Quotes from participants
Fest has a balance between arts and Jewish texts. There is an interesting synergy between all aspects of Jewish life. People have really thought through the theme of freedom and you can find different answers echoed in different sessions. Its a perfect time for me to examine my values. I didn't come for self help but I found it an opportunity to reflect on my life.
Shlomit Naor, 32, Jerusalem Israel.
Its unlike anything else that's happening in the Jewish world. Building communities of diversity. It's alive and vibrant. What makes it so alive is the fact that it is so diverse. Difference normally creates a break, a rift, here it is able to unify.
Natan Levy, 33, Jewish Student Chaplain, Bristol UK.
This is simply amazing - where else in the Jewish community will you find around 550 people from such different backgrounds, coming together for four days of camping, learning, arguing, discussing, singing, dancing and reflecting? And all planned and executed by a team of dedicated volunteers. This is the perfect Elul experience; a festival for the head, the heart and the hands - providing time and space to think and learn with some of the most inspiring educators around; to reflect and be moved by individual stories; and a call to action, to repair some of the damage that we have all caused over the last year to our relationships, our communities and the word.
Raymond Simonson, Executive Director, Limmud
I've come with my Mum. We have completely different things that we might be interested in. Here we can go off and do our own thing and then come together sometimes as well.
Anna Pitch, 29, Ilford Essex
A beautiful microcosm. Makes you want to grow. I see younger and older people all sharing. Feels like a real family.
Rita Wolfisz,40s, London
I've always loved Limmud's inclusiveness of different Jewish denominations. Limmudfest's intimate, light hearted atmosphere is lovely.
Francine Apfel, 67, London
It's lovely to see the children and adults together. Jewish learning incorporated in this way - so unique.
Gill Simmons, 66, Mill Hill London
I've heard Limmudfest called the Jewish Glastonbury, and this is not far off the mark! The music on offer was first rate taking in funk, yiddish hip hop, jacking klezmer and Israeli dancefloor fillers, and the atmosphere was as good as you'll find anywhere, with people of all ages dancing well into the early hours. What is really exciting is that this line up was reflective of the best in contemporary music, not simply the best in 'Jewish' music.
Matthew Halfin, 28, London
The perfect holiday. Chillout for body and soul. A great way to meet interesting people. A great way to recharge your physical and spiritual batteries.
Sammy Rubin, 40, London
Young male in his late 30s
Each year, for me at least, the transition from work to Trek then Fest on Thursday is frenetic - trying to get a day's work done in the couple of hours before I have to leave home. But the combination of the people, the programme, the place (and, thankfully, the weather) always enables me to step out of my daily life and into the very special universe we know as Limmudfest.
Volunteer, female late 20s
This year was as magical as ever - it's a unique and extra-ordinary community. The pleasure of being with such a diverse and open group of people and the joy of being with all the young families make it worth while by themselves, let alone the outstanding presenters, and the performers who were probably the best ever at Fest.
Parent, early 30s