What is Limmud NY?

We are a conference, a festival, a gathering of hundreds of Jews from all walks of life, all Jewish backgrounds, all lifestyles, and all ages. Limmud is four days of lectures, workshops, text-study sessions, discussions, exhibits, performances and much more—all planned by a community of volunteers.

In Hebrew, Limmud means "learning"—and that's what it's about. An opportunity to craft your own Jewish world. Explore your connection to Jewish ideas and tradition. Meet people who share your curiosity and enthusiasm. Relax, reflect, and celebrate.

The History

Limmud NY was established by six volunteers who were inspired by the annual Limmud Conference in England. With the help of UJA-Federation of NY, this group undertook a year-long needs assessment and strategic planning process. At the conclusion of this process in December 2003, UJA-Federation—through a grant from the Picower Foundation—provided funds to seed the creation of Limmud NY. Additionally, Limmud NY became one of the select residents of Bikkurim: An Incubator for New Jewish Ideas. The first Limmud NY conference was held in January 2005.

What will happen

From early in the morning until late each night, you'll have an opportunity to choose from an ongoing menu of 8-12 simultaneous sessions on topics ranging from Talmud to psychology, from film to Bible, from drama to Israeli politics. Some sessions will be given by renowned lecturers; others will be discussion groups, artist circles, or workshops. Some will be small; others will be events for the entire Limmud community. There will be time to make new friends, and time to talk with presenters, so that you can truly learn from everyone.

Immerse yourself—or dip in—as much as you choose. The learning, in all the ways it unfolds, will be nonstop, inspiring, and invigorating.

Who will be there

Anyone from the New York area who is interested in Jewish learning, from every age group and background, is welcome at Limmud NY: Singles, couples, kids, parents, students, homemakers, retirees; artists, lawyers, teachers, computer programmers, business executives, doctors, poets; Sephardic Jews and Ashkenazic Jews; gay Jews and straight Jews. Some participants have been Jewishly involved their whole lives. Others are just beginning to explore their Jewish journeys.