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.