Filling Our Jewish Cup at LimmudFest
Over Labor Day weekend, hundreds of Jewish people of all ages and backgrounds gathered in the North Georgia mountains for LimmudFest at Ramah Darom, a vibrant festival of Jewish thought, arts, culture, and life to help make this enriching cohort experience possible. Hosted in partnership with Limmud North America, the weekend offered workshops, performances, text study, yoga, hiking, music, and spirited conversations—all rooted in the joy of Jewish learning and community.
For Howie Slomka, President of Limmud Atlanta & Southeast, the most meaningful moments are those that showcase the diversity and unity of the Jewish community. “I am always most appreciative of the moments when Jews from different denominations and backgrounds learn together. I recall a moment when an Orthodox Jew learned with and from a pregnant rabbi. This is something one can only witness at LimmudFest! I was particularly moved this year in having a hevruta (study partner)-style Talmud debate with a current conversion student.”
The event not only fosters dialogue across Jewish practice and identity but also helps build bridges across geography. “I enjoyed meeting Jews from Asheville, NC, and Greenville, SC, and discussing their local communities and how they can benefit from a southern Jewish get-together like we hold at Ramah Darom,” Howie shared.
That sense of connection resonated deeply with participants. Slomka recalled a powerful reflection from Yochi Rapaport, Executive Director of Women of the Wall, who visited us a participant of the program from Jerusalem: “My experience at LimmudFest was nothing but wonderful! I loved being surrounded by so many Jews who care deeply about Israel and Judaism. It gave me a fresh perspective on various issues and reinforced the idea that we are one people, with many approaches, and that we must remain united.”
According to Howie, this is at the heart of LimmudFest’s mission: “It allows Jews of so many different backgrounds to learn Jewishly together. In so doing, identities are both strengthened, but also blurred as we learn that even different types of Jews share the same core values.” By reaching Jews outside traditional institutions, he added, the festival ensures that “Jewish life REQUIRES Jewish learning” is accessible to everyone, not just those affiliated with synagogues or schools.
Federation’s support plays a key role in making this impact possible. This year, Federation provided a $180 registration subsidy to 20 professionals working 25+ hours at Atlanta Jewish organizations to help make this enriching cohort experience possible. Through learning, music, and connection, participants had the chance to “fill their Jewish cup” alongside inspiring presenters, colleagues, and Ramah Darom staff. Rabbi Ayal Robkin, Director of Hadar Atlanta, captured the spirit of the gathering: “It felt like the perfect beginning… seeing how a shared vision of the Atlanta Jewish community fits with each of our unique roles.”
Additional support has also expanded access and inclusion. “Federation’s subsidy grant is critical to our mission as it allows so many local Jewish professionals to attend,” Slomka explained. He also emphasized the importance of accessibility: “JAccess was a past grantor and allowed LimmudFest for three straight years to invite deaf presenters who could teach with the aid of sign language interpreters.”
For Rachel Herman, Assistant Director of the Kaplan Mitchell Retreat Center at Ramah Darom, the partnership with Federation and Limmud reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Jewish identity through immersive, joyful experiences. “Ramah Darom provides immersive Jewish experiences year-round through a wide range of retreats designed for individuals and families of all ages and stages of life. We deeply value our partnership with Limmud North America and the dedicated volunteers of Limmud Atlanta & Southeast. Together, we are able to create meaningful, high-quality Jewish retreats that reflect our shared goals—offering inspiring learning, community, and joyful Judaism.”
As Howie put it, success looks like “people of many backgrounds and futures coming together for a weekend with a common goal—and thriving there.” With the support of Federation and its partners, LimmudFest continues to cultivate the next generation of leaders, conveners, and funders for Jewish Atlanta and beyond.
Looking ahead, our annual Labor Day tradition will have a special twist in 2026. LimmudFest26 will take place over Memorial Day/Shavuot (May 21-25, 2026), offering a unique holiday retreat that aligns perfectly with Shavuot’s focus on Jewish learning and Torah. As always, the event will be AKC Kosher certified, ensuring a joyful, communal, and spiritually rich Shavuot experience.