Limmud’s respectful debate a learning experience

Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending and presenting at Limmud, an event that over the years has become a cornerstone of our communal calendar. It stands as the most invigorating platform we have for exploring the rich diversity of Jewish views and topics that shape our community, dealing with issues that simply aren’t addressed with such depth and openness in any other forum.

What makes Limmud so special is the space it creates: one that’s constructive, productive, and profoundly inclusive, guided by a strict code of respect even for the most opposing or controversial perspectives. A shining example of this was the panel on Israeli politics and society, masterfully moderated by South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) Deputy President Charisse Zeifert. Bringing together voices from the far ends of the social and political spectrum, it offered a rare chance for genuine engagement, not just among panellists, but with the audience. As conference Co-Chairperson Rabbi Warren Sher so aptly noted, Limmud might well be one of the few places where such individuals can dive into robust debate while upholding the respect, inclusivity, and openness that define the gathering.

It’s vital for our community to encounter the full spectrum of views that challenge us as a people and as supporters of Israel, and to have a dedicated space where we can grapple with the cultural, religious, social, and political dimensions of Judaism in all their complexity.

Among the many sessions I attended, one that particularly resonated was Aviva Dautch’s fascinating exploration of TS Eliot and antisemitism. She unpacked how Eliot, along with some of his supporters, including, remarkably, a few Jews, attempted to excuse or downplay his antisemitic leanings. Yet, upon closer reflection, the tropes and imagery in his work are unmistakably clear. Dautch also recounted the backlash against efforts to republish his earlier writings, including poetic responses from Jews that pushed back against any attempts to whitewash his views. The relevance struck me deeply, as this narrative could so easily mirror contemporary examples we see today. It’s a stark reminder that, as the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

True to Limmud’s spirit, we were also treated to lighter moments designed purely to spark joy and offer a bit of respite. This year included a delightful Yiddish music interlude by singer Anthony Tzvi Russell, and of course, the legendary Limmud quiz that stretched on until 01:00!

In so many ways, Limmud functions as our community’s annual dialogue, a coming together to confront the challenging, sometimes difficult or uncomfortable topics that will ultimately define us as a people and as a community here in South Africa. The SAJBD was indeed present at the state-run National Dialogue last week, and it’s clear that this government-led initiative still has much to learn from Limmud’s model of respectful, inclusive exchange. That said, we remain committed to engaging in the process, participating actively in the hope that it might yet spark a genuine reimagining of our national project.