Presenters and sessions

Nathan Abrams

JEWS AND SEX: Everything You Always Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask!

"Go forth and multiply" was the first commandment in the Bible. From King David to Ron Jeremy Jews have prided themselves on their liberal attitudes towards all things sexual. But what do we really know about the relationship between Jews and Sex? To mark the launch of my new book, this session seeks to answer that very question. 

Nathan Abrams is a Lecturer in Film Studies and Director of Graduate Studies at Bangor University. He is a regular presenter and has spoken at other Limmud conferences. His latest book is Jews & Sex (Nottingham: Five Leaves, 2008).

Shmuel Ben-Tovim

The Israeli Miracle : From Political to Economic Independence

The background is not too supportive: absence of substantial natural resources, a politically unstable region, huge defence needs, millions of immigrants. Nevertheless, in June 2008 Israel will officially depart from its "emerging market" status and join the US, UK, Japan and others in the exclusive club of "developed markets". It attracts record level of foreign investors, holds a balanced public sector budget, maintains a positive international balance of payments and is widely recognizes as a global superpower in high-tech. Is this another typical miracle of the Holy Land?

Shmuel is Minister - Economic Affairs, Embassy of Israel. Formerly he was in banking and private businesses in Israel. He has served as a non-executive director in major plc's. Other positions: Israel's Trade Commissioner to the USA, Mayor and Leader of Kfar Shmaryahu Council. Shmuel, who has an MBA from the Hebrew University, was born in Israel 1950 and was a Major in the IDF.

David Berkley & Mohammed Amin

Your People Shall Be My People

This session will address the difficult and often misunderstood attitudes of Judaism and Islam to proselytizing and conversion. This will be the third Limmud event to be co-presented by this popular duo.

David is a Barrister and President of the Manchester Zionist Central Council. He is also a founding member of the Muslim - Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester.

Mohammed is a Tax Partner at Pricewaterhouse Coopers and leader of their Islamic Finance Practice. He is part of the executive group of the Conservative Muslim Forum and is also a founder member of the Muslim-Jewish Forum.

Neshama Carlebach

The Life & Music of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach

Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, of blessed memory, was one of the most inspirational spiritual leaders of the twentieth century. There is no Jewish event anywhere in the world where his songs are not sung. His influence, teachings and love of all mankind continue to uplift and give strength almost 14 years after his passing. Join Neshama, his eldest daughter and protégée, in a session featuring his beautiful songs and a telling of his story.

Neshama Carlebach, one of the leading stars in Jewish Entertainment, is continuing the legacy established by her father. Neshama's talent and charisma captivate and endear her to people of all ages and backgrounds as she performs in cities all over the world with her incredible band.

Norma Cohen

A Delicate Time

'You've got it all perfect,' shouted my 92 year old aunt, `Except for being Jewish, that you know nothing about.' My upcoming novel explores the confusions of a postwar generation growing up within a clash of cultures: Yiddish, Jewish, Communist & Liverpudlian. In a 50 year chronicle spanning 1905 Russia to 1950s Liverpool, the story captures the rowdy voices of children, parents & grandparents, all clamouring to be heard. I'll animate those voices, performing extracts on themes of secrets, family conflict and escape.

Norma grew up in Liverpool 8, straddled between the worlds of radical politics & Jewish tradition (same thing?). She trained as a dancer, jumped into theatre, stand up comedy & journalism before moving into fiction. Though her family moved to London just as the Beatles moved into the Cavern, the pull of Liverpool has never left her.

Wendy Cohen

Israeli Dancing

Please join us in an Israeli dance workshop at beginner's level for young and older adults with full instructions and lots of fun. Even if you don't dance come along and enjoy the music. The final 15 minutes of the session will consist of revision and some advanced dances for those who wish it.

Wendy first learned Rikudim with Habonim and later with Israeli shlichim. She has since led workshops for Harold House, King David Schools, Liverpool Adult Education and Catholic Primary Schools. Wendy taught Israeli dances to young ballet dances for a display at the Neptune Theatre and has choreographed Chassidic dance routines for the play "Ghetto".

Louise Ellman

Jewish Issues in Parliament

This session will explore attitudes in Parliament towards Israel. It will discuss policies pursued in trying to secure a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and will refer to concerns about anti-Semitism in the UK.

Louise Ellman is Labour and Co-operative MP for Liverpool Riverside. She was first elected to Parliament in 1997. Prior to her election to Parliament, she was Leader of Lancashire Country Council from 1981-1997.

Louise is Chair of the Jewish Labour Movement, a Vice Chair of the Labour Friends of Israel and Vice President of the All Party Committee against Anti-Semitism.

Stephen Frosh

Why Psychoanalysis is Good for the Jews

In this talk, I examine connections between psychoanalysis and Judaism a little sceptically, before suggesting a few ways in which psychoanalysis is 'good for the Jews'. I am interested here not in psychoanalysis as a treatment for Jewish neuroses (though maybe I should be), but in what might be learnt from some of the parallels between these two systems of thought, and what might be gained by Jews from treating some psychoanalytic claims seriously.

Stephen Frosh is Pro-Vice-Master and Professor of Psychology at Birkbeck College, University of London, and Co-Director of the Birkbeck Institute for Social Research. His most recent books are Hate and the ‘Jewish Science': Anti-Semitism, Nazism and Psychoanalysis (Palgrave, 2005) and ‘For and Against Psychoanalysis' (Routledge, 2006).

Jonny Geller

Is Anything Good for the Jews?

A discussion about Jewish humour and whether the question 'Yes, but is it Good for the Jews?' is still relevant. A fun, informal look at Jewish jokes, literature and attitudes. Come along with your own favourite specimen.

Jonny Geller is 40 years old and managing director of Curtis Brown books division, the largest independent agency in UK. He is agent to about 40 authors and has appeared on Richard and Judy and BBC2, Radio 4's Saturday Live and was listed in Evening Standard's 1000 most influential, Time Out's Power 100,  Observer's Book Power list, Esquire's 100 most influential and Sunday Times magazine's Who will be Famous. Jonny is also the author of the humour book Yes, But is it Good for the Jews? and edited a charity anthology for Tsunami with Bloomsbury in 2006.

Gary Goodman

Judaica in Miniature

An illustrated talk based on a vast collection of postage stamps - many of which are unusual and rare - issued by countries from all over the world and which depict a wide variety of Jewish themes and symbols. Included will be examples of stamp designs which have been the cause of some controversy.

Gary has been collecting stamps for over 30 years and has specialised in those of Jewish interest for the past 8 years. In 2005 he formed the Judaica Thematic Society which has a world-wide membership.

Jeanette Goodman

Jewish Food - What's it All About

A talk on the history of the origins of Jewish food together with a survey of the sources of some of our customs relating to food and to some of the prohibitions attached.

Ex-Liverpudlian, retired barrister and magistrate, Jeanette has transferred her former Jewish communal involvements from Liverpool to Bournemouth where she is now chairman of the local WIZO and a contributor to the Bournemouth Adult Education Programme.

Jonathan Gorsky

In the Beginning: Orthodox-Reform Relations in 19^th Century Germany.

The session will examine the origins of the orthodox-reform split using historical and sociological perspectives, looking at the wider context of cultural development in 19th century Germany. It will examine different models of orthodox-reform relations, looking at possible precedents in halachic literature and trying to apply them to the divisions in today's Jewish community.

Jonathan Gorsky lectures in Jewish Studies at Heythrop College, University of London. He is originally from Liverpool and was educated at King David School, Liverpool Yeshiva and Liverpool and Manchester Universities. He was Education Officer of the Council of Christians and Jews for many years and has a specialist interest in twentieth century Christian-Jewish relations and interfaith dialogue.

David Hakak

Gay in the name of God

A talk and discussion on whether one is able to practice Judaism and one's gay sexual orientation at the same time.

Dr David Hakak was born to an Orthodox Jewish family in Israel and was educated in both Israel and the UK. David has worked in the fields of Education and Journalism and has degrees in Modern Hebrew & Jewish Studies, Drama, Education and Psychology.

Naomi Hoyland

The Joys of Hebrew Lettering

This will be a hands-on workshop for a maximum of 20 adult and late teen participants with or without calligraphic experience. The project will be for each individual to design and produce a piece of illuminated Hebrew calligraphic art work to take home.

Formerly Head of Art at Liverpool's King David High School, Naomi has enjoyed a life-long career in teaching art and crafts. She is also an opera singer, choir conductor, ketubah designer, sculptor, ceramicist and cabinetmaker as well as being a proud grandmother of 12.

Bernard Jackson

Sex and Marriage in the Jewish Tradition

Judaism and Christianity are traditionally thought to adopt different approaches to sex and marriage, notwithstanding their common roots in the Hebrew Bible. This paper, backed up by illustrative texts, explores the roots of that difference, not least as regards gender equality, and charts some major changes in the regulation of Jewish marriage in mediaeval and modern times, concluding with current controversies in the State of Israel over civil marriage and the problem of the agunah.

Alliance Professor of Modern Jewish Studies and Co-Director of the Centre for Jewish Studies at the University of Manchester since 1997, Bernard Jackson previously held chairs in Law at Kent and Liverpool, and is the author of 9 books, the most recent being Essays on Halakhah in the New Testament (2008). Since 2004 he has directed Manchester's Agunah Research Unit.

Sharman Kadish

Princes Road Synagogue, Victorian Anglo-Jewry and Orientalism in Synagogue Architecture (Illustrated)

Liverpool's Princes Road Synagogue is one of the finest examples of 'Orientalism' in synagogue architecture in Europe. 'Orientalism' enjoyed a vogue all over Europe in the second half of the nineteenth century - although the term "Orientalism" itself was never used at the time. Moorish or 'Saracenic', Islamic, Byzantine, and even Assyrian or Indian-inspired styles, sporting domes, turrets and minarets, made a confident statement of newly-emancipated Jews' supposedly "eastern" origins.

Dr Sharman Kadish is Director of Jewish Heritage UK and Part-time Lecturer in the Centre for Jewish Studies at the University of Manchester. Her latest books are companion architectural guides to Jewish Heritage in England (English Heritage 2006) and Jewish Heritage in Gibraltar (Spire Books 2007). Visit www.jewish-heritage-uk.org

Avremi Kievman

What's Bugging Rashi?

Rashi, the 11th century French sage, has become synonymous with basic Bible and Talmud study. His commentary has grown to be the first port of call for any traditional Jewish study. Simplistic in style yet profound in content, this course will explore the methodology of Rashi and reveal revolutionary new paths in the study of Chumash.

Rabbi Kievman has been the Lubavitch Shliach to Liverpool since 1992. His lively and informative classes have become the mainstay of the Liverpool adult educational scene. With wit and candour, he has been successful in transmitting the wisdom of the ages to many wannabe sages.

Les Lancaster

The golem and Artificial Intelligence

Science fiction, technology and kabbalistic magic become strange bedfellows in relation to artificial intelligence. The creation of artificial 'life' in the form of the golem has been portrayed as one of the goals of kabbalistic practice. How far can the parallel with the technological quest to produce intelligent robots be pushed? In this lecture I shall explore the place of the golem in Jewish mysticism, and consider its relevance for the challenges of 21st-century Judaism.

Les Lancaster is Professor of Transpersonal Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University and an Honorary Research Fellow in the Centre for Jewish Studies at Manchester University. Les' published works include Mind Brain and Human Potential, winner of a Science and Medical Network Award, Approaches to Consciousness: the Marriage of Science and Mysticism (Palgrave-Macmiillan, 2004), and The Essence of Kabbalah (Arcturus, 2005).

Clive Lawton

Bank Holiday or Rosh Hodesh? Creating a Jewish brain.

We probably wouldn't be at Liverpool's Limmud Day if something Jewish didn't tug at us occasionally at least. But if it hadn't been a Limmud Day would we have noticed that it was a significant Jewish day nonetheless. Clive will explore the extent to which we think Jewishly outside of major Jewish occasions, consider what this means for us as whole integrated people - and if you feel you should do something about it, what you can do!

Clive is one of the founders of Limmud and now its Senior Consultant. He was voted no. 18 in last year's JC Power 100 but is probably better known in Liverpool as a former Headmaster of KD High and Deputy Director of the Liverpool LEA.

Natan Levy

From the Devil's Feet to Beelzebub's Name - Finding Hell in the Torah

Jewish Hell? Not only is there a rich and complex tradition within our sources, but some of the most well known images of the netherworld have Jewish roots. Come explore the burning pit, no need to bring a fire extinguisher though, just a desire to engage with the texts and each other

Rabbi Natan Levy is the Southwest Region Jewish University Chaplain. He received his ordination from Yeshivat Hamivtar. Natan grew up in Berkeley, California, into an eclectic family and radical community (He was raised on a commune that supported itself growing sprouts). It was not until he travelled to Israel after university that he first encountered the traditional Jewish texts and fell in love with learning and living Torah. He is married to Ariella, and has two children, ages two and four.

Roger Lyons

Why Boycott Israel ?

A discussion on the campaign to expose and reject attempts to launch boycotts against Israel. In academic, union, political, sporting and other spheres what have we achieved and what are the challenges ahead - for all of us.

A past President of the TUC and a former General Secretary of AMICUS/MSF, Roger is currently Chair of the Trade Union Friends of Israel and judges on employment appeals tribunals. A Londoner and member of Finchley Progressive Synagogue he did live and work in Liverpool from 1966-1970.

Saul Marks

Who Jew Think You Are ?

The first half of this session will be an introduction to the main sources you'll need to use if you're interested in tracing your Jewish ancestry, both civil and religious. The second half will be a chance for you to bring me your own research questions in the hope that I can break down some of those frustrating brick walls!

Saul has been a professional genealogist for five years and specialises in Jewish ancestries. He is also the project manager for the restoration of Deane Road Cemetery, the oldest surviving Jewish cemetery in Liverpool. On top of this, he is heavily involved in the management of Liverpool Old Hebrew Congregation, making him an extremely busy man!

John Minnion

Hitler's List

A Multi-media presentation comprising live commentary over a slideshow of caricatures with music. Telling the stories of the outstandingly talented individuals,
mainly Jews, who suddenly found their livelihoods -and their lives - under threat as the Nazis came to power. They and their work were defined as 'degenerate' and the Third Reich had to be 'cleansed' of their polluting influence. The spirit and genius of these 'undesirables' is contrasted with Hitler's rigid vision.

After 25 years working as a newspaper and magazine illustrator in London, John Minnion moved to Liverpool and set up Checkmate Books to design, write, illustrate and publish a series of books of caricatures. Hitler's List is his third book. He has just published his fourth book, Pool of Life: the story of Liverpool in caricatures.

Eric Moonman

Israel : Fables, Fantasies & Facts

By the time you've seen the TV news and read the morning paper you will - understandably - be concerned and confused about Israel and the Middle East generally. Let us attempt and measure up the fables and fantasies to the reality.

Professor Moonman, President, Zionist Federation, Great Britain & Ireland and a former Labour MP, is the author of several books including Learning to live in the violent society. Eric, who was born in Liverpool and left school at 14, is a Senior Fellow of Liverpool University and a Visiting Professor at City University in London. He is also a specialist in the subject of international terrorism.

Joan Polak

The Kotel in Charcoal

This will be an art workshop for a maximum of 20 adult and late teen participants with or without drawing experience. The project will be for each individual to produce a drawing of Jerusalem's Western Wall using the medium of charcoal or pencil.

Joan is a qualified and highly experienced art teacher. She has worked for the past 19 years as youth leader and art teacher at Liverpool's Harold House Youth & Community Centre where her paintings and drawings are often featured.

Stuart Polak

Perceptions of Israel : Do they matter ?

This session will look at how Israel is perceived by parliamentarians in the UK and across Europe. Why should we care what they think? Does Israel take them seriously? How we can educate them? Is it worth doing? Can we make a difference?

Stuart was born in Liverpool and moved to London in 1984 as Youth and Community Worker in Edgware. He was appointed Education Director, Board of Deputies in 1985 but since 1989 he has been Director of Conservative Friends of Israel. Stuart is Founder Chairman of European Friends of Israel, Trustee of Langdon Foundation, Trustee of Yavneh College, Borehamwood, and Board Member of Europe Near East Forum.

Elaine Robinson

Three things you can do to change the world

Elaine will challenge us to think about ways in which we can make small changes in our behaviour to fulfill the Jewish maxim of Tikun Olam.  She will also present the UJIA's new strategy for Social Action and Responsibility for young people, as well as presenting the Yoni Jesner Award Scheme and the new Teen Philanthropy Project.

Born and bred in Liverpool with a degree in Theology & Cultural Studies from Birmingham University and an MA in the Philosophy of Education, Elaine has been deeply involved in a wide range of Jewish learning, educational and youth leadership activities. For three years she was youth director and programme co-ordinator at the Hong Kong Jewish Community Centre. Elaine has taught Jewish Studies at Immanuel College where she was responsible for setting up Social Action projects for the school including the Yoni Jesner Award Scheme. She is currently Head of the Jewish Social Action, Social Responsibility Division for the UJIA.

Zvi Solomons

A Very Naughty Boy! or "The Missionary Position"

From the Witnesses knocking on your front door to well-meaning friends willing you to know Jesus, how can a Jew deal with missionaries ? What are their tactics, the ploys, the dangers? This session combines textual analysis, discussion and an experimental workshop.

Rabbi Zvi has been Braham Lecturer at Princes Road Synagogue, Liverpool for the past three and a half years. A Cambridge graduate, he and his wife Shira also run a small Jewish Outreach organisation. He has spoken on diverse topics all over the country, occasionally appears on national television, is frequently to be heard on Merseyside airwaves and writes a regular column in the Jewish Telegraph. Zvi, Shira, Gavi, Ora and Shula will miss Liverpool when they move to Reading in June.

Lee Sunderland

One Foot in the Grave

A talk on the funny side of undertaking with plenty of 'earthy' anecdotes.

Lee is the Minister of Romford Synagogue and a former superintendent of Rainham cemetery in London.

Michael Swerdlow

From the Bimah to Broadway

An entertaining and illustrated journey discovering the contribution made by Jewish composers to the American and British popular song.

Liverpudlian Michael Swerdlow has pursued a lifelong passion in popular music by presenting radio programmes, promoting Jazz concerts and giving occasional talks on the subject. He is also a producer of videos and documentaries on a wide variety of topics.

Julian Verbov

Famous Biblical Casualties - Medicine and Art

In Biblical times sickness and death were often interpreted as God's punishment for disobedience to His Will and only God could heal. We shall consider some fascinating Biblical descriptions but can often only make an educated guess at diagnosis. We shall consider OT personalities who might have presented with their particular problems at an A & E Dept if one had existed at that time. Many artists have painted their vision of biblical happenings which will be discussed.

Julian Verbov, Professor of Dermatology and recently teacher in Philosophy at the University of Liverpool. Prolific writer and lecturer who talks to medical, nursing and lay audiences regularly on medical, biblical and other topics. Founding father of British Paediatric Dermatology, world fingerprint expert, and hobbies include classical and brass band music, poetry, apes, magic and designing ties.

Gottfried Wagner

The Music of Richard Wagner in Israel

This will be a multimedia presentation addressing the question as to whether one can separate the work of art from the life and ideology of the artist.

Dr. Wagner is the great-grandson of composer Richard Wagner, and author of Twilight of the Wagners: The Unveiling of a Family's (antisemitic) Legacy. Dr. Wagner is fluent in German, English, Italian and French and works internationally as a multimedia lecturer, director (stage, TV, radio), music historian and writer. Since 1983, Gottfried has resided in Italy with his wife Teresina and son Eugenio.

Yaakov Wise

Perish Judah 1947: The revolt against the Mandate and its effect on Liverpool

A groundbreaking new lecture from Anglo-Jewry's most iconoclastic historian. How events in British Mandate Palestine in 1947 had serious repercussions on Merseyside and led to a series of anti-Semitic outrages never seen either before or since. How the violent clash between the Zionist organisations and the British government and its local fall-out changed the face of Liverpool Jewry forever.

Dr Yaakov Wise, a native Mancunian, is an honorary research fellow at Manchester University and teaches PR, marketing management and journalism. He completed an MA in Political History at Salford with a dissertation on Zionism and then researched a unique doctorate at Manchester on strictly orthodox Jewish history. He is the author of many articles on Anglo-Jewish history and broadcasts regularly on BBC radio.

Yiddish Song Project

Sing in Yiddish!

Join the Yiddish Song Project for an hour and learn to sing some Yiddish songs yourself. We'll journey from niggunim to musical theatre, visiting some interesting points about Jewish music along the way and maybe even learning a little Yiddish. No experience necessary.

The Yiddish Song Project is a trio of musicians who set out to bring the beauty of Yiddish song to new audiences. Since their first performance at Chanukah 2006 they have had sell out gigs, performed on Radio 4, Radio Scotland and made their first CD "Zing!". Stephanie Brickman (vocals), Jo Nicholson (clarinet) and (deputising for Phil Alexander) Pete Garnett of Moishe's Bagel (accordion).

Norman Zalud

Rabbi Behind Bars

A talk studded with numerous anecdotes on the fascinating work and experiences of a prison chaplain.

Besides being Rabbi to Reform Synagogues in Blackpool & Manchester and emeritus Rabbi to the Liverpool Reform Synagogue, Norman is also chaplain to no less than eleven prisons and on top of that still finds time to teach children with special needs.

Zing

Jewish Jazz and Yiddish Swing

Laoise and Bruce will transport you back to the 1940s to the era of Yiddish Swing and Jewish Jazz, in the throbbing Jewish metropolis of New York. Covering some of the big meshuggene hits of the day from Tin Pan Alley, the Yiddish Theatre and Broadway, you will be amazed at how influential Jewish music has been!

Laoise Davidson (vocals) has sung Jazz songs since she was five and more recently discovered Klezmer and Yiddish song. She has performed with several bands including She'Koyokh, Nomadica and GhettoPlotz and as a singer/songwriter. Laoise, who works for the Jewish Music Institute, formed Zing in 2006 to perform the music that lies on the intersection between Jazz and Jewish music.

Bruce Boardman (piano) specializes in Jazz piano and arrangements. He has performed with some of the biggest names in the business including Ronnie Scott, Georgie Fame, Norma Winstone, Roy Castle, Benny Green (writer-broadcaster). He worked with the George Melly Band among others, and has run his own band. He has made numerous TV appearances and has toured across almost all known continents.