These seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot, when the Jewish People wanders with purpose toward the base of Mount Sinai, are a time of wonder and amazement, a time of coming together in collective solidarity, a time of preparation for something new and something larger. This period embodies the essence of the magic of Limmud, the manifestation of our movement’s yearnings, commitments and force for good.
Limmud is the nexus between two commitments: building experiences that enable Jews of different backgrounds to learn from and with each other and radically democratizing the process of Jewish exploration and learning, so that every person can be a learner and a teacher, a follower and a leader. These commitments are based on our firm beliefs that both these and these are words of the living God, that this too is Torah. Because the totality of our people’s yearnings, ideas and questions are what stitch together the fabric of Jewish wisdom. We provide the platforms where this comes to life.
This approach requires each of us to demonstrate one key attribute: curiosity. Curiosity is admitting that I do not have all the answers. Curiosity is accepting that my way is not the only way. Curiosity is showing that I value my neighbor, even when I do not understand her. It is the path to communal thriving. It is the road to empowering the next generation. It is the framework for a brighter, more animated, Jewish future.
As we approach the base of the mountain, as we spiritually prepare to accept the Divine calling on Shavuot, let us embody this curiosity, welcoming our fellow travelers to approach the covenantal yearning with us hand in hand, leading and being led, and asking many questions along the way.
Learn on!
