LimmudPhilly: More Than 90 Ways to Connect Jewishly

Jewish gospel singer Joshua Nelson

Lindy, who died on Feb. 16 after a battle with cancer, was instrumental in bringing this intensive international program of Jewish learning for people of all ages and in all stages of life to this region.

Berkowitz recalls that "Annabel and her husband, Phil attended one of the Limmud programs in Germany while touring Europe. They told me that we need to bring this to Philadelphia."

Berkowitz said that "Annabel was impressed by the joy of learning that was palpable in the halls, over drinks at night, while catching breakfast in the morning, in the hearts and minds of all who were there."

He was glad that the woman who he viewed as a friend and mentor for more than eight years was able to see her dream of a LimmudPhilly experience turn into a reality. He expressed his belief that "Annabel's commitment to learning with a sparkle in your eye and a question on your tongue" will live on through this annual event.

Federation President Leonard Barrack expressed his pleasure in partnering with the Gershman Y on this learning festival.

"Providing engaging, dynamic Jewish educational experiences is one of Federation's highest priorities," he said, adding that "Federation is proud to be associated with a program that welcomes participants of all ages and denominations who seek a connection with Judaism and one another."

More than 75 scholars, artists and educators will present a variety of dynamic lectures, workshops, group study experiences, films and performances emphasizing Jewish history, text, art, culture and yoga.

"Young and seasoned learners, religious and unaffiliated individuals and families all will find programming of interest," said Berkowitz. The festival begins on Saturday night with Havdalah at 6:45 p.m. and runs through 1 a.m. Programming resumes on Sunday at 8 a.m., ending at 6 p.m.

Joel Chasnoff

This year's highlights include performances by Jewish gospel singer Joshua Nelson; comedian Joel Chasnoff; a discussion with Ruth Messinger, national director of the American Jewish World Service; and a Saturday-night wine reception, complete with live music.

These are only a few of the 90 sessions that will happen over two days. The full festival schedule is available at: www.limmudphilly.org.

Registration for LimmudPhilly is funded in part by Federation. The fee includes all programs, plus the Saturday-night dessert buffet and wine, breakfast and lunch on Sunday, and snacks and drinks throughout. Financial assistance is available. Check out the entire schedule and register online at: www.limmudphilly.org (or call 267-235-4083). In-person registrations will also be accepted.

Sara Levy, co-chair of LimmudPhilly, along with Bobbi Cohen, shares her belief that "the most exciting thing about Limmud is the in-gathering of people from all different walks of life with many diverse interests," adding that she is particularly excited that her 89-year-old grandmother and her parents are coming from Connecticut to share in the activities.

Cohen concurs that Limmud offers far more than just classes and workshops.

"Participants can visit an on-site book store and shop in our Israeli shuk," she says.

Ruth W. Messinger

She also sees the learning festival as a venue for individuals who want to connect with the Jewish community. Representatives from many Jewish community organizations will be on hand to present volunteer and mitzvah opportunities.

Celebration of Heritage

Limmud -- the Hebrew word for "learning" -- is a grass-roots, global Jewish learning experience that has its roots in the United Kingdom.

Twenty-seven years ago, a group of British Jewish educators put together a weeklong program on a university campus, originally designed for Jewish professionals.

Today, this program is an annual event that engages some 2,500 Jews of all ages, denominations and backgrounds in dialogue, discussion and a celebration of their heritage.

In 1999, Limmud was exported to Australia.

In rapid succession, Jewish communities in Holland, Toronto, Paris, Lithuania and Hungary hosted Limmud events.

Over the past three years, the number has skyrocketed, Limmud has reached more than 40 communities around the world, including those in Ashkelon, Israel; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Yalta, Ukraine; and Khabarovsk, Russia.

Within the United States, Philadelphia joins New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and Denver as a host city for the Limmud experience.

One of the key principles behind Limmud is that everyone is both student and teacher.

Presenters do not receive honorariums; they are rewarded for their contributions with the opportunity to learn from others.

To become a LimmudPhilly Jewish learner, call 267-235-4083 or register online at: www.limmudphilly.org.