Some 700 people came together this weekend at the Blue Mountain Resort for Limmud FSU Canada, the largest Canadian event geared towards the Russian-speaking community. The weekend program featured more than 50 inspiring speakers and 80 panels, workshops and discussions on subjects ranging from art, to Jewish culture and tradition, history, politics, academia, business and lifestyles. Currently, there are about 330,000 Jews living in Canada among which 137,500 are Russian speakers.

A diverse array of topics was on offer including Jewish views of astrology and superstition, how to discuss Israel with Canadians, raising children in a diverse world, Israel in the era of Trump, demystifying Shabbat and religious Zionism.

“The Canadian Russian-Jewish community is experiencing a remarkable renaissance and we’re thrilled that Limmud FSU Canada can be a part of it,” said Limmud FSU Founder Chaim Chesler.

Limmud FSU Co-Founder Sandra Cahn added: “Our team of Canadian volunteers has consistently grown the gathering year after year, a testament to their dedication and the quality of the event. We are so proud that Limmud FSU is now a permanent fixture on the Canadian-Jewish landscape.”

“Although this is only the fourth year of Limmud FSU in Canada, we have seen it grown tremendously. We were sold out for the weekend, with a waiting list of more than 100! We are very proud of our team and volunteers who spent hours upon hours to make this weekend a success,” said Boris Varshavsky, the Limmud FSU Canada organizing committee chair.

Limmud FSU Canada was generously supported by UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Genesis Philanthropy Group, Honorary Chairman Harry Rosenbaum, Shaul Silver and Julia Koschitzky.

Photos by Alexei Malakhov