Participants at Limmud conferences deepen their understanding of Jewish thought
and strengthen their identities but are unlikely to meet a significant other at
the gatherings, according to a recent study.
The data, collected by
Prof. Steven Cohen and Dr. Ezra Kopelowtitz from past participants in the
Jewish educational confabs held around the world, revealed the most compelling
reasons to attend Limmud were the pursuit of “Jewish knowledge” and “Jewish
identity.”
Respondents also said “meeting Jews from different
backgrounds” and “involvement” were significant in their decision to
participate.
But while Limmud goers said the educational conferences were
intellectually stimulating few said they were stimulating in another respect.
Just 8 percent of respondents who attended Limmud UK said it had an impact on
their meeting a spouse or partner. Numbers were lower still for Limmud Australia
where just 2% said it had “some” impact. Limmud- goers were much more likely,
however, to make friends. About half of the respondents said they kept in touch
with people they met at the get-togethers.