Canberra community abuzz over Limmud
THE inaugural Limmud Shavuot conference in Canberra has been billed as the biggest Jewish learning initiative to come to the nation’s capital in history.
That is how the ACT Jewish Community’s Rabbi Alon Meltzer describes the three-day program, to be held over Shavuot from May 22-25, which features a dozen speakers presenting nearly 20 topics and panels.
“We are running this program to inspire Canberrans so that they will participate in the annual Limmud-Oz,” Rabbi Meltzer told The AJN. “To have the opportunity to provide such a high level and such a broad scope of Jewish education is a fantastic opportunity. We hope it will sow the seed for continued and enhanced involvement of our community’s personal growth and education.”
Speakers at the event include regular Limmud presenter Ittay Flescher, who will be speaking on the philosophy of Martin Buber, as well as on the ways Bible translations came about and the meaning and agendas behind them.
Dr Gavriel Ansara will be looking at Orthodox feminism and halachic approaches to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex inclusion, while Adele Rosalky will be looking at textiles in Jewish religious ritual.
“The Progressive Congregation will be joined by Rabbi Jordan Cohen, who will be speaking several times over the weekend. We will also have Michael Danby MP, and Archbishop Christopher Prowse presenting,” Rabbi Meltzer said. “Limmud Shavuot has an amazing range of speakers and topics.”
There will also be children’s programs run by around 15 visiting madrichim from several of the youth movements, as well as a youth leadership program, a Kabbalat Shabbat led by women for women, and shared meals over the course of the weekend.
“The community is buzzing about the opportunity, and there has already been a large number of sign-ups,” Rabbi Meltzer said.
“Hopefully it will grow each year.”
For more information and to book, visit www.actjc.org.au/limmud-shavuot.
EVAN ZLATKIS
ACT Jewish Community’s Rabbi Alon Meltzer.
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