Blue 32
‘A Real Pain’ explores the relationship between two cousins as they undertake a 'roots tour' of Poland upon the death of their Holocaust-survivor grandmother. This session will involve an exciting, interactive discussion about core themes in the film, examining the impact of Holocaust history on the lives of the younger generation.
Red 9
Want to fix what’s broken in the world but don’t know where to start? Discover how Jewish values like tikkun olam (repairing the world) can shape modern humanitarian aid. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore real crisis principles, see how OlamAid applies them, then build your own project idea in teams. Come curious - leave excited.
Yellow 21
My book 'Downward Spiral' defined the decline in ethical standards during the Conservative government. I reviewed the bodies set up to police that ethical landscape such as the Committee on Standards in Public Life. In this session I will examine whether the Labour government have been worse, as good as, or better than the administration they replaced.
Orange 14
October 7th brought about a rupture in Jewish life that challenged many of our assumptions. The ongoing war has brought fundamental life questions to the fore. This session aims to look at our conception of God as a result of October 7th and its aftermath. Where is God now? How do we think about God? How do we make sense of innocent suffering?
Red 7
Join the Limmud house band for a hands-on session where anyone can step into a jam. Learn the basics of listening, rhythm, and making space, then try it together — no experience needed. Bring an instrument, your voice, or just your ears, and leave with confidence, simple tools, and the joy of shared improvisation.
Orange 13
For years, I worked inside Israel’s far-left human rights organisations, witnessing their work from the inside. This session will explain why, having studied in West Bank yeshivot, I joined them to teach rabbinical students about human rights. What I saw, why eventually I felt compelled to leave, and what it might say about Israel today.
Red 4
An engaging talk exploring underrepresented Jewish identities including Sephardi/Mizrachi, Jews of Colour, queer Jews and others, and how their stories appear (or don’t) in film and media. A look at broadening Jewish representation and celebrating the richness of global Jewish life.
Red 8
Italy is home to the oldest Jewish community in the Western world, over 2,000 years old. Come and learn how to make pasta e fagioli, a classic Roman Jewish dish. Italian Jewish cuisine is quintessentially Italian, yet kosher, with a Jewish spirit. Discover a fascinating and rich history, pick up cooking tips and enjoy tasting a delicious soup!
Red 1
How can we begin to find inner stability when the whole world is shaking? Jewish mindfulness meditation can be a source of support in these times. After a short Jewish teaching, we will sit in guided silent meditation practice and experience what it means to anchor ourselves in presence. Suitable for absolute beginners and experienced meditators alike.
Red 5
Have you ever read something that featured a Jewish character but the writer was not Jewish themselves? My dissertation topic covers the extent of antisemitism through Jewish scriptural authority in Early Modern plays (16th century). If there is time, we will also have a 'Show and Kvell' where you can show off a book that has Jewish representation in it!
Christina Hilsenrath Dawn Waterman Marsha Parker
Yellow 24
What becomes of Jewish cemeteries when their communities are no longer there to care for them? Discover the stories of three provincial burial grounds that embody our fragile heritage. Their restoration and care raises tough questions, yet they hold a powerful connection across generations and geography, ensuring unique local Jewish histories live on.
Blue 34
Jews are meant to be clever, right? In this session we will explore why this idea developed, and what it might mean for our lives now. Does cleverness protect us, promote us or perhaps hold us and our children back?
Orange 10
In his distinctive style, 20th century Romanian/Israeli Reuven Rubin brought the epic story of King David into focus with all of his connection to the land of Israel. We will uncover the meaning and significance of this collection of lithographs in the light of Rubin’s life and work in pre-State Palestine and post-State Israel.
Orange 11
Who is Serach bat Asher? Why is she named twice in the Torah among long lists of men – an extremely rare occurrence – and why does she keep popping up in Jewish writings over thousands of years? In this text-based, interactive session, we’ll explore who Serach was – or is? – and what she may be trying to teach us. English translations provided.
Naomi Munk Adam Wagner Jason Braier
Orange 15
Three barristers discuss the most interesting recent legal cases involving religion. No legal knowledge required. Wigs optional.
Red 3
As the author of the Yom Ha'Aliyah Bill, this is a lecture about how it went from ideation to passing into law in the Knesset. How did the incredible legislation process and public campaign turn this dream into reality? How is Yom Ha'Aliyah celebrated in all official Israeli institutions and how is it now influencing aliyah policy?
Hotel Lobby
Even in the depths of winter, nature is abound with wonderful and nutritional gifts for us. Join me for a wander around the grounds of the NEC, get some fresh air, forage some tasty snacks, and try some tasty weeds. For the adventurous. We will be walking on uneven ground.
The Torah of Foraging.pdf
Ruth Jacobs JIll Appleton Andrew Smith
Orange 12
A focus in on faith and interfaith relations in Birmingham. The good and the bad. How do small communities get involved? What is The Feast? Understanding the challenges and opportunities of the Christian community and how the Jewish community can continue its history of punching above its weight in Birmingham.
Red 2
South Africa’s last employed Jewish comic and the UK’s only orthodox professional comedian have faced accusations, petitions, protests, cancellations, sensationalist headlines, social media mobs, and the odd terror threat here and there. Welcome to comedy in 2025! A chat.
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