We can all agree IC 2025 was one to remember. The weekend was packed with so many fulfilling activities. We had programming, Shabbat, Havdalah, LEADS, sightseeing, Limmud, and so much more. Even if you weren’t at IC, I’m assuming you know all of these activities except for LEADS and Limmud. LEADS is usually either community service or AZAA/BBGG. Limmud, “Jewish learning,” is filled with amazing opportunities to hear different professionals speak from all over in all subjects. You get 3 sessions, so you can choose between your many options. I want to share my experience with Limmud and the sessions I attended:

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1. How-to U: Thriving in College

• As someone who is taking an atypical high school path, I need to worry about college earlier than my peers. So, my friend Joey and I decided to attend the session about college. Professor Heather Aranyi, who was named most liked among students at Northwestern University, is also an alignment coach. She spoke about how college stress can be a great load; she gave us strategies and instructions on how to help combat the stress. She explained how freshman stress is inevitable, but there are many ways to manage the extent of it. 

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2. A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

• Have you ever wondered what goes into making fan-favorite Disney movies? I know for sure that I have. Dan Fields is an Imagineer, the profession where you help bring Disney movies to life. It was so interesting to hear about a different perspective on movies that we all watched as young kids!

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3. Influencing with a Purpose: Social Media, Fashion, Beauty, and Beyond

• Every year, IC has a few “headline speakers” that most people look the most forward to. This year, teens were able to choose between many speakers, such as Jake Retzlaff (the BYJew), Eden Golan, Asher Angel, and Ellie Zeiler. I had the privilege of hearing Ellie Zeiler speak. She started becoming an influencer around 2020, at the age of 16. She was a very typical influencer, posting dance videos and other relatable content, and there was always a known fact that she was Jewish, but her posts were not centered around it. After the events of October 7th, 2023, her content started to lean more into her Judaism. While many young girls looked up to this and were inspired, many were disappointed and handled it poorly- sending Zeiler threats. In recent months, she explained that she has been posting more Jewish content. Along with this, she founded a jewelry company, Jane Jewels, which primarily makes “Jewish-symbol” jewelry— such as Star of Davids. She mainly talked about how her posting Jewish content has led to a bigger, more Jewish, and more community-driven fanbase. It was an amazing opportunity to hear how she handles anti-Semitism as a powerful Jewish woman in the spotlight on social media. She is an amazing speaker and person, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have heard her speak. 

Overall, Limmud is an amazing way to hear about different experiences and views on different topics. I strongly encourage everyone to take opportunities as they arise to learn from role models across the world!