Get ready for Russian Limmud
LIMMUD FSU (former Soviet Union) – one of the biggest Russian-speaking Jewish events in the world – is coming to Melbourne next month.
The inaugural Limmud FSU Australia conference, which will be held over the Labour Day long weekend on March 8-9, will feature more than 70 local presenters and international guests, including leading Israeli culinary journalist and TV personality Gil Hovav, world-renowned jazz pianist Leonid Ptashka and Ukrainian-born actor Gary Cherkassky, aka Baba Fira, who created the “S**t Russian Grandmas Say” videos on YouTube, among a host of others.
With a focus on Jewish values, traditions, identity and family fun, the volunteer-driven event will also boast a children’s program, concerts and kosher meals to provide a “memorable experience for people of all ages and levels of religious affiliation”.
“Limmud FSU was established as a branch of the global Limmud initiative, known for its stimulating festivals of Jewish learning and cultural exchange across the world,” said Chaim Chesler, co-founder of Limmud FSU, who will also speak at the Melbourne event.
“We empower Russian-Jewish adults to connect with their communities and feel inspired by their identity through pluralistic, volunteer-driven conferences in a fun, relaxing atmosphere.”
Encouraging all Russian Jews around Australia to attend the event, Chesler said: “We’ve been to Russia, the US, Canada, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, Israel and now, it’s Australia’s turn!”
More than 300 participants are expected to attend the festival at the beachfront Mantra Lorne hotel.
“We are working hard on making the very first Australian Limmud FSU special,” said organising committee chair Sasha Klyachkina. “Everyone is welcome to participate and present on topics of their interest. So come along with family and friends and be prepared for a rewarding weekend of exciting lectures and workshops, lots of smiles and new friendships.”
“The inaugural Limmud FSU Australia festival heralds the recognition of the large number of Jewish Australians from the former Soviet Union and the importance of their Jewish identification,” commented Dr Danny Lamm, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA).
“We are proud to partner with Limmud FSU as a further step in encouraging the involvement of Jewish Australians from the FSU with the wider Jewish community.”
Limmud FSU Australia is supported by the ZFA, the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Australian Forum of Russian Speaking Jewry.
For more information about Limmud FSU Australia and to register, visit www.limmudfsu.org.au.
EVAN ZLATKIS
Limmud FSU Australia will be held in Melbourne on March 8-9.
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