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The friends heading the team at Limmud
Limmud conference starts this week. Meet the dedicated trio at the helm
December 22, 2015 15:49
By, Simon Rocker
2 min read
Limmud conference starts this week. Meet the dedicated trio at the helm
December 22, 2015 15:49BySimon Rocker, Simon Rocker
Jo Ish-Horowicz
The 29-year-old doctor has attended an incredible 25 conferences.
How did you get involved in Limmud?
I had no choice in the matter - my parents brought me when I was six months old. But I was soon hooked and couldn't wait to be a part of the team as soon as I was tall enough to see over the helpdesk.
What is your best Limmud memory?
It has to be meeting my (now) husband when I was volunteering at the helpdesk at Conference in 2009.
Top Limmud survival tip?
Don't feel the need to go to every session.
Why should sceptics give it a go?
It really is a unique event - accessible in the broadest sense of the word, grass roots in conception and delivery but professional-quality in its execution.
What is Limmud's impact on the community?
It is run by volunteers and each one gets to take that experience back to their community.
Claire Samuel
The 29-year-old from Oxfordshire is a veteran of nine Limmuds. Her day job is a technology consultant for Accenture.
How did you get involved in Limmud?
After returning from my gap year in Israel, I went with a few friends to Limmud Conference 2005 in Nottingham. I've been hooked ever since.
What is special about this year?
Moving the venue brings exciting opportunities to do things differently. We have been able to re-consider what we really want Limmud conference to be about.
What is your best Limmud memory?
Looking after the head of CST after he'd knocked himself out walking into a tree.
And what is your worst?
Christmas eve 2011 when we realised that the emergency phone number printed in the handbook had been "recycled" during the year and was sitting on a SIM card in a phone shop in Glasgow.
Top Limmud survival tip:
Volunteer - the whole event is built on volunteers.
Why should sceptics give it a go?
There's something for everyone to fall in love with and learn from.
What is Limmud's impact on the community?
So many varied people all co-exist, interact, learn and volunteer together for a week. It brings hope that communities can work together.
Mike Gladstone
A management consultant for a tech company, the 28-year-old Glaswegian has been to four Limmuds.
How did you get involved?
I first went in 2010 - loads of my friends went and it had been on my to do list for a while.
What is your best Limmud memory?
Working with my co-chairs. Despite the stress of planning conference, we've laughed a lot. It's been great to work with two close friends.
And what is your worst?
As co-chair of catering in 2012, popping into the family dining room and finding a war zone - children screaming, parents screaming. Thankfully, after speaking to all the parents, it was clear that everyone was having fun.
Top Limmud survival tips:
Volunteer. And make friends with the catering volunteers - they know where the snacks are kept.
Why should sceptics give it a go?
The teachers provide Jewish learning with meaning and relevance for our lives.
What is Limmud's impact on the community?
It is a wonderful demonstration that whatever one's Jewish identity, there is a place for you where you are welcomed and not judged.
