this session I hope to present some of this data and to explore some historical and contemporary issues of circumcision in Progressive Judaism.

Conflict, Transitional Justice & Memory - How to Rebuild a Society

Esther Offenberg 

Orange 11

How do memory and accountability come into play when societies transition out of a conflict? Where does reconciliation or justice come in? Our world is currently riddled with wars, conflicts and atrocities, so let’s talk about what life could look like post-conflict and what different forms of transitional justice can teach us.

Global Connections and Opportunities: OLAM meet-up for Global Development Practitioners

Louis Trup  Emma Weleminsky 

Red Bar/Lounge

Calling all global changemakers! Join OLAM for a drink and to connect with others in the fields of international development, humanitarian aid or global service. You'll also hear how OLAM can support you with trainings, subsidies and networking opportunities. All welcome, whether or not you're part of OLAM's network. Looking forward to meeting you!

Gustav Mahler and the Jews

John Dunston 

Red 8

Was Mahler a Jewish composer? Can his music be described as "Jewish"? Countless debates over what exactly constitutes Jewish music have probably reached a similar number of conclusions. In this session, we'll simply focus on Mahler, his symphonies and songs, and try to answer those two questions, while listening to some of his most memorable music.

Introduction to Ladino (2 of 3)

Martin Di Maggio 

Orange 13

In this session we will recap the vocabulary from the previous session and build on practicing conversation. Please bring a notepad and pen[s].

Life Drawing

Anya Shire-Plumb  Ali Simmons 

Yellow 21

Limmud Life Drawing is back by popular demand! Follow in the legacy of Jewish figurative artists such as Chagall, Modigliani, Chaïm Soutine, and Charlotte Salomon. Whether you are a seasoned artist or have never attempted figure drawing, this is the time and place to practice, try something new, and have fun! No experience necessary.

Navigating Unity, Diversity and Constructive Conflict: Pardes as a Case Study

Meesh Hammer-Kossoy 

Red 4

Pardes in Jerusalem is the only year-round, immersive, pluralistic Beit Midrash in the world. Home to Reform and Orthodox, Zionist and anti-Zionist, queer and straight students from across the globe, it is a unique laboratory for connection across difference. Join us for an interactive roundtable discussion exploring whether - and how - its guiding values might be translated into action in the broader Jewish community.

 Limmud sourcesheet - Pardes as a case study.pdf

Not a Jewish Singles Session! Let's Puzzle How to Find Deeper Connections

Hannah Azizollah 

Red Bar/Lounge

Tried networking, synagogues, volunteering, Limmud but not finding your people? After my thoughts (personal, psychology, sociology, Judaism, and popular culture) then thinking together, we will emerge with ideas/ actions/activities. NOT a lonely-hearts session (been there). Let's identify the situations/conditions to find deeper connections.

Sing and Dance Your Way to Heaven

Neil Elton 

Red 7

In family folklore two names kept coming up, Jessie Matthews and Hermione Gingold, some of the greatest stars of their era. Join me in my adventure through time back to an era where singing, dancing and comical acting ruled British entertainment, discovering a link between my great grandmother's love of dancing and my love of entertainment.

The Akedah between Jews and Christians, Kierkegaard and Maimonides

Aaron Koller 

Red 1

The Binding of Isaac has occupied minds for centuries. One influential reading was offered by Søren Kierkegaard, who read the story as a clash between ethics and faith and saw Abraham as a “knight of faith” – a reading deeply rooted in Protestant theology. We will explore this reading alongside very different ways in which Jews have read the story.

 The Akedah between Jews and Christians, Kierkegaard and Maimonides Limmud 2024.pdf

The Inner Cave: A Space for Reflection and Expression

Sharyn Bistre Dabbah 

Yellow 24

In Limmud's busy atmosphere, participants often struggle to process new ideas and connect with themselves. The Inner Cave offers a cosy, private space for introspection inspired by Jewish traditions like Cheshbon HaNefesh. With writing and art materials available, it invites reflection, creative expression, and calm.

The Wartime Get

Joanne Greenaway 

Red 5

Amongst the tragedy created by war is the halachic tragedy of igun (‘chained wives’). What approaches have been used over history to prevent this and where are we today?

What Do We Actually Do About Amalek Today?

Aviva Goldschmidt Kaufmann 

Red 2

In the Torah, we are told to remember what Amalek did to us when we were on our journey out of the slavery of Egypt, how they attacked the weak and the weary from behind. What does "You shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Don't forget" actually mean for us today?

What is Diaspora Culture?

Benny Ross 

Orange 10

Many Jews are rethinking our relationship with Zionism. Is it is essential to Jewish identity? We'll consider how Jewish experience relates to “exile”, how existence as a minority has affected Jewish culture, and whether there can be authentic Jewish life outside Israel. Sources include the Talmud, IB Singer, and potentially anything in between.

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