Sunday 11:45 AM–1:00 PM
Lunch
Sunday 12:00 PM–2:00 PM
Dining Room
Sit with someone new! Lunch is a great time to meet participants at Limmud NY.
Can We Bridge Faith and Modernity?
A Frank Discussion on Jewish Relevance to Our Lives Today
Simon Jacobson
Sunday 11:45 AM–1:00 PM
Safari Back Space
Identity and Responsibility,
Ritual and Prayer,
Text and Thought
With a steep decline in Jewish affiliation and a 50% intermarriage rate, everyone is searching for a solution to guarantee Jewish continuity. A deep disparity exists between Jewish tradition and personal relevance. 60% of Buddhists in America are Jewish; the observant Jewish life seems to be dogmatic. This session will address the single most important challenge of our times: Can Judaism be personally relevant, spiritually passionate, and fashionable for our times? Can ritual and spirituality be fused as one?
Creating Juicy Worship
Prayer Education in Jewish Institutional Settings
Andrea Cohen-Kiener
Sunday 11:45 AM–1:00 PM
Empire Room 2
Ritual and Prayer
Andrea will share ideas from her curriculum on prayer education and her many years of leading services across the range of Jewish denominations. She will address bringing personal practice as well as community engagement into new and renewed techniques of Jewish prayer. Emphasis will be on helping leaders and teachers of Jewish worship to feel confident and empowered in their leadership.
Durban World Conference Against Racism—Again?
Durban Review: What To Do?
Sybil Kessler
Sunday 11:45 AM–1:00 PM
Vacationer Auditorium
Israel
Since the 2001 Durban World Conference Against Racism, antisemitic acts in Europe and North America have risen, often in parallel with events in the Middle East. Jewish organizations have engaged with human rights and international organizations regarding anti-Zionism and antisemitism. However, more reflection and advocacy are needed, especially now that countries have decided to convene a “Durban review process” to reflect on changes since 2001 and the implementation of the UN’s plan of action.
Glimpsing Iran Through the Prism
A Personal Perspective
Isra Yaghoubi
Sunday 11:45 AM–1:00 PM
Empire Room 3
Only 50% of Iran is “Persian,” the government structure mirrors that of the U.S., and Jews have lived there for thousands of years. This session will give you a brief sampling of Iran’s history and culture, the Jewish community there through time, and a more recent analysis of domestic and political issues. Presented by an Iranian-American Jew, expect some surprising family stories as well.
Jewish Organizations in the Post-Digital Age
Rethinking Community in the Age of Information
Ariel Beery
Sunday 11:45 AM–1:00 PM
Congressional Room 2
Identity and Responsibility,
Text and Thought
Are you an entrepreneur who cares deeply about the future of the Jewish People? An organizational professional trying to make ends meet of the new technologically–infused age? A hacker, programmer, educator, social activist--a rapper, a painter or a biotech visionary who wants to make an impact on the world? Then come to a presentation on strategies to manage and even take advantage of the revolutionary change sparked by the digital (and post-digital) revolution.
Let’s Party!
7 ”Dance” Steps to Successfully Planning a Jewish Event
Ella Badin
Sunday 11:45 AM–1:00 PM
Congressional Room 1
Welcome to the 7 steps to successful Jewish event planning! Learn the "best of show/breed" practices from an expert. Count them 7: Whose party is it anyway?; Clarifying the hidden agendas; It all begins at the end; Managing and MAXimizing your budget; Green is not only for the Irish; Returning the Mitzvah to the Bar; and Take aways and takeaways. Please bring your own stories to share with others.
Nature Walk!
Getzel Davis
Sunday 11:45 AM–1:00 PM
Help Desk
Tired of being pent up inside all day and want to get out? Curious about what sort of wildlife lives in the forest outside? Interested in the connections between Judaism and environmentalism? Come to nature walk, get some exercise, and have some of your questions answered.
Proud of Our History?
What Shall We Do with Jacob?
Clive Lawton
Sunday 11:45 AM–1:00 PM
Tower Board Room
Identity and Responsibility,
Text and Thought
For Jews who want to be proud of their ancestors, Jacob is a bit of an embarrassment. He appears to be a soppy, tricky, mummy’s boy, lacking any kind of moral fiber or perspective. Actually, look a little closer at the text, and you may be forgiven for thinking that many Jews now model themselves on the much maligned Esau instead. We will try to reclaim Jacob and rehabilitate him since—let’s face it—we are all named after him anyway!
Songwriter's Circle
Organized jam for singers, songwriters + musicians
Avi Fox-Rosen
Sunday 11:45 AM–1:00 PM
Cousin Brucie Room
Arts and Performance,
University Student Recommended
Are you a singer or songwriter looking to share your music with like-minded folks? Are you a musician itching to play? This is the place for you! Bring your songs + instruments. Avi will help to coordinate a jam session where people can share their songs, and be accompanied by new friends. Come ready to listen and play supportively, and treat others with respect. Let’s play some tunes! This is not a performance, but an open jam.
Spiritual Eldering
Video Lecture from Zalman Schachter-Shalomi
Lynne Iser
Sunday 11:45 AM–1:00 PM
Tower VIP Room
Zalman Schachter Shalomi will share his most recent teachings on Spiritual Eldering – a spiritual and psychological guide to help make the last decades of life a period of unprecedented inner growth. He will focus on the new models that exemplify the important contributions that elders make for future generations. This video will also provide descriptions of the more advanced stages of Eldering – so that he will be teaching from his own current experience. Lynne Iser will facilitate the discussion of this video presentation, and provide answers to questions that might arise.
The “New Jewish Universalism:”
How to Create Empathetic Connections with the Muslim and Arab Worlds
Hillel Levine
Sunday 11:45 AM–1:00 PM
Empire Room 1
The secret is out: the Jews are a ridiculously small people. We are getting pushed out of many important global discourses on human rights, conciliation, and such where Jewish perspectives are hugely needed. Jews in the Diaspora and Israel must try finding friends wherever we can, particularly in Europe, North Africa, South and East Asia. Who are the “moderates” and what do they share with us? How do we use pained memory? Would talking and working together stop the radicalization and violence?
The Brain Death Controversy: When Is a Person Dead?
Simple Question; Complicated Answer
Robert Berman
Sunday 11:45 AM–1:00 PM
Embassy Room 2
Identity and Responsibility,
Text and Thought
Most organs are donated from a brain dead patient. If you wait until you are in the hospital being asked “the question,” most likely you will not be in the emotional state of mind to learn about the medical and halachic (Jewish legal) issues surrounding brain death. Learn about it now!
Voices of Limmud NY
Participants Share Their Experiences
Ruthie Warshenbrot,
Sara Shalva,
Karen Radkowsky
Sunday 11:45 AM–1:00 PM
Embassy Room 1
How has Limmud NY affected its volunteers and participants? Hear firsthand from Limmudnyks of all ages and backgrounds about how the conference and all of its planning has impacted them. Gain a clearer understanding of what makes Limmud NY so vital and unique.
