Yom Limmud 2018

Super-thin semi-naked models plastered on billboards, religious women covered head to toe, female politicians labelled too dowdy or too sexy — contemporary messaging about women’s bodies and sexuality is contradictory and complex, and all the more so in the Jewish world, where the value and laws of modesty often dominate the conversation. What do religious dress codes mean for women’s self-image? Does ‘covering up’ avoid objectification of women or perhaps worsen it? How can we navigate these issues to raise body-confident and healthy children? Grapple with these issues alongside our panel of experts and educators.

Jewish writing connects us to over two thousand years of thought and action in the world. Think the Bible, Rambam, Emma Lazarus, Etgar Keret, Spinoza, Anne Frank, Gloria Steinem. Your panellists will explore their favourites texts, ranging from biblical to contemporary, and how these words have transformed their lives and shaped their identities. You will come away with a new, inspiring reading list.