Abstract
This report is available at http://cmjs.org/files/filewcount.cfm?file=Limmud2006_3.pdf. In January 2006, over 750 Jewish New Yorkers of all ages and many different backgrounds came together for the second annual Limmud NY event at Kutshers Resort in the Catskill Mountains. This diverse group of Jews celebrated their Jewish identity through a myriad of activities from serious text study to challah baking and rocking musical concerts. Initiated by a group of lay leaders who had attended Limmud UK, funded in part by the UJA Federation and the Picower Foundation, and organized by a group of dedicated volunteers, Limmud NY offered Jews a variety of access points to Judaism: traditional study, culture and arts, history and politics, and worship services. Much as in 2005, Limmud NY in 2006 again engaged and excited participants of all ages. Participants and volunteers left Limmud NY 2006 feeling charged and energized about the event and their experience. They are eager to tell their friends about Limmud NY and plan to encourage them to attend next year. A third of the 2006 participants had attended the 2005 event. Most of them intend to become “regular” Limmudnyks with 60% of them already sure they will return in 2007. In the survey, a third of 2006 participants wrote about interests stimulated by Limmud NY that they are pursuing. Some of them are already involved in planning for 2007. Whether the event and the planning experience have long-term impact is a question for future research. For now, participants say it helped them make new friends and generated new interests and connections to Judaism. As this report makes clear, the excitement surrounding Limmud NY and its celebration of Jewish life continues.