YU Delegation to Limmud 2009 Conference

Limmud is a non-denominational Jewish learning experience that brings together Jews of all ages across the Jewish spectrum. This year, the conference took place in Ellenville, NY, over Martin Luther King Holiday weekend. Session topics covered the entire gamut of conceivably Jewish-related topics, from Torah textual studies, to Jewish art and music, Jewish spirituality, controversial issues, social justice, inter-denominational dialogue, the list goes on and on.  This year, the Center for the Jewish Future sent eight Yeshiva University students, four women and four men, to participate.  Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter and Nahum Twersky accompanied the YU delegation.

Upon arriving at Limmud, Nahum Twersky led a session for the YU students on the topic of pluralism, identifying the difference between tolerance and acceptance.  Nahum Twersky communicated that tolerance need not lead to weakening one’s own positions.  He urged the YU delegates to enjoy the rich exchange of ideas and learning that the conference would offer, and emphasized that one would not need to jeopardize one’s religious convictions to do so.

The students enjoyed in-depth conversation on topics such as women’s role in Judaism, Homosexuality and Jewish law, and what it means to be a serious secular Jew among many other enlightening conversations.  One of the most engaging sessions was one on the process of Jewish Law.  The panel included representatives from reform, reconstructionist, conservative and our own Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter representing Orthodoxy.  Rabbi Schacter exemplified both tolerance and bold conviction in communicating his position.  He showed great respect and admiration for the other participants while strongly disagreeing with their positions.  There was a strong sense of unity with the Limmud community and students were able to engage in the Jewish diversity and expression.

In the car ride home, the YU students discussed their highlights from the experience.  The YU delegates agreed unanimously that it was the sense of unity, spirituality, and Jewish pride that made the trip so meaningful.  They communicated gratitude to the CJF and YU for enabling them to participate in Limmud.