Limmud Nobel

Every year, those planning Limmud FSU select an educational theme to try to focus on some aspect of Jewish life. For 2010, that theme is Limmud Nobel – a point of convergence around Jewish-Russian, as well as Israeli, Nobel laureates and their contribution during the years since the prize was first awarded.

At least 180 Jews and persons of partial Jewish ancestry have been awarded the Nobel Prize, accounting for 22 percent of all individual recipients between 1901 and 2009, and constituting 36 percent of all U.S. recipients during the same period. In chemistry, economics, medicine and physics, the corresponding world and U.S. percentages are 27 percent and 39 percent, respectively.

The story of every Nobel prizewinner, regardless of field, is one of striving for a higher goal and each has influenced our own lives, health and physical and mental well-being.

Many of the laureates who have enriched humankind were Jewish and many of them were born in the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union. Many worked all their lives in their countries of birth – others left for greener pastures. Several Israeli laureates had parents who came from the same parts of the world. Because of the many challenges in the map of the world and that of Europe in particular, it is not always a simple matter to determine who can be considered natives of Imperial Russia or the Former Soviet Union.

Limmud FSU has prepared educational materials for participants so as to convey the contribution of 26 Russian (in the widest sense) scientists, writers and thinkers to this world of ours. In the spirit of chavruta, we invite you to browse through the booklet and view the accompanying videos; and if you are an educator to utilize as resource material in your classroom.

Limmud Nobel (English)

Limmud Nobel (English-Russian)

Limmud Nobel: The Video

In this second video, Nobel Prize winner Roald Hoffmann speaks to Limmud participants on Judaism and Science.

about: Limmud FSU brings together and empowers young Jewish adults who are revitalizing jewish communities and culture in the countries of the Former Soviet Union, and in countries with Russian speakers around the world.

For more on Limmud FSU, check out their website, or in North America contact Limmud FSU’s project manager, Karina Polonskaya, karina@limmudfsuusa.org and the USA website.