I love the people I meet and the chance I get to make a real difference in the LA Jewish community. I've seen how our perceptions of one another have changed and how that has impacted how Jews from different segments of the community relate to one another. I've made friends, been inspired, had fun and learned so much. It is amazing to me that an all volunteer organization can create such an incredible experience.
I became involved with LimmudLA even before attending their annual conference. I was sold from the first description: a community of Jews from every background who come together to learn. In 2009, I attended my first Conference, where I connected with people I never would have met and enjoyed sessions in a variety of offerings. The weekend affirmed my connection to Judaism as well as my commitment to the organization.
I went to Conference two years ago (the first one) not knowing anything about the organization. I was also a little jaded in my own practice of Judaism. I finished the weekend re-energized and just blown away by the range and depth of offerings. I went to session after session on everything from Israeli film to art to leadership skills, all set within a Jewish context. People were warm and open and it was by far a more diverse crowd than any I'd ever experienced. And the amazing thing is it is all volunteer!