Vivian Lehrer 05/20/12
An Inspiring Participation in Limmud Chicago
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On February 18th, 2012, ROIer Vivian Lehrer used a Micro Grant to attend Limmud Chicago, a day full of opportunities to experience and celebrate Jewish learning and culture.
Limmud Chicago - what a refreshing, nourishing whirlwind of a day!
One highlight: during my session on how to "green" your Jewish organization and bring
in more sustainable practices, one participant wished aloud that she had more support in
her congregation to create change. Another participant asked her which congregation it
was that she went to, and it turned out they went to the same one -- and in that moment,
a "Green Team" for that community was born! They made a date to brainstorm together
the following week. If my session did no more than that, bringing these like-minded
change agents together to realize their personal dreams were indeed shared dreams,
dayenu - that would be enough!
Many sessions throughout the day focused on the future of Judaism and how to
engage young people. Meanwhile, a strong contingent of leaders within the Jewish
environmental movement didn't directly address this question, but provided compelling
answers through their sessions that brought Judaism to bear on issues that young people
care about - including the Gan Project, Pushing the Envelope Farm, Primrose Valley
Farm, scholar Jay Michaelson and others. At Eden Village Camp, we find strength and
inspiration in knowing these pioneers are rowing the boat together with us towards a
more vibrant, sustainable Jewish community and world. These are organizations who
have realized that when Jews come together for a greater purpose, like planting gardens
to feed ourselves and the hungry, we build vibrant community along the way, and present
a Judaism that feels relevant, substantive and alive!
I'm hugely grateful for having participated in Limmud Chicago's rich context for
learning, connecting and contributing. Thank you to the amazing ROI program and
staffers for making it possible - Login to post comments
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