For presenter details click here.
Thursday
On which we arrive, set up our tents, meet up with old and new friends at the bonfire and in the bar....
Arrival
Welcome to Fest! Lovely to see you! Unpack your stuff, pitch your tent and get yourself settled. Then come to the helpdesk and get stuck in to making this our home, and our little piece of paradise, for the next few days. You could help decorate the site, walk the Eruv or get the games out.
Evening
After a busy day setting up the site, gather round the Bonfire (20:00, meet at Helpdesk for location) for a singsong and let the sparks fly up into the night. Or join The Shuk for Israeli and Jewish World Music (21:00, Theatre) a showcase of music from Israel and the Jewish world. Then you can relax and chill out with DJ Raymond setting a cool vibe in the Bar (from 22:00).
Friday
On which we find out who else is in the Pardes, and start to explore its many paths...
09.00-13.00
Walking the South Downs.
Join a guided group for a easy to medium hike around the beautiful South Downs countryside. Sensible footwear should be worn.
09:00 - 10:30
Morning Meditation
Paul Glantz
This will be a chance to find a window of peace through a concentration exercise and a simple meditation.
Tai Chi
Paul Silk
Gentle exercise to loosen muscles and connect mind and body for anyone wanting to relax after a hard night's camping.
The Fantastic Four Enter the Pardes
Raphael Zarum
One of the most enigmatic stories in all the Talmud - four rabbis on a mystical dreamquest, but what happened?
Creative Musical Service Leading for Today’s Generation
Avivit Katzil
Ever wanting to lead an alternative, creative, musical service? Avivit teaches some great songs to take back to your community.
Eating Animals – Yes, No, or Maybe?
Steve Miller
This open discussion will examine various Jewish and other perspectives on vegetarianism including Jonathan Safran Foer’s best-selling book.
10:45 - 12:15
The Crying Cow and the Carnivorous Rabbi: The Bloody Story of Jews and Meat from Adam to Iowa
Natan Levy
Is Kosher slaughter humane? Why was the first-human a vegan? And what’s rotten in the world’s biggest Kosher abattoir?
How to be Jewish on a Crowded Planet
Nicholas Silver
Genesis says "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth"; what do we do if the earth is full?
Sewing in the Sun
Gabi Markham
Bring any clothing you want to customize with buttons, beads, embroidery and Jewish spirit. Or we will provide t-shirts, one-of-a-kind!
Bellydancing with Lana
Lana Sussman
Come on a sensual journey of self discovery and learn the ancient art form of belly dancing (wear loose clothes).
Stitch and Kvetch
Avra Stein
Bring your knitting and your favourite wool, show off your creations during this fun filled session of stitching and kvetching.
Theological Flashes with Three Pluses
Marc Shoffren
Should young children do theology? Come along to share you thoughts, questions and ideas about God-talk with young children.
12:30 - 14:00
Drawing Workshop
Helena Miller
If the weather is fine, we'll draw the beautiful scenery outdoors. If it isn't, we'll draw indoors. Artistic expertise unnecessary!
Magical Friday Night Sacred Songs: Yedid Nefesh, L'cha Dodi and Shalom Alechem
Daphna Rosenberg
Come and sing beautiful, original Israeli melodies for these beloved sacred poems that highlight their inner meanings (guitar players welcome).
Preferred Love
Gilad Amit
Have you ever felt guilty for preferring one of your kids / parents / students? Come and learn some more…
Stories We Pray
Joel Grishaver
Every prayer has a story and to know its history is to learn the secret of its inner meaning and change your relationship with the Siddur.
Reel Food
Nathan Abrams
In this session, we'll explore the use and abuse of Jewish foods, kosher and treyf, in film.
Soul Song
Jess Gold
Your voice is political, spiritual, material and a gift from above. Come and explore it.
Jews and Food (1): Listen (Shma) to the Planet!
Steven Greenberg
The Shema is a central liturgical recitation, which grounds the Jewish covenant with God in the earth – study its deep environmental wisdoms.
Roaming in the Garden of Delights Part I : The Secret Well
Samuel Klein
Discover the Pardes as a place of intimacy and love through gestalt awareness practice, bodywork technique and movement (adults only, loose clothing).
14:15 - 15:45
The Mysterious History of Tikkun Olam: from Obscure Legal Phrase to Catchword of a Community
Jill Jacobs
Tikkun Olam: inspiration or cliche? An exploration of this phrase through ancient legal texts, mysticism, and contemporary art and literature.
Contemporary Jewish Liturgical Music
Dean Staker
Join musician/composer Dean Staker as he examines the significance of music in worship and performs various contemporary liturgical works.
Love, Lust, Betrayal: The Secret Lives of Biblical Women
Alicia Rabins, Girls in Trouble
An introduction to the complex, utterly adult stories of Torah women, with a special musical performance by Girls in Trouble.
Moving in the Orchard
Jacqueline Waltz
Creating expressive movement studies using themes of the orchard and Hebrew poetry of Judah HaLevi and Shir HaShirim
The Pardes in Art and Torah
Nicola Abery
Using art to learn Torah and vice versa, we will analyse what the pardes was in both words and pictures.
Entering the Garden of Interpretation (1 of 3)
Ariel Kahn
What does the Song of Songs mean to us today? Enter the garden of love and faith. Suitable for all.
Eclectic Kabbalat Shabbat Singing Workshop - from Carlebach to Gospel
Gabriela Pomeroy
Learn lesser-known Carlebach melodies, and new tunes adapted from South African gospel a capella, folk and Russian Orthodox church music (guitars welcome).
16:00 - 17:30
Cooking Workshop
Gil Hovav
Learn how to prepare delicious Israeli salads, and become an honorary Sephardi Jew!
And You Shall be a Blessing – Preparing for Shabbat
Ruth Gan Kagan, Daphna Rosenberg
Let us re-imagine the traditional Erev Shabbat blessing ritual as we allow ourselves to become God’s channel of love.
Breakdance for Beginners
Adam Julius
Learn the basics, no dance experience required. Just be ready to work up a sweat and have some fun!
The Kabbalah of You: Secrets to Unconditional Self-Worth and Love
David Aaron
Take a Kabbalistic journey from ego to soul and discover how to tap the riches and resources within the real you.
Up, Up and Oy Vey – Practical Kite-making
Steve Miller
Simple kite designs for anyone plus a look at Jewish sources on ruach (meaning wind or spirit).
It Takes a Little Crazy to Make a Difference
Dafna Michaelson
How a single mother's journey around America found a way to change the world, one community at a time.
16:30 - 17:30
The Macaroons
Daniel Saks
Super-fun tunes for kids with Dan Saks of the Macaroons: irresistible melodies that parents will love too.
19:00 - 20:00
Kabbalat Shabbat Services
22:00 - 00:00
Meet The Shuk
The Shuk
Come and meet the ensemble members of The Shuk and hear The Shuk's story through song - with plenty of singing along!
Beware All Who Enter The Pardes!
Clive Lawton, Susan Gessler, Jeremy Gordon, Alicia Rabins
Four Rabbis entered, only one came out unchanged. The Pardes is a dangerous place. Minds, lives and paths are lost. But who is the true hero?
Saturday
On which we relax in the Pardes, eat, drink, dance, learn, get intimate and perhaps fall in love...
9:00 - 11:00
Shabbat Morning Services
09:30 - 11:00
Morning Meditation
Paul Glantz
This will be a chance to find a window of peace through a concentration exercise and a simple meditation.
Tai Chi
Paul Silk
Gentle exercise to loosen muscles and connect mind and body for anyone wanting to relax after a hard night's camping.
Under 5s Shabbat Morning Children's Service
Nicola Abery
Singing, dancing and frivolity for the under 5s.
The Naked Shabbat
Joanna Turner
Stripping back the traditional service we celebrate social justice that fuses meidtation with learning, poetry with singing.
Older kids Shabbat Morning Service
Marc Shoffren
Prayer and fun for the over 6's.
12:30 - 14:00
My Great Grandfather Eliezer Ben Yehuda and the Revival of Hebrew
Gil Hovav
Gil Hovav reveals unknown secrets about Eliezer Ben Yehuda, reviver of the Hebrew language.
What to Make of Sinai?
Daniel Reisel
Together we’ll explore our foundational myth and ask: Is it possible to believe in Sinai today? Is it desirable?
Eradicating Extreme Poverty – Real People, Real Lives
Steve Miller
In this session we will get to know the people whom Tzedek partners in Ghana and discuss strategies for change.
EcoKashrut: Pipedream or Possibility?
Mark Sheinfield
Can the concepts of Kashrut be applied to the ecological aspects of food?
Climbing Jacob's Ladder - A Midrashic Poker Slam
Raphael Zarum, Joel Grishaver
Joel and Rafi outbid each other as they mine the layers of meaning of this classic text: Peshat-Remez-Drash-Sod and more.
14:15 - 15:45
Using Texts for Social Justice
Jill Jacobs
Beyond 'Judaism says. . .': explore ways to use texts in challenging and creative ways to enhance social justice work.
Pilates
Natasha Steinberg
Pilates focuses on breathing, core stability exercises, stretches and relaxation.
Singing the Song of the Self (2 of 3)
Ariel Kahn
Rav Kook was a poet and mystic. Lets explore his poetic insights to unleash our own voices. Suitable for all.
When Abraham Murdered his Boy: What Really Happened at the Akedah?
Natan Levy
CSI: Moriah Mountain. The biblical forensics behind the most infamous case of (near?) infanticide.
The Orchard of Life
Shasy
My philosophy has helped me to put into perspective that whatever is happening, the seasons change... and so can you!
Meet Alicia Jo Rabins
Alicia Rabins
In conversation with Josephine Burton, discussing Alicia's career combining music, Jewish education and poetry, and exploring her influences, inspirations and insights.
Jewish Silence
Daniel Shine
What is Jewish silence as opposed to regular silence? Most of this session may be silent. But you know what God does when She sees our plans.
16:00 - 17:30
The Kabbalah of Love: Secrets to Lasting Love and Romance
David Aaron
Discover the Kabbalah's powerful yet simple formula to lasting love and REAL-ationships.
The Magic of Forests
Clive Lawton
The forest of Arden, Sherwood, the woods of Jerusalem, the orchards of Goshen. Taxation, wars and charoset. Why trees matter.
You Be the Judge: The Latest Edition
Joel Grishaver
This is Joel's most famous program, using mock trials to create understanding of Talmudic principles and ethics (for all ages 7+).
In the Shadows of the Orchard: the Demon in the Beyt Midrash
Benedict Roth
A puzzling, enigmatic story from the Talmud that sheds light on a darker side of Torah learning.
Rounders
The annual Fest rounders challenge! (meet at helpdesk to walk to sports field).
Philosophy for Families
Marc Shoffren
A family forum enabling all ages to start asking deep questions. Rabbis did, Greeks did, and so can your family.
17:45 - 19:15
Being Gay in Israel 2010
Gil Hovav
Gil Hovav, a proud openly gay parent, speaks about the end of gay history in Israel.
The Baal Shem Tov on Connecting Heaven and Earth
Ruth Gan Kagan
Gems of surprising wisdom for today's spiritual seekers from the sacred medicine chest of a timeless master.
Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns Grow
David Yehuda Stern, Bernie Cohen
Meet people from some of the smaller Jewish communities in the UK, whilst exploring ways to encourage growth and connectivity.
Counting the Calories or Counting the Carbon?
Jess Gold
The average supermarket food item has travelled 1000 miles. Shocked? Come and explore how to eat to save the planet.
Jews and Food (2): Fasting as Spectacle, Memory, Sacrifice, Turbo Prayer and Vision Quest
Steven Greenberg
Explore the experience, meaning and purpose of fasting considering examples from Moses Esther, Daniel and Rabbi Akiva through to Kafka and others.
19:30 - 21:00
Praying with Fire: How to Get Your Prayers Answered
David Aaron
Learn how to master and harness the tranformational powers of prayer.
Comedy Impro 1
Sam Brandman
Comedy Impro workshop working on spontaneity, confidence and creativity. Come with an open mind and have a laugh! 18+ only.
Culture of Life v. Culture of Death
Dafna Michaelson
How mothers and grandmothers are being tapped to change the culture of death through stories.
Seudah Shlishit
Join us for relaxed and traditional food for the soul and spirit, an eclectic mix of stories and song. Buffet dinner will be provided.
Intimacy Can Be Fun
Daniel Shine
Intimacy = Into Me You See. Have some fun letting others into our world and vice versa (open to all ages; bring open heart and mind).
Who is Kosha Dillz?
Kosha Dillz
Israeli / New Jerseyan rap artist discusses his music and rollercoaster ride to becoming an international touring artist, Jails to Judaism.
21:00 - 21:15
Musical Havdalah
Come together for Havdalah hosted by the Shuk, outdoors under the stars. Or you are welcome to make Havdalah in a family or group with materials provided.
21:20 - 22:15
Melaveh Malkah Concert
The Shuk
Celebrate the closing of Shabbat with a spiritual and rhythmic experience hosted by The Shuk.
22:30 - 23:30
DeLeon - Sephardic Rock Dance Party!
DeLeon
Dance to the entrancing cadences of ancient Sephardic music being given an indie rock makeover.
Limmud Fest Pub Quiz
Put your thinking caps on, pull a team together and come join us for the Limmud Fest pub quiz!
Film Fest
Something fun, something thoughtful, films about food, films about love – details and timings will be posted on the noticeboard
23:45 - 01:00
Salsa Dancing 1
Sam Brandman
For complete beginners with two left feet - come and learn some salsa basics in a friendly environment!
The Big Fest Silent Disco
Raymond Simonson
Back by popular demand: '70s funk, '60s soul and old skool hip-hop. Jewfros and flares optional.
Late Night Music & Poetry
Bring your instrument, talent and chutzpah and keep the party going (for slots contact David Hoffman or the compere).
Sunday
On which we learn what we can do in the Pardes, to make ourselves, each other and the world a better place.....
09:00 - 10:30
Gyrokinesis
Natasha Steinberg
Incorporating principles from yoga, dance, gymnastics and tai-chi we work the body through rhythmic and undulating exercises.
Morning Meditation
Paul Glantz
This will be a chance to find a window of peace through a concentration exercise and a simple meditation.
G-d 101: Who Really is G-d and What Does He/She Want?
David Aaron
Are you ready for a radical paradigm shift? Discover the Kabbalah's view on G-d and you.
Tai Chi
Paul Silk
Gentle exercise to loosen muscles and connect mind and body for anyone wanting to relax after a hard night's camping.
Airfix Model Building
Joel Berkowitz
Once again this year, your chance to come together to build and create Airfix model cars, boats & planes!
DIY Survival
Rafael Kilim
For anyone doing jobs about the house - learn practical skills such as using tools correctly and planning for a task.
Vegetable Growing for Beginners
Alexei Charkham
Learn how to grow delicious and healthy fruit and veg, what to sow when, and how to look after the plants we're growing.
09:00 - 12:00
Walking and Talking the Torah of Trees
Natan Levy
It's been a while since ex-hippy Natan hugged a tree - wander and wonder with him as he roams and reveals the Torah of nature.
10:45 - 12:15
Creating Communities of Justice
Jill Jacobs
A workshop in transforming your synagogue, school, or other Jewish institution into a community of justice.
Cooking Workshop
Gil Hovav
Israeli cakes and cookies - not what you expected. Bake them, enjoy them and become a kitchen rebbitsen.
Scrap quilting
Jasmine Kilim
We live in a throw-away society. Learn basic techniques to upcycle unloved fabric into beautiful patchwork quilts.
Healing a Cracked Tradition
Joel Grishaver
The Talmud seeks to weave the fragments of Jewish tradition into a whole - we will see this in action from Megillah 6a (beginners welcome).
Treyf Tomatoes? - Jewish Perspectives on GM food
Lea Muehlstein
We will explore both traditional Jewish sources and contemporary voices concerning the genetic manipulation of food. No previous knowledge required.
Dance me to the End of Love (3 of 3)
Ariel Kahn
Leonard Cohen and Yehuda Amichai will inspire our own creative responses to the Song of Songs.
Kiddush Cups
Gary Webber
Make a kiddush cup, using glass and paints (adults, not families).
Bellydancing with Lana
Lana Sussman
Come on a sensual journey of self discovery and learn the ancient art form of belly dancing (wear loose clothes).
Heichal Ahava: Kabbalistic Secrets of Love
Ruth Gan Kagan
The Zohar reveals the deep meaning of the kiss as it invites us to dwell in the temple of love.
12:30 - 14:00
Dancing for Health and Happiness
Gabi Markham
A work-out for all abilities combining jazz, ballet, contemporary, commercial dance, yoga and pilates. Loose-fitting clothing needed, no jeans.
The Pluralistic, Cross-Denominational Harp
Rivka Gottlieb
From Bach to Brubeck, salon music to Star Wars... a musical journey on a Jewess's harp, the Limmud way.
Living On Purpose: Why on Earth are we Here?
David Aaron
Who are we? Why are we? And what can we become? A provocative adventure into the Kabbalah of Rabbi Kook.
Write Your Own Poem
Clive Lawton
Explore techniques and write poetry, about Pardes and orchards - or not. Creative writing was, with drama, Clive's first thing…
Sushi Rolling for Beginners
Come make and eat your own sumptuous sushi for lunch!
The Laptop is Mightier than the Sword
Lionel Ross
So you want to write your first book? Inspiration, perspiration, ideas, opinions. Keeping your reader’s attention. Selling entertainment and education together.
Getting Drunk on Judaism
Danny Burkeman
Since Noah planted the first vineyard, our relationship to wine has been positive and negative. Let's study stories together.
14:15 - 15:45
Let Your Heart Sing - Hebrew Chanting with Nava Tehila Ensemble
Ruth Gan Kagan, Daphna Rosenberg
Using short, simple holy verses and delightful tunes, we will open our hearts and weave a magical circle of song.
Cooking For Rosh Hashanah
Denise Phillips
This cookery demonstration brings spirituality into the Yom Tov meal with recipes that have symbolic meaning.
More Stories of Women in Torah You Probably Didn't Learn in Hebrew School
Alicia Rabins, Girls in Trouble
An introduction to the complex, utterly adult stories of Torah women, with a special musical performance by Girls in Trouble.
Keeping Bees is for Life Not Just for Rosh Hashanah
Alex Schajer
Come and learn how 50,000 bees all working for a common goal can bring sweetness and happiness.
Being Jewish/being e-(r)ant (part one). (1 of 2)
Judith Rosen-Berry
Considering future possibilities: e-ran(t)se/wandering and transgression in relation to Jewish 'text'. No knowledge required
Roaming in the Garden of Delights Part II: In the Cleft of the Rock
Samuel Klein
Discover the Pardes as a place of intimacy and love through gestalt awareness practice, bodywork technique and movement (adults only, loose clothing).
16:00 - 17:30
We ARE Family
The Shuk
We ARE Family is a workshop-performance that examines the use of music as a means to express Jewish identity.
Neuro? Typical! (Session for "Neuro-diverse" People e.g. Asperger's, Dyspraxia)
Jane Miriam Osborne
For kind, thoughtful people who get things "wrong". You don't need a label - just a desire for communication and acceptance.
The Edible Garden
Nicola Abery
Where our food comes from and how we can grow our own: a practical seed sowing / pot decorating session for families.
Comedy Impro 2
Sam Brandman
Comedy Impro workshop working on storytelling and teamwork. Come with an open mind and have a laugh! 18+ only.
Prophecy Is No Laughing Matter…Except When It Is
Micol Burkeman
What does the hit show “My Name is Earl” have to do with Prophecy and the Environment? Come find out!
Biblical EcoPolitics: Do You Tithe?
Raphael Zarum
We will learn how Torah ensured that rain, sun and soil always address the issues of wealth, poverty and power.
Fest Football
All welcome to the Fest football however-many-a-side-we-get match! (meet at helpdesk to walk to sports field)
Philosophy for Families
Marc Shoffren
A family forum enabling all ages to start asking deep questions. Rabbis did, Greeks did, and so can your family.
17:45 - 19:15
A Cinematic Guide to Jewish Lovers
Nathan Abrams
Does this even need a description? For adults only.
The Struggle for Food and Why It Matters
Sam Greene
Hungry? A chance to make a meal and find out where our food is from, and why it matters!
Heeb-Hop: the Story of Jewish Hip Hop
Maurice Olsberg, Kosha Dillz
Exploring the Jewish involvement in the Hip Hop movement from its early roots to the present day.
Shiatsu Workshop
Avivit Katzil
A unique pressure technique that helps to discover new channels of communication, lower your stress levels and relax.
The Heretical Rabbi
Danny Burkeman
Elisha ben Abuya entered the Pardess and he became a heretic. The sinner who studied Torah, together we'll study him.
The Problems with Food
Dafna Michaelson
The stories and people who are solving the crises in the agriculture and the food industries.
Being Jewish/being e-(r)ant (part two). (2 of 2)
Judith Rosen-Berry
considering future possibilities: toward an e-(r)ant jewish a/theology. No knowledge required
20:00 - 21:15
Girls in Trouble Performance
Alicia Rabins, Girls in Trouble
Live performance by Girls in Trouble -a cycle of intimate, beautiful indie-folk songs about women in Torah.
Make Your Own Shabbat Wine and Beer
Alexei Charkham
Learn how to brew wine and beer - simply, satisfying, cheap and alcoholic - with something fermenting to take home and finish.
Between the Branches
David Yehuda Stern
Explore representations and portrayals of the Tree of Life (Etz aChayim) since the Enlightenment: literature, comic books and films. Get lost in the leaves of discussion.
Film Fest
Something fun, something thoughtful, films about food, films about love– details and timings will be posted on the noticeboard
21:30 - 22:45
Salsa Dancing 2
Sam Brandman
We'll be learning some more moves and perfecting our technique!
Queer Torah: Six Queer Heroes and Scoundrels
Steven Greenberg
Same-sex love is hidden but can be found in Jewish writings, with pathos, humour, intrigue and a slice of life.
Live Dillz
Kosha Dillz
New Jersey's Jewish rap sensation Kosha Dillz performs cuts from his album 'Beverly Dillz', plus custom freestyle Limmud material.
23:00 - 00:00
GhettoPlotz Shake the Shtetl
GhettoPlotz
Twisted-klezmer, dirty-beats, flashing-lights.... join us for the most kicking Jew Do you've ever been to, and get jumping.
Late Night Music & Poetry
Bring your instrument, talent and chutzpah and keep the party going (for slots contact David Hoffman or the compere).
00:00 - 00:01
DJ Dan Saks of DeLeon
DeLeon
DJ Dan Saks of DeLeon spins a world groove, indie pep and neo-oldies dance party.
Monday
On which we say goodbye to the Pardes, and find out how we can take some of its mysteries home with us...
09:00 - 10:00
Packing Up
10:00 - 11:30
Exploring Authenticity and the Folk Process through the Music of DeLeon
DeLeon
Dan Saks thinks out loud on the topic of new vs. old in Jewish music. Attendees are encouraged to interrupt.
When the Water Runs Out: Allocating Scare Resources in a Globalized World
Jill Jacobs
With so many needs in the world, how do we allocate our own tzedakah, or communal resources?
Morning Meditation
Paul Glantz
This will be a chance to find a window of peace through a concentration exercise and a simple meditation.
Teaching Jewishly
Joel Grishaver
Using Jewish sources and values to nurture respect and dignity, facilitate growth, esteem, and community, and express the Jewish message in the classroom.
Off the Derech
Dafna Michaelson
Leaving a strictly religious lifestyle, one can find oneself on a journey seeking a physical and a spiritual community.
11:45 - 13:15
Eco Kids Rock
Jess Gold
Song, a path to joy, family cohesion and a better climate. Bring your parents along or they will miss out!
What did Moshe do up Mount Sinai for 120 days?
Raphael Zarum
He learnt how to live, and so can we. Campbell, Tolkien and Lucas copied the pattern but Moshe personified it...
Jews and Food (3): Covenantal Feasting
Steven Greenberg
Food is an integral part of Jewish celebration – why? Explore Jewish texts about how food relates to the Jewish core vision – and neurosis!
Community Organising for a Big Society in the UK – North London Citizens
Micah Gold
Inspired by Dafna Michaelson? Learn about the launch of North London Citizens and Community Organising in the UK and get involved.
For presenter details click here.