(JTA) — Limmud learning festivals were held for the first time in Uruguay and Haifa, Israel.
Over 200 participants, representing Haifa’s Jewish spectrum, chose from sessions on wine tasting and Israeli comedy, a Bible contest and chevruta dialogue, among others during last week’s program in the secular city where even public buses run on the Sabbath.
“Limmud Haifa embodies the spirit of Jewish renewal of the city,” Deputy Mayor Shay Blumenthal told the gathering as he thanked the volunteers.
One session included a live-link, trans-Atlantic session with Limmud Boston, Haifa’s twin city.
Some 140 participants took part last week in the Limmud program in Montevideo, Uruguay, ranging from secular to Chabad in their religious outlook.
Limmud, which means learning in Hebrew, has held events in over 40 countries on six continents since its founding in Britain in 1980.
