Limmud NY 2014: Full Schedule

4:50pm EST

Bim Bam Shabbat! Pre-Shabbat Celebration for Ages 0-5

Come join your friends from Camp Ramah and get excited to celebrate Shabbat! Through singing, dancing, and movement this pre-Shabbat session is geared towards newborns up to 5-year-olds and their grown-ups.

Presenters

Ami Hersh

Ami Hersh is the assistant director of the Ramah Day Camp in Nyack. He also serves as the Family Life Coordinator at the Orangetown Jewish Center. He was ordained as a rabbi at The Jewish Theological Seminary in 2012 with an M.A. in Jewish non-profit management and a second M.A. in... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2014 4:50pm - 5:30pm EST
Springdale I & II

Children & Families Shabbat

4:50pm EST

Bluegrass Kabbalat Shabbat

Welcome Shabbat with a new sound! We will worship and sing along with banjo, guitar, fiddle and mandolin. Together with Park Avenue Synagogue’s Young Family Education Director Matt Check, cantorial soloist Rachel Brook and the acclaimed Astrograss, we will bring in Shabbat with a joyous mix of Jewish melody and Bluegrass harmony.

Presenters

Astrograss

Astrograss, formed in 2003, performs high-energy bluegrass music for all occasions. Since its inception, Astrograss has moved to the forefront of New York's lively acoustic music and bluegrass scene. The band has also been recognized on a national level, performing at the legendary... Read More →

Rachel Brook

Rachel Brook, a Jewish musician, educator and service leader, is the conductor of Shir Chadash: The Brooklyn Jewish Community Chorus and the Westchester chapter of HaZamir:The International Jewish High School Choir. She teaches and leads services at several congregations throughout... Read More →

Matt Check

Matt Check is Director of Young Family Education at Park Avenue Synagogue in Manhattan. He is also an accomplished singer/songwriter of Jewish kids' music and bluegrass.

Friday February 14, 2014 4:50pm - 6:20pm EST
Grove I

Children & Families Services Shabbat

4:50pm EST

Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/ Maariv: Mehitza Service Led by Men

Traditional Kabbalat Shabbat with Mincha and Maariv (Afternoon and Evening Services): Mehitza service Led by Men

Friday February 14, 2014 4:50pm - 6:20pm EST
Glen I, II, & III

Services Shabbat Spiritual Practice

4:50pm EST

Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Maariv: Mehitza Service Led by Men and Women

Modeled after Kehilat Shira Chadasha in Jerusalem and Darkhei Noam in Manhattan, this service aims to provide opportunities for women to participate within a traditional service with a mehitza (partition). Men and women will lead parts of this joyous and spirited service. Note: No amplification or musical instruments will be used in this service and seating is separated by gender.

Friday February 14, 2014 4:50pm - 6:20pm EST
Cove I & II

Services Shabbat Spiritual Practice

4:50pm EST

Renewal Kabbalat Shabbat/Maariv Service

Come join us in a joyful celebration of Shabbat. Based in music, meditation, and teachings, this service will be accessible to all. Note: There will be mixed gender seating and instruments will be used.

Presenters

David Ingber

David Ingber is the founder and spiritual director of the Romemu community in NYC. He has been named one of the top 50 rabbis in America by Newsweek and was named one of the Forward 50 this year. David is a widely sought-after speaker and prayer leader who blends the depth of Jewish... Read More →

Naomi Less

Naomi Less is a Brooklyn-based, internationally celebrated singer/songwriter, ritualist and educator. Beloved for her warm smile and inviting presence, communities celebrate her imagination and innovation, tenderness and pizzazz! Her original music is sung in worship communities... Read More →

George Mordecai

Born in Sydney, Australia to Iraqi & Indian Jews, George Mordecai weaves his cultural heritage into his work as a performer and cantor. George has performed Ashkenazic, Sephardic, and Middle Eastern liturgical music in Australia, England, Paris, Israel, and throughout the U.S. He... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2014 4:50pm - 6:20pm EST
Elm

Services Shabbat Spiritual Practice

4:50pm EST

Traditional Egalitarian Service Led by Men and Women: Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Maariv

The traditional egalitarian service, for Friday afternoon and welcoming Shabbat, features spirited singing of the traditional liturgy with leadership and full participation by both men and women. Note: No amplification or musical instruments will be used in this service. There will be mixed-gender seating.

Friday February 14, 2014 4:50pm - 6:20pm EST
Aspen I & II

Services Shabbat Spiritual Practice

8:45pm EST

Family Ruach: Festive Shabbat Song Session

Enjoy fun Shabbat songs and games just for families and children. Join staff from Camp Ramah and be transported back to a summer Friday night in the Dining Hall.

Presenters

Camp Ramah Staff

Friday February 14, 2014 8:45pm - 10:10pm EST
Elm

Children & Families Shabbat

8:45pm EST

Ki Tissa: Parashat HaShavua

This parasha is rich, containing instructions for the census, the appointment of Bezalel to oversee the work of creating the wilderness Tabernacle, rules for Shabbat, the episode of the Golden Calf, and its aftermath. As well, it is in this parasha that the rabbis find cause to assign Rosh Chodesh especially to women. We will read the text closely, exploring its explicit and implicit messages, and will seek to apply what we learn to our own spiritual lives today.

Presenters

Molly Karp

Molly Karp is a passionate teacher of many facets of Judaism. She serves as the rabbi of Temple Beth El in Oneonta, NY, and is the Director of Student Life at the Ivry Prozdor High School of the Jewish Theological Seminary. Her training in Mindfulness Practice and Jewish Spirituality... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2014 8:45pm - 10:10pm EST
Springdale I & II

College & High School Text & Thought Shabbat Spiritual Practice

10:25pm EST

Friday Night Tisch!

Tisch (Yiddish for "table") is the Hasidic custom of gathering around a table to share songs, words and drinks - all of the kind that warm up the inside. Prepare yourself to experience the best of Shabbat and Limmud NY all wrapped up in one joyous and uplifting session. Note: Some alcohol will be available for participants who are 21 years of age and older.

Presenters

Naomi Less

George Mordecai

Friday February 14, 2014 10:25pm - 11:40pm EST
Ballroom III

Shabbat Spiritual Practice Text & Thought

7:30am EST

A Time of Desire: A Shacharit-Inspired Meditation Workshop

Shabbat morning is an amazing opportunity to calm your mind, find your center, and open your heart. Using Shabbat Shacharit as our guide, we will engage in meditation, prayer, and reflection suitable for beginners, advanced practitioners, non-hebrew speakers, non-morning people, and everyone else! Session will end in time to make another minyan's torah service.

Presenters

Yael Shy

Yael Shy is the Director of the New York University Center for Spiritual Life and the Founder and Director of the Mindfulness Project at NYU. She is a graduate of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality's Jewish Mindfulness Teacher Training Program and on the Board of Directors of the... Read More →

Saturday February 15, 2014 7:30am - 8:30am EST
Belltown

Services Shabbat Spiritual Practice Text & Thought

7:30am EST

Hashkama (Early) Minyan Led by Men: Early Risers' Shabbat Morning Service

This traditional minyan with mechitzah is for the early risers among us who want a quick, straightforward service, so that we can spend the rest of the day learning, napping, or spending time with family and friends. Note: Seating is separate by gender.

Saturday February 15, 2014 7:30am - 8:45am EST
High Ridge

Services Shabbat Spiritual Practice

8:45am EST

Mehitza Service Led by Men: Shacharit/Torah Service/Musaf (Shabbat Morning Services)

This traditional minyan (prayer group) will provide an inspiring prayer service with traditional liturgy and Carlebach Melodies. Men will lead services and women and men will pray together in a traditional and spirited environment. Note: No amplification or musical instruments will be used in this service. Seating will be separate by gender and with a mechitza (partition).

Saturday February 15, 2014 8:45am - 11:15am EST
Glen I, II, & III

Services Shabbat Spiritual Practice

8:45am EST

Mehitza Service Led by Women and Men: Shacharit/Torah Service/Musaf (Shabbat Morning Services)

Modeled after Kehilat Shira Chadasha in Jerusalem and Darkhei Noam in Manhattan, this service aims to provide opportunities for women to participate within a traditional service with a mehitza (partition). Both men and women will lead parts of this joyous and spirited service. Note: No amplification or musical instruments will be used in this service and seating is separated by gender.

Saturday February 15, 2014 8:45am - 11:15am EST
Cove I & II

Services Shabbat Spiritual Practice

8:45am EST

Renewal Shacharit (Morning Service)

Presenters

David Ingber

George Mordecai

Saturday February 15, 2014 8:45am - 11:15am EST
Grove I

Services Shabbat Spiritual Practice

8:45am EST

Traditional Egalitarian Service Led by Men and Women: Shacharit/Torah Service/Musaf (Shabbat Morning Services)

The traditional egalitarian service features spirited singing of the traditional liturgy with leadership and participation by both men and women. Note: No amplification or musical instruments will be used in this service. There will be mixed-gender seating.

Saturday February 15, 2014 8:45am - 11:15am EST
Aspen I & II

Services Shabbat Spiritual Practice

9:45am EST

Family Service

Join Naomi Less, renowned facilitator, musician and educator, for a service perfect for the whole family! The interactive service includes Shabbat songs, dancing, prayers, interactive storytelling and more! All are welcome to join! Parents should accompany their children.

Presenters

Naomi Less

Saturday February 15, 2014 9:45am - 10:45am EST
Elm

Services Shabbat Spiritual Practice

10:00am EST

Limmud Chavruta: Requests and Repentance

In this interactive session, we will explore, debate and discuss the Jewish perspective on requests and repentance. What should/shouldn't we ask for? Is a bad apology better than none? Does prayer actually work? Does repentance? Ancient sources, modern scholarship, song lyrics and more will be used. Everyone is welcome; prior knowledge of Jewish texts or Hebrew is not required. Part of the new Limmud Chavruta series on the theme of Prayer. Come to one session; or even better, come to all four!

Presenters

Mikhael Reuven

Graduate Student, Brandeis University

Mikhael Reuven is a graduate student in the Hornstein Program at Brandeis University, studying Near Eastern & Judaic Studies and Jewish Professional Leadership. He holds a degree in Philosophy & Mathematics from the University of Cambridge and is an alumnus of the Conservative Yeshiva... Read More →

Saturday February 15, 2014 10:00am - 11:15am EST
Glenbrook

Text & Thought Shabbat

2:00pm EST

Becoming a Better Parent One Story at a Time: Using Stories to Raise Our Little Mensches

Our family stories do more than remind us of special moments in our children's lives; they help us understand the choices we make as parents. In addition, being parents connects us to our own childhood experiences. Join us for a reflective conversation about the moments that make us laugh, cry and take our breath away.

Presenters

Charlie Savenor

Charles E. Savenor serves as the Director of Kehilla (Congregational) Enrichment for the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). He also served as the lead programmer for the Centennial Celebration in October 2013. Charlie blogs on parenting at www.familyinorbit.com and at... Read More →

Saturday February 15, 2014 2:00pm - 3:15pm EST
Springdale II

Arts & Performance College & High School Identity & Global Culture Shabbat Spiritual Practice

2:00pm EST

Judaism Unbound: Prayer

How do we reconcile the inclusive and exclusive strands of our liturgical tradition? When a Jew attends a non-Jewish worship service, or a non-Jew worships with Jews, what should be the boundaries for participation? Does it matter which faiths are involved?

Presenters

Danny Nevins

Danny Nevins is Dean of the JTS Division of Religious Leadership, including its Rabbinical School, Cantorial School and Center for Pastoral Education. He serves on the Rabbinical Assembly's Committee on Jewish Law and Standards and has written numerous legal opinions for the Conservative... Read More →

Saturday February 15, 2014 2:00pm - 3:15pm EST
Glen II

College & High School Identity & Global Culture Shabbat Spiritual Practice Text & Thought

2:00pm EST

Outdoors or Out of Their Minds? Hasidic Teachings on Wilderness/Nature

The Rebbe's Tish (meal/gathering,) the Mitzvah Tantz (wedding dance,) and other Hasidic innovations are primarily (or even by definition) practiced indoors. But in many ways, the early Hasidic masters were equally oriented toward a spirituality of the outdoors. We will learn about meditative, contemplative and other Hasidic practices and views associated with nature and wilderness.

Presenters

Matt Carl

Matt Carl is a rabbi who serves as the Director of Community Engagement for Hazon, America's largest Jewish environmental organization. Hazon's goal of "creating healthier and more sustainable communities in the Jewish world and beyond" pretty much sums up what he wants out of li... Read More →

Saturday February 15, 2014 2:00pm - 3:15pm EST
Alder

College & High School Jewish History Shabbat Spiritual Practice Text & Thought

3:15pm EST

Mehitza Service Led by Men: Mincha (Afternoon Service) with Torah Reading

This traditional minyan (prayer group) will provide an inspiring prayer service with traditional liturgy. Men will lead services, and women and men will pray together in a traditional and spirited environment. Note: No amplification or musical instruments will be used in this service. Seating will be separate by gender.

Saturday February 15, 2014 3:15pm - 3:45pm EST
Glen I

Services Shabbat Spiritual Practice

3:15pm EST

Traditional Egalitarian Service Led by Men and Women: Mincha (Shabbat Afternoon Service) with Torah Reading

Saturday February 15, 2014 3:15pm - 3:45pm EST
Aspen I & II

Services Shabbat Spiritual Practice

5:15pm EST

Seudah Shlishit (The Third Meal)

The Shabbat experience wouldn't be complete without the mellow and meditative "Third Meal" made popular by the Kabbalists. Join us for a melodious, spirit-filled gathering and light meal.

Saturday February 15, 2014 5:15pm - 6:15pm EST
Ballroom III

Shabbat

6:20pm EST

Mehitza Service Led by Men: Maariv (Evening service) with Havdalah

Saturday February 15, 2014 6:20pm - 6:35pm EST
Glen I

Services Shabbat Spiritual Practice

6:20pm EST

Traditional Egalitarian Service Led by Men and Women: Maariv (Evening service) with Havdalah

Saturday February 15, 2014 6:20pm - 6:35pm EST
Aspen I & II

Services Shabbat Spiritual Practice

6:45pm EST

Community Havdalah

Warm your body and soul at this sweet and lively Havdalah (closing Shabbat) event. We will celebrate the community we have built together over this Shabbat and transition into the second half of Limmud NY – and a new week!

Presenters

David Ingber

Naomi Less

George Mordecai

Saturday February 15, 2014 6:45pm - 7:35pm EST
Grove I

Services Shabbat Spiritual Practice

1:45pm EST

Shamor and Zakhor in Stereo: Making Sense of Shabbat

Shabbat is one of the most basic experiences of Jewish observance and one of Judaism's most distinctive contributions to the world. And yet, Jews often disagree deeply over its essence: Is it a day of rest from work? A day to be with God? A day focused on restrictions or enjoyment? We will explore a wealth of Biblical, rabbinic and non-rabbinic sources on Shabbat and see that these questions are not new, as we emerge with a clearer understanding of what the rabbinic Shabbat means today.

Presenters

Ethan Tucker

Ethan Tucker is co-founder, rosh yeshiva, and chair in Jewish Law at Mechon Hadar. He was ordained by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and earned a PhD in Talmud and Rabbinics from the Jewish Theological Seminary and a B.A. from Harvard College. A Wexner Graduate Fellow, he was a co-founder... Read More →

Sunday February 16, 2014 1:45pm - 3:00pm EST
Long Ridge

College & High School Shabbat Text & Thought

1:45pm EST

Dror Yikra: Dunash and the Beach Boys

Travel through Jewish history as we explore the making of a traditional Shabbat zemer (song) Dror Yikra, from its untraditional inception in medieval Spain to its current use at the Shabbat table. With the discovery of the Cairo Geniza we can now uncover the roots of what makes this song unique and its author, Dunash ibn Labrat, a groundbreaker. We will look at a few poems by Dunash and solve the mystery of the fractured love letter that perplexed scholars for 50 years.

Presenters

Dov Kahane

Dov Kahane recently completed a Master's degree in Jewish Studies at Columbia University, where he focused on narratives in the Talmud. He is also a practicing dentist, father and grandfather. He lives in New York City.

Sunday February 16, 2014 1:45pm - 3:00pm EST
Glenbrook

Jewish History Shabbat Text & Thought

9:45am EST

Do Blogs Still Matter? The Changing Landscape of the J-Blogosphere

This moderated discussion group for bloggers and blog readers will focus on the massive impact of Jewish blogs over the last decade, the ways they have changed, and their symbiotic relationships with one another. We will also discuss declining readership and whether the conversation has moved to Twitter and Facebook, and if so, what the ramifications are. This will be a forum for bloggers and readers to express their thoughts and ideas.

Presenters

David Staum

David Staum has been blogging on Jewish topics for 7 years (evolvingjew.blogspot.com). He has also spoken on topics such as The Code of Hammurabi, The Origins of Nittel Nacht (Christmas Eve), and How Yom Nikanor (celebrating the death of Greek general Nikanor) became Ta'anit Esther... Read More →

Monday February 17, 2014 9:45am - 11:00am EST
Springdale II

Identity & Global Culture Israel Jewish History Shabbat Social Justice Spiritual Practice Text & Thought