How did it start?

Limmud (from the Hebrew word meaning “to learn”) was originally a conference in the UK for Jewish educators. It evolved over the years into a community gathering of Jewish learning, and has grown into a large international organisation based in over 40 countries and almost 100 communities worldwide.

The first ever Limmud to occur outside of the UK took place in Sydney in 1999. The Shalom Institute (now Shalom) was a founding partner. Since then, an immersive three day festival of Jewish ideas and culture, Limmud Oz, has taken place on the Queen’s birthday long weekend in June – alternating each year between Sydney and Melbourne. A condensed single day Yom Limmud takes place in Sydney in the alternate years. We also run Limmud Fest, a weekend residential festival, every few years. In recent years Limmud events have also expanded into Perth and Canberra.

What is it?

Limmud is not affiliated with any strand of Judaism and is fundamentally a space for anyone interested in Jewish learning. It is also a place for community, discovery, empowerment, diversity, debate, laughing, dancing, families, volunteering. It’s the place for you to discover something new.

Our programs consist of multiple and varied sessions every hour. If you love analysing the latest events taking place in the Middle East, or studying a page of Talmud, or you’re more into the arts – there will be something for you. Sessions are run by educators, artists, academics, performers, experts and enthusiasts. Choose what you go to and when. Be part of interesting conversations and ideas across our diverse Jewish cultural heritage, and meet people from varying backgrounds and affiliations.

Who goes?

Left, right, or somewhere in between. Religious, secular, traditional or Jewish by choice. Four year olds, uni students, families and great-grandparents. Regardless of your age, affiliation or Jewish background, Limmud Oz is an inclusive, inter-generational, open and respectful community. Everyone is a student, and everyone can be a teacher. There’s a place for everyone at Limmud Oz.