Nearly 500 adults, teens and young children – comprising one fifth of the 2,500-strong community – attended yesterday’s first ever Limud Peru.

“Every Jewish institution in Peru pulled together to make Limud Peru happen because we recognize it is about ensuring this community’s future and vibrancy,” said Leon Pardo Franco, Limud Peru chair and president of the Asociación Judia del Perú, the umbrella organization for Peru’s Sefardic, Ashkenazic and Masorti communities. “All three kehillot – two orthodox and one conservative, Colegio Leon Pinelo, the Jewish school, HaNoar haTzioni youth movement, and Hebraica, the Jewish social and sports club have all banded together.”

Among the more than 40 sessions offered wass Pardo Franco’s “Superman, Federman, Spiderman – the Jewish influence on Comics” and Argentinian Israeli Gabriel ben Tasgal’s “Connecting with Israel through its Humor.” Ben Tasgal chairs HaTzad Hasheni, and flew in from Israel with another Argentinian Israeli presenter. Young people chose, from among others, workshops on Judaism and the environment, soccer and dancing. Along with a choice of 14 feature films and documentaries, there were sessions on understanding halacha and interpreting Sefardic poetry through the songs of Yehoram Gaon, to name but a few.

The Asociación Judia del Perú, Colegio Leon Pinelo, Hebraica and Hanoar Hatzioni partnered to produce Limud Peru, and were inspired and sponsored by the American Joint Distribution Committee, as well as Limmud International. Another indication of enthusiasm for Limud Peru: more than 15 companies and businesses owned by Jewish community members underwrote the event.

Limud Peru joins Limmuds in over 65 communities and brings to 29 the number of countries where the global movement can be found.

“While it’s important for a community to have space for people to learn, we have already set goals we need to reach after Limud Peru so we can sustain and harness the excitement and commitment,” said Pardo Franco. “Over 70 volunticipants, from presenters and youth counselors to the organizing team is making this happen. We want to keep that up.”