Limmud Festival 2025

Limmud Festival 2025 – Monday 18:40

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A baby nursing from its mother's breast: Images of the divine feminine in Hassidic texts

Alex Braver 

Red 3

We are like ladies-in-waiting to God, the noblewoman. God is like a nursing mother, whose flow of blessing sustains the world. Our spiritual encounter with the divine is like a shameless public kiss, lifting up sparks of holiness. Explore images of the divine feminine in traditional Hassidic Jewish texts, through study and personal reflection.

 Divine Feminine Limmud.pdf

An introduction to karate

Andrew Stone  Eliana Stone 

Yellow 24

“The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of the participant.” Karate helps its practitioners develop physical fitness, mental resilience, discipline and self-defence skills. In this session, Andrew and Eliana will introduce you to some of the kihon, or basic techniques, of Shotokan Karate.

Are we a city or a field? Jewish voices on sexual consent

Aviva Richman 

Orange 10

When approached with sensitivity and creativity, how can Jewish tradition help us address our contemporary struggles with sexual assault and consent? What are the roles of leadership, community and theology in confronting these realities?

From golems to ChatGPT: how Jewish is artificial intelligence?

Carmel du Parc Braham 

Orange 11

This thought-provoking lecture explores the influence of Jewish ethics, folklore and theology on the development of artificial intelligence. Delving into how ancient narratives and modern technologies intersect, discover how Jewish thinkers and Jewish values, and questions about creation, responsibility, and human dignity offer insights for the digital age.

Inside Hamas's propaganda machine

Paula Slier 

Orange 15

From doctored footage to emotional appeals, Hamas has built one of the most effective propaganda machines of our time. War correspondent Paula Slier unpacks how Hamas brands itself as victim and victor, weaponised October 7th into a media campaign, and why these narratives resonate globally - with lessons for Israel and Jewish communities.

Is cross-communalism a thing of the past?

Naomi Bernstein 

Blue 34

With talk of a 'divided community' and rabbis heckled from stage, some herald the end of cross-communal Jewish life. Limmud begs to differ, as does the Union of Jewish Students. But what hope does cross-communalism have, and are we past the point of no return? This panel of students and community professionals might have the answers.

Jewish Voices Unveiled: Sephardi & Latin America

Sharyn Bistre Dabbah  Dani Rotstein  Renato Huarte Cuéllar  Victoria Atlas  Sara Terracina 

Orange 13

Discover Jewish voices beyond the familiar! Join experts from Spain, Mexico, and Italy and explore contemporary facets of Sephardi and Latin American communities. Hear stories, traditions, and new perspectives, and delve into questions such as: Why are Crypto-Jews forming independent communities? How are Syrian Jews navigating Orthodoxy today? What role does Ladino play in the modern world? And what is the future of Sephardi communities amid today’s global challenges?

Sacrae: singing 'a cappella' Christian settings of Jewish texts (2 of 2)

Sarah Bronzite 

Yellow 21

A chamber choir for Limmud! If you love singing a cappella settings by the likes of Tallis, Brahms and Howells, and if you've got good sight-singing skills, then Sacrae is for you. We'll sing Jewish-texts-only sacred choral works. NOTE: you’ll find music links below this session info on the Limmud website (not the app).

Small community meet-up

Melanie Goldberg 

Bar

Limmud is all the more exciting for its diversity. Come along and meet other Jews from small communities around the world!

The big gay and Jewish singalong

Hannah Brady  House Band Limmud 

Red 7

Raise your voice to the heavens and join the Big Gay and Jewish Singalong! Backed by the incredible Limmud House Band, we’ll belt out iconic hits by LGBTQIA+ and Jewish artists, from pride anthems dominating the 2020s to our favourite classics of Broadway and disco. No talent required, just chutzpah and heart (maybe a drink or two will help).

The machinery of the West Bank occupation

Baron Frankal 

Red 5

58 years of occupation and Israel controls all entry/exit points, population registry, power, airspace, telecoms and the financial system. The West Bank is criss-crossed by settler-only roads, dissecting the 40% of Palestinian semi-controlled land into small enclaves, at large cost to Israeli taxpayers and diaspora philanthropists. We cannot look away.

The realities of crisis response: navigating challenges and inspiring support

Ben Marks  James Silverman 

Orange 14

This session explores the hurdles faced by aid organisations, the importance of effective storytelling, and how to inspire support from communities and the wider public. Join World Jewish Relief for a highly interactive workshop that will challenge assumptions and provide insights into how we can better respond to crises with compassion.

Tot Todah: a gratitude jam with Mayta

Mayta Cohen 

Red 1

Come sing with Mayta and brainstorm everything we can be grateful for! Join me to sing, dance and celebrate the blessings in our lives!

UNO challenge

Simon Rosenstone 

Blue 32

How many games of UNO can you play in an hour? Two or more players for each game and games run simultaneously. The quicker you play the more fun it is. A great session for all ages and for families to play together.

Yiddish reading circle (2 of 2)

Ilan Pillemer 

Green 25

We will read a short enough story originally written in Yiddish, and then just sit and shmooze a litte about it.

Comedy Ju Jitsu

Nik Rabinowitz  Rachel Creeger 

Red 4

The ab workout for Jews who like the idea of martial arts, but are concerned about putting their backs out. A comedy line-up show hosted by Rachel Creeger, and featuring comedians Nik Rabinowitz and others.

A celebration of Marc Chagall, 40 years after his death in 1985

Steve Miller 

Red 2

Chagall lived a long and productive life, living (and loving) in several countries; creating memorable, stunning, beautiful works of art in many different media. We will attempt the near impossible – capturing and celebrating Chagall’s whole life within the space of a single Limmud session.

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