By Yvonne Selecki, volunteer at Limmud Oz Sydney
 |
| Author Amos Oz |
My "Limmud
Journey" started with curiosity, a love of politics, Israel and the Arts. After being part of a magical session with
a Hassidic Jew talking about the biblical references in Bob Dylan’s music I was hooked. Not only had I found a group of Bob Dylan tragics like myself, I had
learnt more about Hassidism than I had ever thought I wanted to know. Who
would have thought these bearded men who seem from another century were radical
for their love of dance and song?
 |
| Limmud guru Clive Lawton Limmud International Training on Tour Sydney, September 2014 |
So
that’s the
short version behind how I found myself volunteering for Limmud Sydney events
and recently found myself at the “International Limmud on Tour” training event.
Limmud has grown so much; events in over 40 cities, there had to be a way we
could learn from each other and feel part of a wider family.
So
we met with fellow Limmudniks from Melbourne, Perth, New Zealand, India, China,
South Africa and the United Kingdom for training run by Limmud International to
share strategies and inspiration and to further the Limmud motto "to make
connections."
 |
| The Australasia team Limmud International Training on Tour, Sydney, September 2014 |
While each community mighty have its
own flavour many of the challenges were the same. While Limmud has grown so far and
wide due to the incredible enthusiasm of its volunteers, volunteers can also be
challenging. It can be like herding cats. I can put my hand up there. How late
was this blog? (Very late.) I said I would do it but does that mean I
will? When do you give up and just do it
yourself or find someone else? Should
you ever trust me with a blog again? What's a nice way of saying, not what we
are looking for? How do you encourage
new volunteers and avoid burn out for all those left filling in the gaps? In true Talmudic tradition, questions lead
to more questions.
Limmud
always seems so very well organised and the event run by Limmud International
was no exception. In well-structured activities we explored the principles of
Limmud. Principles can sound wonderful and profound like "valuing diversity" and making all Jews welcome. However, to use a very
un-Jewish metaphor, the devil is in the detail.
Allowing some members of the community to
speak, especially those critical of Israel, has caused conflict and ill will. What
is the cost for the event if members with controversial views speak? We know
that doesn't mean Limmud as an organisation supports those views but that is
not the way it is seen by the community. Providing a platform for a view is
seen as an endorsement. Is the negative
publicity they create and ill-feeling from donors, worth it? I am more of the Voltaire view "I might
disagree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it" but it not always that simple. By
allowing some presenters to speak do we jeopardise the whole event? How much do
you allow the few loud voices or funders dictate the programme or do you just
try to reflect the community you wish to engage? There is probably a relevant rabbinical quote
out there somewhere.
Now
I know there are communities in far flung regions of the world grappling with
the same highs and lows of hosting Limmud events. As I hurtle towards that
challenge of helping organise volunteers for Limmud Fest, the residential event just outside of Sydney on November 28-30, I know I am part
of something way bigger than myself with resources to match. Go on, put your hand up, volunteering will be
fun.
Go NOW to www.limmud-oz.com.au for more
details about Limmud Fest. Full program to be released in late September, but bookings
are now open.
Comments
Post a Comment