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How to survive and thrive at Limmud

It is a five-day spree of activity, with thousands of sessions and participants flooding the University of Warwick campus. But how do you ensure you don’t miss a key speaker, burn out with Limmud-fatigue, or, really importantly, go without your breakfast?

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It is a five-day spree of activity, with thousands of sessions and participants flooding the University of Warwick campus. But how do you ensure you don’t miss a key speaker, burn out with Limmud-fatigue, or, really importantly, go without your breakfast?

BRING YOUR
DANCING SHOES
There are plenty of opportunities to get down on the floor — whether you’re attending Israeli dance classes, Jumba (the Jewish variant of Zumba), or else tearing it up at the psychedelic funk concert. Time to brush off that moonwalk.

OPEN YOUR MINDS –
AND CHAKRAS
Perhaps your morning routine stretches only so far as a coffee and bagel. But now is the chance to start your day the cleansing way with a morning yoga session. Salute the sun – and maybe, just maybe, it will rise that day.

TAKE NOTE
As you run from session to session, you will be bombarded with an influx of information, education, quotes and anecdotes. Don’t let it go in one ear and out the other. Bring a notepad and make sure you do not forget a thing.

BABY NOT BORED
If you have a pint-sized Limmudnik with you, keep in mind that there is a range of child-friendly services at your disposal, including nurseries and babysitters. Make good use of them so that both you and your mini-me can enjoy Limmud to the full.

CAFFEINATE
It goes without saying, but days are long and you’ll be needing all the stamina you can muster to see yourself through. If your early morning yoga invigoration begins to sap, there really is only one answer: caffeine. Keep the hot drinks handy.

EARS TO
THE GROUND
Sessions will teach you inordinate amounts, but you’ll learn even more outside the lecture rooms. Listen out in lunch queues or across the bar for advice on the hottest spots and unmissable speakers.

STAY CONNECTED
Keep your smart phone or iPad handy; not only will you be able to use Limmud’s new app, you’ll also have immediate access to your phone and Twitter – perfect for “selfie” opportunities with those esteemed speakers in attendance. Don’t forget to tweet the hashtag #JClimmud.

BREAKFAST
ON THE GO
If you’re worried about having to miss breakfast in order to attend the first session of the day, fear no more. Limmud is providing a special morning food pack, so you can have your croissant en route.
LAYER UP
December weather is what it is: don’t be caught out. Bring thermals, scarves, hats and coats so you can fight the freeze when going from session to session. Your grandma would tell you the same thing.

SAY NO
You might be bursting with excitement at the range of activities on offer; but remember, Limmud is a marathon. Pace yourself, take a break, and when things get too frenetic, find peace in the Room of Silence.

KEEP SOME CASH
While meals are provided, there is no beating the late-night snack cravings — not to mention the irresistible call of the bar. Make sure you have the necessary funds on you for when the urge strikes.

LOSE THE STIFF UPPER LIP
Striking up conversations with strangers? It is not done, is it? It is just not British. Not so at Limmud! Speak to every person you can – in the queues, during sessions, at meal-times. That is what they are there for.

LOGGING ON TO GET CLUED IN
Limmud is big and staying on top of everything that is going on is something of a challenge. But this year, the challenge got a little easier. Log on to www.thejc.com for our hour-by-hour coverage of the event and you will have your finger on the pulse for the whole conference.

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