On Sunday, Dec. 2, the second edition of the Limmud Canada Festival will take place at The Bahen Centre in Toronto.

This all-day festival of Jewish learning features more than 60 presenters who will delve into issues connected with Jewish history, philosophy, contemporary issues, spirituality, art, music and more.

"This is absolutely an incredible way to learn about the diversity of Jewish culture," said Peter Sevitt, chair of Limmud Canada. "This is a non-political, non-denomination exploration of Jewish life open to anyone who wishes to learn."

Limmud Canada is a branch of Limmud International, a non-profit entity aiming to provide education in connection with Jewish culture and identity. Limmud was founded by a small group of Jewish U.K. residents in 1981, who wanted to ensure the continued study of their heritage. Limmud is Hebrew for "to learn," a name that would go on to reflect the global vision of the organization.

Today, Limmud is one of the most exciting and innovative global education initiatives on the planet.

"For over 26 years, Limmud has worked with various groups toward highlighting the importance of education," Sevitt said. "This weekend's event continues in that tradition with presentations that will truly enlighten. Each hour, six speakers will be lecturing simultaneously in different parts of the building. The amount of information available is truly astounding."

Festival lecture highlights for Limmud 2007 include:

Mendal Kaplan: The Secret - A Deeper Look into The Law of Attraction, Hollywood's latest phenomenon, 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Rabbi Kaplan serves as a chaplain of the York Regional Police, is an active member of Toronto's Vaad HaRabbanim and is a popular public speaker often called upon by the media.

Shlomo Schwartzberg: The Image of the Jew in Film and Television: Realities and Fantasies, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Schwartzberg is a long-time arts reporter, teacher and film critic and is on the board of the Toronto Jewish Film Society. Among the publications he has written for are The New York Times, the Globe and Mail, Canadian Jewish News and Box Office Magazine. He is also the creator of a course titled The Image of the Jew in Film and Television.

Tracey Erin Smith: Jew think you're funny?, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Smith is an award-winning actress and writer. She is the creator of Soul-O-Theatre and teaches privately and performs across Canada and the U.S. Her solo show, The Burning Bush! was picked as Best of the Fringe in Toronto and won an audience choice award off Broadway in New York.

Additionally, the Limmud Festival also provides learning opportunities for young children through the free Young Limmud learning series, which is best suited for kids five to 12. Children will enjoy read-alongs, craft sessions, games and a specially designed Jewish yoga class.

"This second edition of Limmud is shaping up to be our best," Sevitt said. "I invite everyone to register on our website or just show up on the day of the event. It's one that you won't want to miss."

Visit www.limmud.ca for more information about the Limmud Canada Festival, including ticket prices and scheduling.

 

Jon Sarpong is the diversity officer at Durham College. He provides independent diversity training and consultation for various organizations. Contact Jon by e-mailing jsarpong@hotmail.com,