Organisers of the Limmud annual winter conference have pledged to increase the size of the event in its new venue next year following the success of another full-to-capacity programme.

This week’s conference was the last at Warwick University before Limmud moves to Birmingham in 2015.
Co-chairs Shana Boltin and Jonathan Robinson said that while it was an end of an era for Limmudniks used to the campus, the way was now clear for developments in the future, allowing more participants and more sessions.

Mr Robinson explained: “We have had massive year-on-year growth. Now it’s about generating new events for a new age. There is space still to grow conference and a clear drive within the organisation.

“We reach one per cent of Anglo-Jewry but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

He said there was a desire to strengthen links to Israelis living in Britain and with mainstream Orthodox rabbis and the United Synagogue.

Ms Boltin added: “We are very proud of how it has come together. People are really impressed with how the site has been used to display exhibitions and to have so many events happening outside the regular sessions.”

This year’s conference has seen more than 2,500 participants from 28 countries converge on the campus, with accommodation again filled to maximum levels. Two off-site hotels were used this year with shuttle buses required to ferry Limmudniks to sessions.

In the bars and restaurants, participants of all ages were toasting the success of the new Limmud app for smartphones and tablet devices. Updated throughout conference, it provided not only session times and locations but also resources and additional materials.

There was also widespread praise for the catering operation run for the first time by Celia Clyne Banqueting.
The inclusive Limmud L’am project was highlighted for its work in helping participants with mild-to-moderate learning disabilities to join in the full range of conference events.

Around 30 people with special needs were able to stay on the campus for three days alongside their carers for the first time.

L’am participant Nicola Faichney, from Colindale, north west London, said: “In the past we have come just for the day and packed a lot in. Now we are real Limmudniks. I feel more included. We are here in the thick of it and feel more a part of the conference.”

Limmudnik Cynthia Tyler travelled from Atlanta in the United States. She said: “I’m amazed by the organisational skills. I can’t believe how well everything is arranged. There are more sessions on offer than I could possibly go to.

“I don’t think there’s any way someone who hasn’t been to conference would ever understand how amazing it is.”
Manchester-based conference-goer Clive Gilbert said: “It builds you up to get through the year, and to carry on the Jewish journey. People are concerned about all the negatives as a Jewish community, but Limmud reminds you what we’re all about and gives you the strength to carry on.”