On December 3rd, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., the popular Jewish learning fest LimmudPhilly will fill Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia with classes, conversations and activities. Divided into six 50-minute blocks, each block offering at least five session options, LimmudPhilly is an entirely customizable educational experience.
“Limmud is for everyone,” LimmudPhilly co-chair George Shotz says. “We want people to enjoy themselves, to pick sessions they’ll love.” And with the wide array of topics — including social justice, text study, contemporary Judaism and Jewish life, Jewish history, spirituality, interfaith, art, meditation and music — finding sessions you love will be easy.
In celebration of Israel70, this year LimmudPhilly will also include Israel-oriented sessions as well as a special interfaith panel, “Building Bridges: Israel Through the Eyes of our Neighbors.” Moderated by Rabbi David Ackerman, this discussion will feature local Christian clergy who have participated in the Jewish Community Relations Council’s interfaith trip to Israel, and will offer suggestions for engaging non-Jews on the topic of Israel.
“I’ve always been interested in fostering interfaith dialogue,” says panelist Pastor François Lacroix of the Wallingford Presbyterian Church, who traveled with the JCRC interfaith trip last February for his first-ever visit to Israel. “For me, it’s clear that a desire to seek a sense of peace is at the core of the major religions rooted in Abrahamic faith,” he continues. “I think we’re called to seek a sense of union and peace while recognizing each other’s diversity.”
For the youngest learners, ages 3-12, YoungLimmud will offer classes all day long in arts and crafts, dance and educational activities for kids to enjoy. Through Challah for Hunger, a Jewish Federation-supported program, children will even come home with dough to make challah for Shabbat.
Now in its seventh year, LimmudPhilly is co-sponsored by the Center City Kehillah and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. “Limmud is when I get to broaden my horizons. It’s an opportunity to just enjoy Judaism. I love it,” George sums up. To learn more and to register for LimmudPhilly, click here. Admission cost includes a kosher, catered lunch; use promo code ISRAEL70 for 10% off.
