Limmud Communities across North America to Create Regional Hub
Source: eJewish Philanthropy
Activists from Limmuds in the United States and Canada convened their first summit to establish a regional Limmud hub in North America. They voted to form a representative council comprised of members of each North American group and set up a 501c3, in order to advance regional development and support for local groups, and maximize pooled software and other systems. The initiative was launched as Limmud International celebrates its 10th anniversary. Held September 1-2, 2016, the summit was hosted by LimmudFest Atlanta + Southeast (SE), which immediately followed over Labor Day Weekend, at Camp Ramah Darom in Clayton, GA.
Limmud has seen remarkable growth in North America. In 2015, nearly 10,000 people participated in Limmud events from Atlanta to the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg, to name a few. New Limmud groups are set to launch in the coming months. Reflecting the pulse of North American Jewry, they draw Jews of all ages, backgrounds, and religious affiliations – or no affiliation.
In evaluating their local festivals and events, Limmud communities in North America consistently report they are:
- Nurturing a young leadership cadre of volunteers who are impacting the Jewish community outside Limmud, as well
- Reaching under- and non-engaged Jews of all ages, especially
- Providing a platform for Jews to grapple with issues facing American Jewry – from Jewish identity to Israel and everything in between – in a respectful, inclusive, thought-provoking atmosphere.
The newly-established regional hub will allow Limmud International to professionalize further support to and capacity for local groups. This includes upgrading volunteer training and systems, facilitating marketing and promoting collective funding for larger projects.
Read the whole post at eJewish Philanthropy.