About Limmud
An International Phenomenon of Grass-Roots Jewish Learning
Limmud is a global movement of independent, volunteer-run Jewish learning events.
Started in the UK in 1980, there are now over 90 Limmud groups in 42 countries. While each Limmud group is independent, we are all connected by common values, training and community, shared across the globe. From Mallorca to Atlanta, from Bulgaria to Haifa, and from Shanghai to Seattle, Limmud brings Jewish communities together.
Once upon a time in Seattle…
A group of passionately Jewish Seattleites ventured up north to participate in Limmud Vancouver in January 2016. In just one day, they attended sessions, learned, drew, sang, schmoozed, connected with the founders of Limmud Vancouver and learned that the global Limmud organization could help launch new regional events.
The founding volunteers returned home inspired to bring this grassroots volunteer-led movement to Seattle, forming Limmud Seattle, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community of volunteers. They worked with community leaders and thinkers to articulate a vision of celebrating Jewish life and learning in all of its diversity, bringing together people of every background and observance to take the next step on their Jewish journey. Led by an initial Steering Committee of volunteers from hipsters to chasids, the inaugural festival was held at Shoreline Community Center on January 13-14, 2018. Our goal was 450 participants but the festival drew over 525 humans! After feedback from many volunteers, participants, presenters, community partners, and donors, it was clear that Limmud Seattle 2018 enabled connections between countless individuals, rekindling old friendships and igniting new relationships.
Limmud Seattle was also becoming a powerful platform for our growing greater Seattle Jewish community—allowing for bridges between communities, providing on-ramps to Jewish community through learning, and creating a tight-knit community of Limmud volunteers committed to the Limmud mission and values.
Energized by enthusiastic feedback from the first festival, the growing group of volunteers geared up to plan Limmud Seattle 2019. After a year of dreaming, planning, researching, collaborating, problem-solving, laughter, being together in joy and sadness, and guided by the Limmud values, the second all-volunteer-run festival was another big success. Held at Bellevue College on January 19-20, 2019, the event drew over 750 participants, again exceeding the goal by over 100! The second Festival comprised 100 sessions and over 110 presenters and included a unique Jewish Parenting and Grandparenting track and a Youth track with sessions for kids ages 7-12. The third Festival was again held at Bellevue College over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, January 18-19, 2020. A joyous celebration of Jewish learning and community that ended on a literal high note with Shir-Olam; a collaborative singing event.
