Limmud is an international organization which was founded in England 30 years ago in order to broaden the range of activities connected to Jewish identity and to encourage discussion of religious, secular and national issues.

The organization was such a success that it spread to dozens of different communities around the world. The Limmud Arava project was initiated by a group of Partnership 2000 volunteer activists in Melbourne, who are enthusiastic participants in Limmud Oz, and was wholeheartedly taken up by the sister group in the Arava.

General activities began in January 2009 and on October 15th the first ever Arava Limmud Conference took place on October 15th on the community settlement Sapir which is at the heart of the region. 110 participants enjoyed fascinating lectures, studying in small "Hevruta" groups and a wonderful performance at the end of the conference.

Five different lectures were given during each hour, and attendees were hard pressed to decide between them. During the brief intermissions participants could be seen eagerly scanning the conference brochure and happily rushing off to their next activities.

The conference organizers and the lecturers (who came from the entire religious and political spectrum) all donated their time and efforts in the spirit of International Limmud.

The subjects discussed included Judaism, current events, history, philosophy, drama and guided affective imagery, New Age, tradition, films and more. Glowing feedback has been received from the participants, who all felt that the experience had been truly extraordinary and spiritually uplifting.

The next Limmud Arava conference will be on 18-19 February 2010, and everyone is welcome.

For additional information in English please contact Arava-Australia Partnership Director Ms. Cochy Avny at CochavaA@jafi.org or log on to the following address: www.limmud.arava.gonegev.co.il