Limmud North America (NA) has received a multiyear, six-figure challenge grant to launch its ambitious “Something For Everyone” (SFE) initiative. SFE aims to expose new audiences to innovative Jewish learning by increasing involvement of under-engaged families, young adults and others, thereby attracting a broad cohort of new volunteers.

SFE will be piloted in a number of American cities holding Limmud events in 2018 with the aspiration of broadening the initiative to other countries in the future.

At a time when the Jewish world is increasingly post- and non-denominational and growing numbers of Jews of all ages are unaffiliated, SFE is intended in particular to attract families of all stripes, including non-traditional families; young adults; and, individuals of all ages not engaging fully in Jewish life. Limmud events provide a non-judgmental, diverse and welcoming point of entry.

Families and young adults often have difficulty accessing Limmud’s multi-generational festivals because of cost. Through the ongoing development of national philanthropic and organizational partnerships, and through local Limmud communities, SFE will provide subsidies to and targeted programming for families and young adults. In addition to subsidies and programming SFE will also support:

• Targeted marketing and recruitment of young adults and families for Limmud events
• Research to develop new learning and programming modalities, from child-friendly performances to social spaces, as well as professional enrichment opportunities for adults who are interested in Jewish nonprofit work both in a professional and lay capacity
• Collaborations with Jewish organizations, be it incorporating their programming and human capital into Limmud events and/or bringing Limmud-style learning to their organizations.

“As one of the team who brought Limmud to Los Angeles, I am very excited about this initiative, which will create new partnerships, reach thousands more people across the United States and enhance sustainability,” said Limmud NA Chair Shep Rosenman.

American Limmud communities will be eligible for SFE grants to bolster scholarships, marketing, recruitment and programming. Other organizations can also join the SFE initiative. This will encourage fresh faces to participate and volunteer in local Limmud events. It will also ensure that Limmud events remain multigenerational, cross-communal, grassroots celebrations of Jewish learning and culture. Attracting new demographic sectors will enhance sustainability.

“Limmud needs more volunteers to sustain our current communities and create new ones,” said Eliana Leader, a Limmud Atlanta+SE activist and member of the SFE Allocations Committee. “As our local Limmuds and other partners invest in and benefit from Something For Everyone, we will see an expanding upward spiral of involvement in Jewish learning and culture across all ages and demographics among Jews who have been underserved until now.”

For more information on Something For Everyone contact Eli at: sfe@limmud.org