Featuring more than 100 sessions and presented in memory of beloved community builder Alex Shwarzstein z”l

LOS ANGELES, CA — Limmud North America today announced the return of Limmud LA over Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend, January 16–18, 2027. The festival is now accepting session proposals. At Limmud, everyone is a student and anyone can be a teacher. If you have something to share that inspires, challenges, or sparks curiosity — whether it’s Torah, history, comedy, cooking, music, or an idea that doesn’t fit neatly into any category — we want to hear from you.

Proposals may be submitted at limmudla.org. Selected presenters will be announced this fall.

The Festival

Limmud LA kicks off with a Saturday night celebration on January 16, followed by two full days of programming on Sunday and Monday. The festival will feature more than 100 sessions spanning the full breadth of Jewish life — and is expected to draw over 1,000 participants from across the Los Angeles region.

In Memory of Alex Shwarzstein z”l

Limmud LA is presented by Meyer Shwarzstein & Susan Kahn in loving memory of their daughter, Alex Shwarzstein z”l — a devoted volunteer and former co-chair of Limmud NY who helped build vibrant Limmud communities in New York and the Bay Area. Alex described Limmud as “a unique and open space that is truly pluralistic” — and this festival carries forward that spirit.

“It is a rare and beautiful thing to see teenagers, parents, and grandparents all engaging and sharing ideas side-by-side,” said Meyer Shwarzstein.

Strengthening Jewish Life

For Limmud North America, the festival is a critical investment in creating spaces where curiosity, learning, and meaningful conversation flourish across lines of difference.

“The Jewish world needs more places where people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can come together with curiosity, humility, and a genuine desire to learn from one another,”* said Rabbi David Singer, CEO of Limmud North America. “That’s what Limmud does, and that’s what makes Limmud LA such an exciting moment—not just for Los Angeles, but for Jewish life across North America.” 

Partners & Sponsors

Major sponsors include the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, the Alex Shwarzstein Foundation, the Jewish Community Foundation Los Angeles, and Jewish National Fund–USA. Community partners include UCLA Hillel, Builders of Jewish Education, and a growing coalition of Jewish organizations. Sponsorship opportunities are available at LimmudLA.org.

Registration opens this fall. To submit a proposal, become a sponsor, or sign up for updates, visit LimmudLA.org.

About Limmud North America

Limmud North America enriches Jewish communities by connecting Jews of all backgrounds with transformative learning and one another.