Email no 16 - 16 November - Fishy

VOLUNTEERS' AFTERNOON - THIS SUNDAY, 18 NOVEMBER (GOLD FISH?)

Really looking forward to seeing you at the volunteers' afternoon this Sunday. Fresh bagels. 2pm - 5pm, London Jewish Cultural Centre (LJCC), Ivy House, 94-96 North End Road, London NW11 7SX.

Intelligent, fun afternoon and a chance to hear from Trudy Gold, author of the 'Timechart History of Jewish Civilization'. Who do you think you are?

You should have received an Evite (let me know if you haven't or don't know what to do). http://www.limmud.org/conference/newsletters/volunteers1811

DEADLINES - 19 NOVEMBER - YADs, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, PLUS MADRICHIM (leaders of Young Limmud Conference groups) / CRECHE MANAGERS

You know it, but do your friends and family? Booking now makes sense - prices rise after 19 November, and some accommodation and age options are in very limited supply.

Monday's also the deadline for financial assistance (as a volunteer, if you're umming and ahhing about asking for help - put your doubts aside and go ahead), to be a YAD (Young Adult Development) and for coaches.

Madrich (Young Limmud Conference leaders) training is also coming up for Young Limmud Conference. So if you know someone who'd be a good madrich (= free place) or creche worker (one or two paid professional roles), drop me an email asap and I'll put them in touch with the right person before they apply. The more leaders we have, the more families can take part.

EXTRA EXTRA! LIMMUD IN 3D WITH "DAILY DIF-DAF" - DESIGN THE MASTHEAD (TOMORROW'S FISH AND CHIPS?)

You may remember a mention a few weeks ago that we're planning a daily newspaper; so exciting to see it taking shape.

We've now got a title - the Daily Dif-Daf!

Inspired by "Daf Yomi" (daily page), an international programme of Talmud study where everyone learns the same page. Plus "dif-daf" (Hebrew) - to browse through a book, flipping pages in search of something (or nothing in particular).

Now we have a title, we need a design for the masthead (the bit at the top). Got an idea (or know someone who might)? Sketch it out and send it to office[at]limmud.org to pass on by Thursday next week. We'll then put a shortlist online and invite volunteers to vote for their favourite.

PLEASING ALL THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME - STILL TRYING

Hope you enjoyed the update email. It included the line that a 'full' list of presenters is online. And it was true at one point. Except that as presenter numbers have grown, it's become a selection showing breadth and strength while we focus on scheduling. One or two presenters have emailed to say they're not listed. Anyone who asks ... they're not alone. And all will be included in the full programme online in a couple of weeks.

So, some great presenters are missing from the incomplete list at http://www.limmud.org/conference/programme/Presenters07

Meanwhile new family accommodation options - including single ensuite rooms for families with children over 11 and the options for parents of over 16s to stay in the hotel. http://www.limmud.org/conference/practical/accommodation

CAMBRIDGE JSOC - GEFILTE FISH

Personal note - I'm looking forward to visiting Cambridge JSoc on Tuesday ... will be talking about the Time Travelling Gefilte Fish ... and a little about Conference too. I'm sure all volunteers will be welcome if they happen to be passing.

COUNT - ONLINE (FISH NET?)

Numbers at http://www.limmud.org/conference/count_apps

1583 last time I checked (but this is before adding in this week's paper applicants - so we're probably over 1600).

The demand for the hotel has been ... well incredible ... three quarters of all hotel rooms are now taken.

DATES

To help at events and set-up - Charles Darwish charlesdarwish[at]hotmail.com / Dan Musikant danw777[at]zoom.co.uk

18 November - all volunteers' event - Conference 2007 plus opportunities for Limmudfest08 and Conference 2008 (http://www.limmud.org/conference/newsletters/volunteers1811)

19 November - deadlines for coaches, YADs, financial assistance and standard pricing

6 December - site visit - all welcome - Dan dlavin[at]gmail.com

16 December - YAD training (essential for all YADs)

19 December - be the first on-site as set-up starts and excitement builds (by the way - well done to those who were at the office last week arranging this)

21-22 December - pre-Conference Shabbat

23-27 December - Conference

January 2008 - Torah L'Am

TALK TO ME!

I love it when volunteers get in touch - so if you think you could be doing more, have got questions or just want a chat ... drop me a line (details below).

MISSED IT? NOT MISSED OUT

Email archive http://www.limmud.org/conference/newsletters

Anyone can join the volunteer list even if you're not sure yet what you might do. Charles Darwish charlesdarwish[at]hotmail.com / Dan Musikant danw777[at]zoom.co.uk

Meanwhile and the inspiration for this email, one of our volunteers Al emailed about a seafood disco last night.
At the whelk-come desk he asked to pay by oyster card but they only accepted cash - twenty squid!
Inside he bought a drink and pulled a mussel dancing to "Prawn in the USA".
He started chatting to her and asked if he cod ask her over to his plaice sometime. She clammed up and let him flounder for a while before saying she's already with salmon.

So no chance he'll sea her again. Probably for the bass.

Al thought it shellfish not to share it with you.  Though not surprisingly he's a bit crabby today.

Al, if you're reading, don't carp on about last night - there are plenty more fish in the sea.

(Back to rodents, anyone?)

Shabbat shalom

Kevin