My Experience at Limmud- To Learn

My Experience with Limmud- To Learn

Limmud is an international movement of study and friendship, of Jewish identity and identification. It literally means- “ to learn” and was founded 30 years ago by four educators in l980 as a retreat attended by 70 participants. In 2012, it drew over 2600 Jews from all over the world, the longest Limmud experience, but one of 60 communities in more than 25 countries. All Limmud groups are committed to learning, diversity and volunteers. The success of Limmud is mainly due to the open mindedness and inclusiveness that is sorely needed in our world and in our Jewish organizations.  I had the privilege of participating in Limmud UK at the University of Warwick in February, teaching 6 workshops from Jewish huck embroidery to Cantorial Music for the 21^st Century.  Parodies, Gems of My Grandfather’s Music, Beloved Shabbat Melodies, and Voices from our Side of the Curtain were included. I loved meeting Jews from so many different countries, everyone eager to learn and soak up the incredible energy of Limmud UK. For most people it is transformative and it was common to meet people who had attended for many years- it is something you don’t want to miss once you experience it! It is rare to sit in a class where the teacher is head of  Jewish school, senior instructors at Pardes Institute in Jerusalem, members of the Israeli Bar, Knesset, leaders in AIPAC, Hillel, a former Mossad agent! All of this could occur in one day at Limmud. 

My husband Scott attended Limmud as well, and took part in every moment possible. Our most interesting moment happened at breakfast one day. After speaking with a Russian woman, a sociologist who gave a lecture about the Jewish community in Russia today, we noticed an elderly man sitting quietly across from us . After about 20 minutes I introduced myself, feeling awkward about not including him in the conversation. He said he was a lawyer from London who moved to Israel to find legal work many years ago. He then said, he worked in military intelligence. I asked him, “ You mean, the MOSSAD?”. He said, “yes, my work has just been declassified so I can speak about it.”  What followed was amazing- this unassuming man was in charge of the technical aspects of rescuing 900 Ethiopians in Operation Solomon, getting them to Israel from the Sudan. He then told us he was one month away from bringing the infamous Dr. Mengele from Argentina to Israel. They had his location and were planning to take him, but he passed away one month before the mission was finalized.

That afternoon I heard a lecture from a brilliant senior Pardes Bible scholar who examined the abuses of power in Biblical times and in modern times. She ended her talk with a reference to sexual abuse issues in clergy leadership, which I have become active in through Jewish Women International and our local Danbury Women’s Center. She herself was a victim of a rabbi growing up. The interest was so strong, she gave a lecture on it the next day.  Judy Klitsner, also was on the panel “ Voices from Our Side of The Curtain” I was fortunate to share with her. As an orthodox woman scholar, she was clearly a scholar and rabbinical in her own way.  Later that day we heard a senior leader from AIPAC  talk about what it takes to be a strategic ally of the USA. It was interesting to hear the perception of America from so many different countries. We all understood why Israel is so important to America and to the civilized world.

Choosing from dozens of lectures at any given time slot was challenging, and rewarding. There were programs for children, young families, and everyone else. Lighting the menorah each night of Hanukkah was special, and I was delighted to lead the candlelighting one of those nights with children singing songs I had taught them that day. We are all connected- we share so many common bonds, and Limmud helps strengthen them.

I encourage you to look at the www.limmud.org website. Find a Limmud program and attend! The Jerusalem Post says, “ Limmud may be a new sociological phenomenon”.  May we all rekindle our love of Judaism through study and sharing in the Limmud experience.

Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray