Limmud Festival 2025

Limmud Festival 2025 – Monday 17:20

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Antisemitism: an historical analysis

Deborah Lipstadt  Raphael Zarum 

Orange 14

Often described as the 'world's oldest hatred', antisemitism has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to new and widely varying settings. It has morphed from a religious prejudice to a racial and then ethnic and political one. In this session we will trace how Jew-hatred has changed and yet remained the same over millennia.

Daniel Cainer in concert!

Daniel Cainer  House Band Limmud 

Red 7

More Jewish-themed stories-in-song exploring faith, family and identity from this award winning Limmud favourite. Moving, intelligent, beautifully crafted and laugh-out-loud funny. ‘Some have music in their soul, some have mirth and some have melancholy. That Daniel Cainer has the lot’ (Howard Jacobson). 'Stories within stories' (Alan Bennett).

Dualism in the Hebrew Bible

Tzemah Yoreh 

Red 5

The dichotomy between good and evil is at the heart of Biblical theology, but how far did that dualism extend? We will explore the entire spectrum of dualism extant in the Hebrew Bible from Good and Evil being encompassed in one deity, to two equal deities representing these poles.

Israeli dancing for all ages

Family Team Limmud  Maurice Stone 

Blue 32

Join Maurice Stone and the Limmud Families Team for a fun, easy-going Israeli dance session. All ages and skill levels are welcome: no experience needed, just come ready to move and enjoy!

Kids-only bouncy castle time

Family Team Limmud 

Yellow 23

Calling all 0–8 year olds! Step into the magnificent land of Limmud Bouncy Castles for endless fun. As long as you have an adult supervising, you’re welcome to jump, bounce and play. No children over 8 allowed. This is not a drop-off activity.

On religious fundamentalism

Elie Jesner 

Yellow 24

We will be exploring the phenomenon of religious fundamentalism, clarifying what it is and considering its psychological roots. We will think about its manifestations in the modern world, and particularly around Judaism, Israel and the Middle East.

Talmudic tales of time setting

Aviva Goldschmidt Kaufmann 

Red 4

We will explore the surprising lengths the rabbis went to in tractate Rosh Hashanah of the Talmudto ensure witnesses of the new moon came to testify its sighting. This class is text-based but all sources will have English translation.

The 'London Jewish Mural' @ JW3: your questions answered

Leon Fenster 

Blue 34

Who is that familiar face? Why is there a flying horse? If you've been looking up at the 26 metre-high artwork at JW3 (London's Jewish Community Centre) depicting Jewish London but have questions (including what's next for it), this is a space to ask them. And we might learn something new about the Anglo-Jewish story along the way.

The Hebrew-English connection

Paul Arberman 

Green 25

Hebrew is much easier to learn when you recognise the connections to English. Did you know that the Hebrew Aleph-Bet is mostly the same as the English alphabet - both in the form of the letters and the order? English and Hebrew share hundreds of words, roots and conjugation. You will be surprised at how easy it is to learn Hebrew.

The real* reason quinoa is kosher for Passover

Asher Lovy 

Red 2

While quinoa has in recent decades joined the standard western diet, the question of whether or not Ashkenazim could eat it on Pesach was only recently resolved. Learn about the secret political history of why quinoa is now kosher for Passover. It's a story of rebellious caterers, the systemic coverup of sex abuse, and the mission to rescue a political prisoner.

Trauma, resilience and post-traumatic growth in Israel

Caroline Ratner 

Yellow 21

Israelis are facing a mental health crisis of unprecedented proportions. Trauma is multi-layered and multi-generational; for many, past traumas have resurfaced. NATAL provides a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment. This session explores how NATAL helps Israelis heal and reflects on resilience, hope and the possibility of post-traumatic growth.

 UK friends of NATAL handout 2025 (1).pdf

What do Chanukah and Passover have in common?

Kristine Garroway 

Red 3

Chanukah and Passover both incorporate non-Jewish elements. Learn what these non-Jewish elements are and how, over time, we have accepted them into Jewish tradition. We will stop briefly in Europe to discuss Chanukah traditions before heading back in time to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to dig into the Passover narrative and the 10th plague.

What is Jewish ethnicity and why does it matter?

Josh Forman 

Orange 11

What does it mean to be Jewish? Ethnicity is a precious and confusing concept. It can be a badge of honour, or is it merely a way to categorise us? Let's dive in to this all-encompassing phenomenon. What does our ethnicity mean to us? What does it mean to others? Why is it important to be aware of your ethnicity and where it comes from?

What the world overlooks

Emma Weleminsky  Alex Wiesler  Ábel Keszler  James Silverman  Deetza Elf 

Orange 15

What happens when the world looks away? 'Forever crisis' in Afghanistan, rural health gaps in Africa, and famine only five kilometres from Europe’s largest cities are some emergencies ignored by headlines. Guided by Jewish values, we’ll hear from experts supporting communities in need, reflecting on how to listen, act and keep hidden stories alive.

Mindful mandala: Creating sacred patterns

Alina Cohen 

Red 1

Circles are symbols of wholeness and cycles in Jewish tradition. In this art session learn to draw mandalas — meditative patterns that invite calm, creativity, and reflection. No art skills needed, just paper, pen, and curiosity.

Between communities: Queer Jewish belonging after October 7th

Hannah Brady  Noah Katz  Lucy Reuben  Ariel Chapman 

Orange 12

What does it mean to be both LGBTQIA+ and Jewish in the UK today? Panellists reflect on life after October 7th: The place of Jews and Zionists in queer spaces, shifting attitudes towards queerness and queer activists in Jewish communities, and the challenges and hopes of holding both identities during this volatile time of solidarity and division.

Social drinks in Bar for singles in '50's and '60's

Katy Sayers Green  Danielle Tinero 

Bar

Single and in your 50s or 60s? Enjoy good conversation? Join us for a relaxed meet-up with likeminded people. After a full day of sessions, it’s a chance to unwind, connect, and maybe spark a little romance. We also run a London dinner club with many enjoyable evenings under our belt, find out more in this taster session with complimentary drinks!

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