For the first time since 2020, Limmud AZ: A Community Conversation was back in person for an afternoon of community and learning on Sunday, January 28, 2024. More than 140 people gathered for an enriching experience with a diverse range of topics and engaging discussions. The various sessions covered aspects of Jewish culture, heritage, and spirituality. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Jewish wisdom through interactive workshops, thought-provoking lectures, and dynamic panel discussions.

During the first session, participants engaged in deep conversations led by local Rabbis focused on Judaism’s Ten Best Ideas where they explored the essence of simcha, teshuva, tzelem elohim, and more in intimate small group settings. Next, everyone gathered together to listen to a presentation by Wendy Verba, founder of Belonging by Design, on “How to Build a Community Culture of Belonging,” which set the stage for for an enlightening exploration of this vital topic in breakout sessions led by esteemed agency heads and professionals.

Then, attendees were able to disperse into a series of classic Limmud style learning on diverse Jewish topics and ideas that participants from panel discussions on diversity and inclusion to Scotch and Whisky tastings and so much more. The event ended with a special community Tzedakah project where participants decorated and put together bags full of items aimed at supporting Native American and migrant families led by Arizona Jews for Justice.

The event provided a platform for individuals to connect with their spiritual roots and gain insights into the profound teachings of both local and national leaders and teachers. The inclusive approach fostered a sense of unity and understanding among attendees, emphasizing the shared values that bind the community together. This highlighted the importance of Limmud AZ in fostering a sense of community and interconnectedness. Attendees were encouraged to forge new connections and strengthen existing bonds, creating a network of support and collaboration within the Jewish community.

Overall, Limmud AZ 2024 proved to be a dynamic and thought-provoking afternoon, providing a space for individuals to rediscover Jewish wisdom, celebrate cultural diversity, and engage in meaningful conversations that bridge the gap between tradition and the contemporary world.

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