The Evaluation of Limmud NY 2009
104
The Evaluation The Evaluation of Limmud NY of Limmud NY 2009 2009
description
The Evaluation of Limmud NY 2009. Methodology. Evaluation Methodology. Site visit to Limmud NY 2009 conference On-line survey to all 2009 Limmud NY participants during April 2009 (3 months after conference) - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of The Evaluation of Limmud NY 2009
The Evaluation of The Evaluation of Limmud NY 2009Limmud NY 2009
MethodologyMethodology
Evaluation MethodologyEvaluation Methodology
Site visit to Limmud NY 2009 conferenceSite visit to Limmud NY 2009 conference
On-line survey to all 2009 Limmud NY participants On-line survey to all 2009 Limmud NY participants during April 2009 (3 months after conference) during April 2009 (3 months after conference)
Shorter version of on-line survey to all previous Shorter version of on-line survey to all previous Limmud NY participants (also in April 2009). Limmud NY participants (also in April 2009).
2 follow-up survey mailings to non-respondents2 follow-up survey mailings to non-respondents
Response RatesResponse Rates
Response RatesResponse Rates
41% of Limmud ’09 participants who received the survey 41% of Limmud ’09 participants who received the survey responded (N=281)responded (N=281)
Compared to all 2009 registrants, the survey sample was more Compared to all 2009 registrants, the survey sample was more likely to comprise likely to comprise
female participantsfemale participants ‘‘returning’ participants, returning’ participants, more observant (e.g. Orthodox, Conservative and more observant (e.g. Orthodox, Conservative and
Conservadox) participantsConservadox) participants
An additional 93 people who had attended prior Limmud An additional 93 people who had attended prior Limmud conferences, but not the 2009 conference, responded to a conferences, but not the 2009 conference, responded to a shorter version of the survey. (These respondents comprised a shorter version of the survey. (These respondents comprised a very small proportion of prior (only) Limmud participants.very small proportion of prior (only) Limmud participants.
ResultsResults
ResultsResults
Participation PatternsParticipation Patterns DemographicsDemographics Jewish DemographicsJewish Demographics Motivations for Participating in LimmudMotivations for Participating in Limmud Satisfaction with LimmudSatisfaction with Limmud VolunteeringVolunteering CommunityCommunity Self-Reported ImpactSelf-Reported Impact Plans to Attend Limmud 2010Plans to Attend Limmud 2010
Participation Participation PatternsPatterns
Limmud Status: Limmud Status: Newcomers vs. Returnees, 2008 - 2009Newcomers vs. Returnees, 2008 - 2009
64 6358
26
36 3742
74
0
20
40
60
80
2006 2007 2008 2009
Percentage
Year
Newcomers Returnees
Return Participants by Year of Return Participants by Year of ParticipationParticipation
Previous Conferences Previous Conferences Attended by 2009 Attended by 2009
ParticipantsParticipants%%
20082008 40 40
20072007 2424
20062006 17 17
20052005 14 14
Total # of Limmud Conferences Total # of Limmud Conferences Attended by 2009 ParticipantsAttended by 2009 Participants
54%
24%
9% 7% 6%
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1 2 3 4 5
# of Limmud Conferences Attended
DemographicsDemographics
Differences Between Limmud 2009 Differences Between Limmud 2009
Participants’ Demographics & Survey DataParticipants’ Demographics & Survey Data Females are over-represented in survey sample (68% in survey vs. 59% Females are over-represented in survey sample (68% in survey vs. 59%
registered)registered)
Fewer Orthodox survey respondents (20% registered, 14% responded to Fewer Orthodox survey respondents (20% registered, 14% responded to survey) and more Conservative survey respondents (32% registered, 44% survey) and more Conservative survey respondents (32% registered, 44% responded to survey). responded to survey).
Similar discrepancies between registrants and survey respondents found in Similar discrepancies between registrants and survey respondents found in 20082008
9% decrease in 2009 in proportion of 35-49 year olds and some increases in the 9% decrease in 2009 in proportion of 35-49 year olds and some increases in the 50+ categories.50+ categories.
Because of the decrease in participants ages 35-49, there was a corresponding Because of the decrease in participants ages 35-49, there was a corresponding decrease in the proportion of participants who have children decrease in the proportion of participants who have children
No differences in geographic distributions No differences in geographic distributions
Limmud NY 2008 - 2009 Participants by Limmud NY 2008 - 2009 Participants by Geographic AreasGeographic Areas
Participants by Geographic Area: 2008 & 2009 2008 2009
% %
Upper West Side 22 23
Upper East Side 3 3
Other Manhattan 13 13
Bronx 4 4
Brooklyn 9 9
Queens 4 2
Staten Island 0 <1
Nassau 5 9
Suffolk 3 0
Westchester 4 4
Total UJA Federation County Area 67 67
Other NY State 4 2
New Jersey 10 14
MA & CT 4 3
Other States 13 11
Other Countries 3 3
TOTAL 101 100
Limmud Participants by Age, 2008-9Limmud Participants by Age, 2008-9
14
24
32
21
8
1
13
2723
25
9
2
0
10
20
30
40
18-24 25-34 35-49 50-64 65-79 80+
Age
Pro
po
rtio
n
2005-2008 2009
Mean Overall Age=39Mean Overall Age=39Median Overall Age=37 Median Overall Age=37
Participants’ Age Distributions, by Participants’ Age Distributions, by Gender*Gender*
3841 43
47
53575962
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
18-34 35-49 50-64 65+
Males
Females
There is greater gender parity among the older cohortsThere is greater gender parity among the older cohorts
**Registration DataRegistration Data
Limmud NY 2009 Participants by Limmud NY 2009 Participants by Gender, Registration DataGender, Registration Data
58 59
4142
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
2008 2009
Perc
enta
ge
Male Female
Participants by Gender: Registration vs. Participants by Gender: Registration vs. Survey Distributions 2008-2009Survey Distributions 2008-2009
4237
41
32
58 59
6863
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
2008Registration
2008 Survey 2009Registration
2009 Survey
Male
Female
Limmud NY 2009 Participants, by Limmud NY 2009 Participants, by Marital StatusMarital Status
Marital StatusMarital Status PercentPercent
Married/ Domestic Married/ Domestic PartnershipPartnership
4848
Not MarriedNot Married 4141
WidowedWidowed 33
Separated/DivorcedSeparated/Divorced 88
Limmud Attendance by Family CategoryLimmud Attendance by Family Category
Family Category Family Category Percentage Percentage
Single > age 40 Single > age 40 3939
Married with childrenMarried with children 2222
Single age 40+Single age 40+ 2020
Empty nesterEmpty nester 1010
Married no childrenMarried no children 99
Participants by Employment StatusParticipants by Employment Status
4
2
5
11
16
62
3
1
5
14
21
56
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Other
Full-time homemaker
Retired
Working part-time
Full-time student
Working full-time
2008 2009
ParticipantsParticipants by Number of Childrenby Number of Children
One, 9
Two, 19
Three or
more, 19
None, 52
2008
None, 57
Three or
more, 16
Two, 21
One, 6
fffff
2009
Russian Speaking Limmud NY 2009 Russian Speaking Limmud NY 2009 ParticipantsParticipants
7% of respondents (n=23) were Russian speaking Jews 7% of respondents (n=23) were Russian speaking Jews (RSJ’s) who were born in the FSU or whose parents were (RSJ’s) who were born in the FSU or whose parents were born in the FSU. born in the FSU.
RSJ’s did not differ significantly from non-RSJ’s in terms of RSJ’s did not differ significantly from non-RSJ’s in terms of their reactions to the Limmud conference or in their their reactions to the Limmud conference or in their interest in attending the 2010 conference. interest in attending the 2010 conference.
Participants by Sexual OrientationParticipants by Sexual Orientation
95
3 22 33 2
95
3 2
95 94
0
20
40
60
80
100
Heterosexual Gay / Lesbian Bisexual
2009 2008 2007 2006
Proportion of Limmud Participants Proportion of Limmud Participants who Received Scholarships, 2008-9who Received Scholarships, 2008-9
4852
44
56
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
2008 2009
Per
cent
age
Yes No
Jewish Jewish CharacteristicsCharacteristics
Jewish Connections of Limmud NY Jewish Connections of Limmud NY 2009 Participants2009 Participants
Types of Jewish ExperiencesTypes of Jewish Experiences %%
Are members of a synagogue/ minyanAre members of a synagogue/ minyan 8484
Attend a prayer service at least once/monthAttend a prayer service at least once/month 8282
Participated in Jewish youth group in adolescence Participated in Jewish youth group in adolescence 7070
Attended a Jewish sleep-away campAttended a Jewish sleep-away camp 6969
Regard themselves as Jewish ‘leaders’Regard themselves as Jewish ‘leaders’ 6767
Participated in an educational program in Israel Participated in an educational program in Israel 6666
Attended multi-day Hebrew schoolAttended multi-day Hebrew school 4141
Attended Jewish day school/yeshiva before age 14Attended Jewish day school/yeshiva before age 14 3333
Attended Jewish day school after 8Attended Jewish day school after 8thth grade grade 2525
Participants by Denomination, Participants by Denomination, Registration Data: 2008-2009Registration Data: 2008-2009
05
101520253035
Perc
enta
ge
2008 2009
Participants by Denomination: Participants by Denomination: 2005-2009 (Registration Data) 2005-2009 (Registration Data)
17
35
10
38
14
37
11
38
1610
45
21
9
38
20
32
9
29 3239
0
20
40
60
Orthodox Conservative Reform Other
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Affiliation with Jewish Spiritual Affiliation with Jewish Spiritual Communities among Limmud NY Communities among Limmud NY
Participants (2005-9)Participants (2005-9)
11
89
52
77
20
80
49
65
21
79
40
66
21
89
52
77
18
82
42
75
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Neither
Either or Both
Minyan or Havurah
Synagogue
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Membership in Synagogue or Minyan by Membership in Synagogue or Minyan by Denomination, Limmud 2009 Denomination, Limmud 2009
ParticipantsParticipants
8475
67
90100
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Orthodox Conservative Reform Other Overall 2009Participants
Extent to which Synagogue/Minyan Members Extent to which Synagogue/Minyan Members Regard Themselves* as ‘Jewish Leaders’Regard Themselves* as ‘Jewish Leaders’
6770
55
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Synagogue/MinyanMembers
Non-Members Overall 2009Participants
Synagogue/ minyan members are significantly more likely than non-members to regard Synagogue/ minyan members are significantly more likely than non-members to regard
themselves as ‘Jewish leaders’ although the overall proportion of Limmud NY 2009 themselves as ‘Jewish leaders’ although the overall proportion of Limmud NY 2009 participants who regard themselves as Jewish leaders is very high (67%). participants who regard themselves as Jewish leaders is very high (67%).
*including ‘to some extent’ and ‘to a great extent’*including ‘to some extent’ and ‘to a great extent’
Professional Jewish ExperiencesProfessional Jewish Experiences
12% currently work as Jewish professionals or 12% currently work as Jewish professionals or Jewish educators Jewish educators
55% are current or past Jewish professionals or 55% are current or past Jewish professionals or Jewish educators. Jewish educators.
42 % have worked as both Jewish professionals 42 % have worked as both Jewish professionals and Jewish educators. and Jewish educators.
45% have no history working either as Jewish 45% have no history working either as Jewish professionals or as Jewish educators.professionals or as Jewish educators.
Professional Jewish ExperiencesProfessional Jewish Experiences
No differences between Jewish professionals and No differences between Jewish professionals and non-professionals re. their satisfaction with non-professionals re. their satisfaction with Limmud 2009 conference.Limmud 2009 conference.
Jewish professionals are slightly more likely to Jewish professionals are slightly more likely to have volunteered in contexts other than Limmud.have volunteered in contexts other than Limmud.
Jewish non-professionals are slightly more likely Jewish non-professionals are slightly more likely
to say that they are definitely attending Limmud to say that they are definitely attending Limmud 2010 (32% vs. 24%).2010 (32% vs. 24%).
Limmud NY 2009 Participants who Limmud NY 2009 Participants who Attended Yeshiva or Day SchoolAttended Yeshiva or Day School
3330
343330
0
10
20
30
40
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
JewishJewish Educational Experiences Educational Experiences (2005-9)(2005-9)
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Hillel, or any other campus Jewishorganization
Jewish sleep-away camp during thesummer
College-level Jewish studies course
Jewish youth group as a teenager
Educational trip or program in Israel
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Participants by Early Jewish EducationParticipants by Early Jewish Education
9
5
15
41
30
10
6
10
41
33
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
None
Private tutoring / any othersource
Sunday or other once-weeklyschool
Hebrew school or other multi-day, part-time Jewish school
Full-time day school (Yeshivaor non-Orthodox)
2008 2009
Participants by Jewish BackgroundParticipants by Jewish Background
2008 2009
Raised Jewish96%
Converted to
Judaism4%
Not Jewish0%
Not Jewish1%
Converted to
Judaism3%
Raised Jewish96%
Participants by Spouses’ Jewish Participants by Spouses’ Jewish BackgroundBackground
2008
Not Jewish4%
Converted to
Judaism4%
Raised Jewish92%
2009
Not Jewish6%
Converted to
Judaism5%
Raised Jewish89%
Participants by Previous Year’s Participants by Previous Year’s Dating PatternsDating Patterns
19
20
24
52
58
86
18
13
25
47
50
72
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Been in a romatic relationship with someone who is not Jewish
Been on a non-Jewish dating site
Dated someone who is not Jewish
Been on Jdate or another online Jewish dating site
Been in a romantic relationship with someone Jewish
Dated someone Jewish
2008 2009
Participants’ Jewish Beliefs and Participants’ Jewish Beliefs and AttitudesAttitudes
84
86
89
90
93
97
83
89
96
97
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Caring about Israel is an important part of my beinga Jew.
I have a Jewish responsibility to care for people introuble.
It bothers me when people tell me there's one wayto be Jewish
I have a special responsibility to take care of Jewsin need around the world.
It is important to me to have friends who are Jewish
I have a strong sense of belonging to the Jewishpeople
2008 2009
Participants’ Jewish Beliefs and Participants’ Jewish Beliefs and Attitudes (cont.)Attitudes (cont.)
80
75
66
65
39
30
74
82
69
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
I really don't feel committed to any particulardenomination of Judaism
Most synagogue services are not interesting to me
I'd be upset if my child were to marry a non-Jew
I am concerned the number of U.S. Jews willdiminish over the next generations.
Even if I don't observe every aspect of the Sabbath,I do try to make it a special day.
I wish I knew more Jewishly
2008 2009
Motivations for Motivations for Attending LimmudAttending Limmud
Motivations for Attending Limmud: 2009 Motivations for Attending Limmud: 2009 vs. 2008vs. 2008
MotivesMotives% Extremely % Extremely
Important Important
20082008
% Extremely % Extremely Important Important
20092009
to engage in Jewish learningto engage in Jewish learning 4646 46 46
to experience community to experience community 2727 3131
to grow as a Jewto grow as a Jew 3232 2727
to see friends to see friends 99 1111
to see how I feel about Jewish learningto see how I feel about Jewish learning 77 55
Relationship between Prior Limmud Attendance Relationship between Prior Limmud Attendance & Importance of Community & Importance of Community
History of Limmud History of Limmud Attendance Attendance
Proportion Saying that “Experiencing Community” Proportion Saying that “Experiencing Community” was Very or Extremely Important to them when was Very or Extremely Important to them when
Deciding to Attend Limmud Deciding to Attend Limmud
Did not Attend Prior Did not Attend Prior Limmud Conferences Limmud Conferences
6868
Attended Prior Attended Prior Limmud Conferences Limmud Conferences
7777
Extent to which Initial Expectations Extent to which Initial Expectations were Metwere Met
ExpectationExpectation % ‘A Great % ‘A Great Extent’Extent’
to engage in Jewish learningto engage in Jewish learning 24 24
to see friends to see friends 1616
to grow as a Jewto grow as a Jew 1515
to have a meaningful volunteer experienceto have a meaningful volunteer experience 1313
to see how I feel about Jewish learningto see how I feel about Jewish learning 11 11
Satisfaction with Satisfaction with Limmud NY 2009Limmud NY 2009
Satisfaction Ratings by Conference Satisfaction Ratings by Conference Year, 2006-2009Year, 2006-2009
51
35
49
1
57
29
3 37
49
29
105 7
58
29
63 4
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Very Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Neutral SomewhatDissatisfied
Very Dissatisfied
2006 2007 2008 2009
Satisfaction Ratings by Gender: Satisfaction Ratings by Gender: Proportion “Very Satisfied”Proportion “Very Satisfied”
73
81
68
70
72
74
76
78
80
82
Females Males
**significant gender difference in satisfaction ratingssignificant gender difference in satisfaction ratings
Satisfaction Ratings by Denomination: Satisfaction Ratings by Denomination: Proportion “Very Satisfied”Proportion “Very Satisfied”
5662
74
88
010
2030
405060
7080
90100
Orthodox Conservative Reform Other
Satisfaction withSatisfaction with Limmud NY 2009 by Family Limmud NY 2009 by Family Status: Percent ‘Very Satisfied” Status: Percent ‘Very Satisfied”
5752 50
35
50
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
EmptyNesters
Singleunder 40
Marriedwith
Children
Single 40+ Married nochildren
Relationships between Satisfaction Relationships between Satisfaction with Conference and Selected with Conference and Selected
VariablesVariables
Level of satisfaction Level of satisfaction notnot related to: related to: Marital statusMarital status Participating in conference with children Participating in conference with children Current or past professional Jewish experience Current or past professional Jewish experience Limmud volunteering experienceLimmud volunteering experience
Participants’ Attitudes Regarding Participants’ Attitudes Regarding Limmud Learning LevelsLimmud Learning Levels
Participants have Participants have consistently consistently indicated that the indicated that the level of learning is level of learning is “just about right.”“just about right.”
1 3
16
77
20 18
86
0
20
40
60
80
100
2008 2009
Much too basic Too basic J ust about right
Too advanced Much too advanced
VolunteeringVolunteering
Limmud Conference PlanningLimmud Conference Planning
8% planned only Limmud 20098% planned only Limmud 2009
11% planned previous conference(s) 11% planned previous conference(s) andand Limmud Limmud 20092009
6% planned previous conference(s) but 6% planned previous conference(s) but notnot Limmud Limmud 20092009
23% of Limmud ’08 vs. 25% of Limmud ’09 23% of Limmud ’08 vs. 25% of Limmud ’09 participants had been involved in planning a Limmud participants had been involved in planning a Limmud NY conference.NY conference.
75% never planned a Limmud conference75% never planned a Limmud conference
Volunteering at LimmudVolunteering at Limmud
26% volunteered only at Limmud 2009 26% volunteered only at Limmud 2009
22% volunteered at Limmud 2009 22% volunteered at Limmud 2009 andand at at previous conferences previous conferences
7% volunteered at Limmud 2009 but 7% volunteered at Limmud 2009 but notnot at at previous conferencesprevious conferences
44% never volunteered at a Limmud Conference44% never volunteered at a Limmud Conference
Limmud Volunteer History by Family Limmud Volunteer History by Family StatusStatus
Family StatusFamily Status
Volunteered at Volunteered at Conference Conference
Participated in Participated in Conference Conference PlanningPlanning
Younger SinglesYounger Singles 7575 3434
Older SinglesOlder Singles 4848 2929
Married without children Married without children 4545 3636
Married with children Married with children 4242 1414
Empty NestersEmpty Nesters 3030 1010
Presenting or Performing at LimmudPresenting or Performing at Limmud
17% presented/performed 17% presented/performed onlyonly at Limmud 2009 at Limmud 2009
7% presented/performed at Limmud 2009 7% presented/performed at Limmud 2009 andand at at previous conferences previous conferences
5% presented/performed at a previous conference 5% presented/performed at a previous conference but notbut not at Limmud 2009 at Limmud 2009
24% of ’08 participants vs. 29% of ’09 participants 24% of ’08 participants vs. 29% of ’09 participants had presented or performed at a Limmud conferencehad presented or performed at a Limmud conference
71% never presented/performed at any Limmud 71% never presented/performed at any Limmud conferenceconference
Hours Spent Planning Limmud Hours Spent Planning Limmud Conference, by Conference PlannersConference, by Conference Planners
35
9
15
37
4
0
10
20
30
40
>1 hour/ week 1-4 hours 5-10 hours 11-15 hours 15+ hours
Hours Spent Volunteering at the Limmud Hours Spent Volunteering at the Limmud NY 2009 ConferenceNY 2009 Conference
25
912
54
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1-4 hours 5-10 hours 11-14 hours 15+ hours
Overall Level of Volunteering at Overall Level of Volunteering at Limmud ConferencesLimmud Conferences
44
56
0
15
30
45
60
Perc
enta
ge
Never volunteered Volunteered at (at least) one conference
Relationship between Prior Limmud Relationship between Prior Limmud Attendance & Volunteering at Limmud 2009Attendance & Volunteering at Limmud 2009
History of Limmud History of Limmud Attendance Attendance
Proportion Volunteering at Limmud 2009 Proportion Volunteering at Limmud 2009 ConferenceConference
Did not Attend Prior Did not Attend Prior Limmud Conferences Limmud Conferences
4141
Attended Prior Attended Prior Limmud Conferences Limmud Conferences
7474
Limmud 2009 Participants’ Ratings Limmud 2009 Participants’ Ratings of Volunteering Aspectsof Volunteering Aspects
Volunteering is…Volunteering is… %%
……an important component of the an important component of the
Limmud experienceLimmud experience
2525
……a good way to meet a good way to meet
peoplepeople
2121
...interesting...interesting 1313
……too demandingtoo demanding 33
Reasons why Participants Reasons why Participants Did Not Volunteer at LimmudDid Not Volunteer at Limmud
Lack of interestLack of interest Excessive time commitment Excessive time commitment Was not asked Was not asked Conflicted with work obligations Conflicted with work obligations Family / childcare responsibilitiesFamily / childcare responsibilities
Patterns of Volunteering in the U.S. Patterns of Volunteering in the U.S. vs. Volunteering at Limmudvs. Volunteering at Limmud
In U.S.In U.S.
44% reported being asked to volunteer44% reported being asked to volunteer
41% reported taking the initiative to volunteer 41% reported taking the initiative to volunteer
At LimmudAt Limmud 43% reported being asked to volunteer43% reported being asked to volunteer
31% reported taking the initiative to volunteer 31% reported taking the initiative to volunteer
Mean # of Volunteering Hours During Past Mean # of Volunteering Hours During Past Year: Limmud Participants vs. American PeersYear: Limmud Participants vs. American Peers
83
34
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
LimmudParticipants
U.S. Peer Group
Number of Volunteer Hours Per YearNumber of Volunteer Hours Per Year
Overall United StatesOverall United States
Mean=60Mean=60
Median =37Median =37
Limmud ParticipantsLimmud Participants
Mean=80Mean=80
Median =40Median =40
Community Community
Level of Contact with Limmud Friends during Level of Contact with Limmud Friends during the Year by Family Statusthe Year by Family Status
27
17
5
1414
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Married with Children Married no Children Empty Nesters Single 40+ Single under 40
Level of Contact: "Very Much" & "To a Great Extent"
Limmud Friends by Family StatusLimmud Friends by Family Status
9
55
3
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Single Non-Single
VeryMuch
GreatExtent
Singles are Singles are significantly more significantly more likely than non-likely than non-singles to consider singles to consider people they met at people they met at Limmud to be Limmud to be among their closest among their closest friendsfriends
Self-Reported Impact Self-Reported Impact
Reported Impact of Selected BehaviorsReported Impact of Selected Behaviors
SomewhatSomewhat
%%
Very Very MuchMuch
%%
Great Great ExtentExtent
%%
Increased interest in doing Increased interest in doing volunteer work in generalvolunteer work in general 2626 1414 44
Increased interest in doing Increased interest in doing Jewish-sponsored Jewish-sponsored volunteer workvolunteer work
2626 1212 44
Increased involvement in Increased involvement in Jewish activitiesJewish activities 2626 1010 55
Influenced you to consider Influenced you to consider new career directionsnew career directions 88 55 33
Plan to Attend Limmud 2010Plan to Attend Limmud 2010
Plan to Attend Limmud 2010Plan to Attend Limmud 2010
28 2927
12
4
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Definitely Yes Probably Yes Not Sure Probably No Definitely No
Plan to Attend* Limmud 2010 by Plan to Attend* Limmud 2010 by Family CategoryFamily Category
73
5754 52
48
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Empty Nesters Single Under 40 Married with Children Single 40+ Married No Children
Includes both definitely & probably yesIncludes both definitely & probably yes
Plan to Attend* Limmud 2010 by Plan to Attend* Limmud 2010 by Denominational IdentificationDenominational Identification
24 23
16
34
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Conservative Orthodox Other Reform
*Definitely Yes*Definitely Yes
Plan to Attend Limmud 2010, by Plan to Attend Limmud 2010, by 2009 Conference Attendance2009 Conference Attendance
3
30
12
27
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
AttendedLimmud 2009
AttendedPrior Only
Definitely Yes
Probably Yes
Plan to Attend 2010 Conference by Plan to Attend 2010 Conference by Previous Limmud Conference Previous Limmud Conference
ParticipationParticipation
14
30
42
56
62
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Definitely Yes
'09 only
'09+1
'09+2
'09+3
'09+4
Plan to Attend 2010 Conference by Plan to Attend 2010 Conference by History of Limmud Conference History of Limmud Conference
VolunteeringVolunteering35
2931
16
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Volunteered NeverVolunteered
Definitely Yes
Probably Yes
People who have People who have volunteered at a volunteered at a Limmud conference Limmud conference are significantly are significantly more likely to plan to more likely to plan to attend the 2010 attend the 2010 conference. conference.
Plan to Attend 2010 Conference by whether Plan to Attend 2010 Conference by whether Participant had Attended Limmud Prior to Participant had Attended Limmud Prior to
2009 Conference 2009 Conference
14
31
42
28
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Definitely Yes Probably Yes
2009 FirstTimers
2009 + PriorConferences
Among Limmud 2009 participants, those who had also attended prior Limmud conferences were significantly Among Limmud 2009 participants, those who had also attended prior Limmud conferences were significantly more likely to indicate that they would “definitely” or “probably” attend Limmud 2010. more likely to indicate that they would “definitely” or “probably” attend Limmud 2010.
Reactions by Limmud 2009 Cohort to Other Reactions by Limmud 2009 Cohort to Other Possible Limmud ScenariosPossible Limmud Scenarios
Possible Scenario/ VenuePossible Scenario/ Venue YesYes Maybe Maybe NoNo
Limmud during summer in a summer camp Limmud during summer in a summer camp settingsetting
4343 4747 1010
Limmud during summer in a university settingLimmud during summer in a university setting 4343 5050 77
Periodic Jewish learning eveningsPeriodic Jewish learning evenings 4848 3131 2121
Day-long Jewish learning experiencesDay-long Jewish learning experiences 4040 3838 2222
Weekend learning retreatsWeekend learning retreats 4646 3838 1616
Programming outside of ManhattanProgramming outside of Manhattan 3939 3030 3131
Critiques and Critiques and RecommendationsRecommendations
Critiques of Limmud NY 2009Critiques of Limmud NY 2009
Facility and Heating RelatedFacility and Heating Related Every problem was due to the heating problemEvery problem was due to the heating problem
As soon as sessions started being cancelled (when the educators were present), then the conference lost As soon as sessions started being cancelled (when the educators were present), then the conference lost complete control. Until then at least you could argue that the program was not being compromised. But once the complete control. Until then at least you could argue that the program was not being compromised. But once the education started being sacrificed there was little else. education started being sacrificed there was little else.
It was so chaotic, so miserable in the absence of clear leadership, that I would not trust Limmud to offer a safe It was so chaotic, so miserable in the absence of clear leadership, that I would not trust Limmud to offer a safe space for learning again.space for learning again.
Again, don’t keep saying “apart from the heating problems”.Again, don’t keep saying “apart from the heating problems”.
I was upset that the Limmud leadership did not have a “Plan B’ in place.I was upset that the Limmud leadership did not have a “Plan B’ in place.
The leadership was incapable of dealing with the conference and kept on making poor decision after poor The leadership was incapable of dealing with the conference and kept on making poor decision after poor decision.decision.
There is no doubt in my mind that the conference should have been cancelled. There is no doubt in my mind that the conference should have been cancelled.
““All Volunteer” sounds like a great plan – unless something goes wrong. All Volunteer” sounds like a great plan – unless something goes wrong.
Critiques of Limmud 2009 NY, Critiques of Limmud 2009 NY, cont.cont.
Program RelatedProgram Related Too many choicesToo many choices It has become routineIt has become routine I don’t like when two classes of the same interest group such as singing and song leading I don’t like when two classes of the same interest group such as singing and song leading
are offered at the same time. are offered at the same time. I have many opportunities for Jewish learning in NYC and attend many conferences. I have many opportunities for Jewish learning in NYC and attend many conferences.
Limmud is not one that I want to make a priority. Limmud is not one that I want to make a priority.
Conflicting Opinions re. Program Level and ContentConflicting Opinions re. Program Level and Content I am not into dissecting text in the traditional Jewish manner.I am not into dissecting text in the traditional Jewish manner. I wish there had been more text-based learning opportunities. I like old-fashioned frontal I wish there had been more text-based learning opportunities. I like old-fashioned frontal
teaching, not touchy-feely ‘sharing’.teaching, not touchy-feely ‘sharing’. The quality of the speakers appears to have diminished over the years. I could find very The quality of the speakers appears to have diminished over the years. I could find very
few people at the Limmud NY 2009 that I wanted to hear. I am particularly interested in few people at the Limmud NY 2009 that I wanted to hear. I am particularly interested in Jewish history, Talmud and Bible learning and other more concrete subjects than were Jewish history, Talmud and Bible learning and other more concrete subjects than were offered at Limmud NY 2009. offered at Limmud NY 2009.
Children’s Program RelatedChildren’s Program Related I wish that the middle schoolers & even the elementary schoolers had some text I wish that the middle schoolers & even the elementary schoolers had some text
programs. programs.
Critiques of Limmud NY 2009, cont.Critiques of Limmud NY 2009, cont. Social Context RelatedSocial Context Related I didn’t find people to be friendly.I didn’t find people to be friendly.
While it was nice to see Jews from all levels of Judaism together, I found that they While it was nice to see Jews from all levels of Judaism together, I found that they didn’t interact with each other so much – each denomination stayed with their own.didn’t interact with each other so much – each denomination stayed with their own.
Too little effort to get single people to meet each other. Too little effort to get single people to meet each other.
The community feel is confusing because there are a lot of people there but there aren’t The community feel is confusing because there are a lot of people there but there aren’t many things people do together.many things people do together.
Too much of an Upper West Side setting – B’nai Jeshurun/ Ansche Chesed bubble. Too much of an Upper West Side setting – B’nai Jeshurun/ Ansche Chesed bubble. Diversity does not come natural in this setting, despite lip service.Diversity does not come natural in this setting, despite lip service.
Shabbat is overwhelming if you don’t know anyone. Shabbat is overwhelming if you don’t know anyone.
I found Limmud NY to be a New York-based learning/social opportunity. As someone I found Limmud NY to be a New York-based learning/social opportunity. As someone who does not live in New York, I did not find it to be a useful networking opportunity, who does not live in New York, I did not find it to be a useful networking opportunity, nor did I find myself engaged in the population. nor did I find myself engaged in the population.
Critiques of Limmud NY 2009, Critiques of Limmud NY 2009, cont. cont.
Volunteer RelatedVolunteer Related
I didn’t get to attend many sessions because I am a core volunteer. I didn’t get to attend many sessions because I am a core volunteer.
EntertainmentEntertainment Some of the evening entertainment may have been geared to a younger crowd Some of the evening entertainment may have been geared to a younger crowd
(e.g. the group at Havdalah time.)(e.g. the group at Havdalah time.)
The evening performance degenerated into amateur hour. The evening performance degenerated into amateur hour.
Religious ObservanceReligious Observance Lack of programming to teach the ‘nitty-gritty how to of different aspects of Lack of programming to teach the ‘nitty-gritty how to of different aspects of
traditional religious observance. traditional religious observance.
CostCost I felt it was an expensive weekend and I didn’t feel that it was worth that expense.I felt it was an expensive weekend and I didn’t feel that it was worth that expense...
Critiques of Limmud NY 2009, cont.Critiques of Limmud NY 2009, cont. DiversityDiversity
So few visibly queer/LGBT participantsSo few visibly queer/LGBT participants I’m most interested in secular Jewish expression, Jewish anti-I’m most interested in secular Jewish expression, Jewish anti-
nationalism and queer Jewish identity. I feel like these are all nationalism and queer Jewish identity. I feel like these are all increasingly marginalized in Limmud and that it’s an extension increasingly marginalized in Limmud and that it’s an extension campus of the Upper West Side Jewish yuppy clique. campus of the Upper West Side Jewish yuppy clique.
It was difficult for my wife to find learning opportunities that were open It was difficult for my wife to find learning opportunities that were open to her. Limmud is great for a Jewish community but still very closed to to her. Limmud is great for a Jewish community but still very closed to those that I may consider part of the Jewish community (my wife) but those that I may consider part of the Jewish community (my wife) but many others do not. many others do not.
Overall MissionOverall Mission I am unclear about Limmud’s mission which prevents me from getting I am unclear about Limmud’s mission which prevents me from getting
more involved more involved FoodFood There are too many onions in the salad.There are too many onions in the salad.
Positive Reviews of Limmud NY 2009Positive Reviews of Limmud NY 2009 Just do what you did in January 2009 and more. I loved it – and felt Just do what you did in January 2009 and more. I loved it – and felt
part of a great Jewish experience. Thanks you for all your hard work in part of a great Jewish experience. Thanks you for all your hard work in very difficult circumstances.very difficult circumstances.
Keep up the awesome programming.Keep up the awesome programming.
I am so in love with the entire concept of Limmud and the warmth and I am so in love with the entire concept of Limmud and the warmth and unity that Limmud really is amongst Jews.unity that Limmud really is amongst Jews.
Anything done to improve Limmud would probably price it out of Anything done to improve Limmud would probably price it out of range for those who most want to go. range for those who most want to go.
It’s an outstanding idea and a phenomenal concept and I hope to be It’s an outstanding idea and a phenomenal concept and I hope to be involved further. involved further.
Summary Summary
SummarySummarySatisfaction with 2009 ConferenceSatisfaction with 2009 Conference
Limmud 2009 participants’ satisfaction with the conference Limmud 2009 participants’ satisfaction with the conference was generally comparable with the level of satisfaction was generally comparable with the level of satisfaction expressed by the participants who attended previous expressed by the participants who attended previous Limmud conferences. Limmud conferences.
Participants who did Participants who did not not identify as Orthodox or as identify as Orthodox or as Conservative/Conservadox were less likely to be ‘very Conservative/Conservadox were less likely to be ‘very satisfied’ with the conference. satisfied’ with the conference.
40+ year old single participants were also less likely to be 40+ year old single participants were also less likely to be ‘very satisfied’ with the conference. ‘very satisfied’ with the conference.
Summary, cont.Summary, cont.
Plans for Atending Limmud 2010Plans for Atending Limmud 2010
28% of Limmud 2009 participants indicated that they would ‘definitely’ 28% of Limmud 2009 participants indicated that they would ‘definitely’ attend Limmud 2010 and another 28% said that they would ‘perhaps attend Limmud 2010 and another 28% said that they would ‘perhaps attend’.attend’.
Although first-time Limmud participants and prior Limmud participants Although first-time Limmud participants and prior Limmud participants did not differ in the extent to which they were satisfied with the 2009 did not differ in the extent to which they were satisfied with the 2009 conference, first-time participants were significantly less likely to conference, first-time participants were significantly less likely to indicate that they plan to attend the 2010 Limmud Conference. indicate that they plan to attend the 2010 Limmud Conference.
‘‘Empty Nesters’ were most likely to plan to attend Limmud 2010 while Empty Nesters’ were most likely to plan to attend Limmud 2010 while married couples without children were the least likely. married couples without children were the least likely.
Limmud volunteers are significantly more likely than non-volunteers to Limmud volunteers are significantly more likely than non-volunteers to indicate that they plan to attend the 2010 conference. indicate that they plan to attend the 2010 conference.
Summary, cont.Summary, cont.
Other Limmud Conference OptionsOther Limmud Conference Options Participants were supportive of other Limmud options Participants were supportive of other Limmud options
including scheduling: including scheduling:
conferences during summer in a summer camp setting or conferences during summer in a summer camp setting or in a university settingin a university setting
periodic Jewish learning eveningsperiodic Jewish learning evenings
weekend learning retreatsweekend learning retreats
Summary, cont.Summary, cont.VolunteeringVolunteering
56% of all Limmud participants have volunteered at least once at a Limmud 56% of all Limmud participants have volunteered at least once at a Limmud conference.conference.
A substantial proportion (41%) of first-timers volunteered at the Limmud 2009 A substantial proportion (41%) of first-timers volunteered at the Limmud 2009 conference.conference.
The level of volunteering was considerably higher (74%) among return The level of volunteering was considerably higher (74%) among return participants. participants.
Younger (under 40) singles were the most likely to volunteer at the Younger (under 40) singles were the most likely to volunteer at the conference and ‘Empty Nester’ were the least likely to volunteer. conference and ‘Empty Nester’ were the least likely to volunteer.
Limmud participants volunteer at a considerably higher mean yearly (hourly) Limmud participants volunteer at a considerably higher mean yearly (hourly) rate than their American peers. However much of this difference is rate than their American peers. However much of this difference is attributable to a small proportion of Limmud volunteers who volunteer a very attributable to a small proportion of Limmud volunteers who volunteer a very substantial number of hours per year. substantial number of hours per year.
Summary, cont.Summary, cont.Strengthening the Limmud CommunityStrengthening the Limmud Community
Approximately one-third of participants reported that ‘experiencing Approximately one-third of participants reported that ‘experiencing community’ was an extremely important impetus for them to attend community’ was an extremely important impetus for them to attend Limmud.Limmud.
Fewer than 25% of conference participants maintain substantial Fewer than 25% of conference participants maintain substantial contact contact with their ‘Limmud friends’ during the year.with their ‘Limmud friends’ during the year.
Singles under age 40 were most likely to maintain contact with their Limmud friends during the year.
‘ ‘Empty Nesters’, who had the highest level of satisfaction with theEmpty Nesters’, who had the highest level of satisfaction with the conference as well as who indicated the greatest interest in returning,conference as well as who indicated the greatest interest in returning, are the participants who maintain the are the participants who maintain the least least amount of contact with theiramount of contact with their fellow ‘’Limmudniks’ during the year.fellow ‘’Limmudniks’ during the year.
Summary, cont.Summary, cont.
General DemographicsGeneral Demographics
Demographically, Limmud NY 2009 participants greatly resemble Demographically, Limmud NY 2009 participants greatly resemble those of previous yearsthose of previous years
Women outnumbered men , especially among the younger cohortsWomen outnumbered men , especially among the younger cohorts
In 2009, there was a 9% decrease in the proportion of 35-49 year olds In 2009, there was a 9% decrease in the proportion of 35-49 year olds and a corresponding decrease in the proportion of participants who and a corresponding decrease in the proportion of participants who have children have children
Over one-third of participants reside in ManhattanOver one-third of participants reside in Manhattan
Nearly 25% reside in one neighborhood - the Upper West Side of Nearly 25% reside in one neighborhood - the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Manhattan.
Summary, cont.Summary, cont.
Jewish ConnectionsJewish Connections
Nearly 60% identify as Conservative (including Conservadox) or Nearly 60% identify as Conservative (including Conservadox) or Orthodox, compared to 45% in New York area. Orthodox, compared to 45% in New York area.
The proportion of Limmud NY 2009 participants who identify as The proportion of Limmud NY 2009 participants who identify as Reform (9%) is substantially lower than among Jews in the New York Reform (9%) is substantially lower than among Jews in the New York area (29%).area (29%).
Summary, cont.Summary, cont. Jewish ConnectionsJewish Connections Limmud NY 2009 participants are overwhelmingly Jewishly connected & Limmud NY 2009 participants are overwhelmingly Jewishly connected &
Jewishly engaged. Jewishly engaged.
84% of Limmud NY 2009 participants are members of a 84% of Limmud NY 2009 participants are members of a synagogue/minyan compared to 43% of Jews in the New York area.synagogue/minyan compared to 43% of Jews in the New York area.
67% regard themselves as ‘Jewish leaders.67% regard themselves as ‘Jewish leaders.
55% are current or past Jewish professionals or Jewish educators. 55% are current or past Jewish professionals or Jewish educators.
25% attended Jewish day school after 825% attended Jewish day school after 8thth grade. grade.
Despite these high levels of Jewish connections, 25% have dated Despite these high levels of Jewish connections, 25% have dated someone who is not Jewish and 20% have been romantically involved someone who is not Jewish and 20% have been romantically involved with a non-Jew.with a non-Jew.
Recommendations for Improving Limmud NYRecommendations for Improving Limmud NY
Community BuildingCommunity Building
Create directed social programming. For example, one Create directed social programming. For example, one respondent suggest appointing a “cruise social director” type to respondent suggest appointing a “cruise social director” type to connect people who want to meet other people.connect people who want to meet other people.
Schedule an orientation for new peopleSchedule an orientation for new people
Make more of an attempt to build community, either through Make more of an attempt to build community, either through shared meals or other experiences (to lessen perception of shared meals or other experiences (to lessen perception of clique-ishness’).clique-ishness’).
Provide additional volunteer opportunities especially to sub-Provide additional volunteer opportunities especially to sub-groups (e.g., singles 40+) who might be alienated from other groups (e.g., singles 40+) who might be alienated from other Limmud community experiences.Limmud community experiences.
More ‘mixers’ for people with young children (e.g. a “Parents & More ‘mixers’ for people with young children (e.g. a “Parents & Me” type of experience).Me” type of experience).
Recommendations for Improving Limmud NYRecommendations for Improving Limmud NY
Community Building Community Building
Schedule at least one more whole-community activity Schedule at least one more whole-community activity beyond Shabbat.beyond Shabbat.
Increase ‘down time’ devoted to sharing and reflecting on Increase ‘down time’ devoted to sharing and reflecting on what participants have learned.what participants have learned.
Designate tables at meals for lone travelers (and not just for Designate tables at meals for lone travelers (and not just for singles) so that people who come without friends can meet singles) so that people who come without friends can meet new ones.new ones.
Consider inviting fewer people to the event – 300 - 400 Consider inviting fewer people to the event – 300 - 400 instead of 800. instead of 800.
Recommendations for Improving Limmud NYRecommendations for Improving Limmud NY
Learning RelatedLearning Related
Offer more “beginners” classes, including introduction to Judaism and Hebrew 101.Offer more “beginners” classes, including introduction to Judaism and Hebrew 101.
Introduce more tracking information regarding class levels (e.g. a rating system on a Introduce more tracking information regarding class levels (e.g. a rating system on a scale of 1-10). For ‘advanced’ material, perhaps provide examples of what ‘advanced’ scale of 1-10). For ‘advanced’ material, perhaps provide examples of what ‘advanced’ means. means.
Achieve a better understanding of the types of courses which appeal to “Reform’ Achieve a better understanding of the types of courses which appeal to “Reform’ identified individuals identified individuals
Include sessions on historical Judaism and text study.Include sessions on historical Judaism and text study.
Schedule events carefully so that conference room scan accommodate expected Schedule events carefully so that conference room scan accommodate expected audience.audience.
Recommendations for Improving Limmud NYRecommendations for Improving Limmud NY
Jewish ObservanceJewish Observance
Increase basic “how to” programming for people who want to learn Increase basic “how to” programming for people who want to learn about traditional Jewish observance. about traditional Jewish observance.
Make Friday night dinner more ‘Shabbat friendly’ by placing benchers Make Friday night dinner more ‘Shabbat friendly’ by placing benchers on the tables and by having communal singing.” on the tables and by having communal singing.”
Recommendations for Improving Limmud NYRecommendations for Improving Limmud NY
Expand Participant BaseExpand Participant Base
Increase outreach by advertising in Long Island and outer boroughs Increase outreach by advertising in Long Island and outer boroughs and also in Orthodox communities such as Flatbush, Crown Heights, and also in Orthodox communities such as Flatbush, Crown Heights, and Kew Garden Hills. and Kew Garden Hills.
Undertake more energetic outreach to Reform congregationsUndertake more energetic outreach to Reform congregations
Identify synagogues (especially Reform synagogues) who are Identify synagogues (especially Reform synagogues) who are considering scheduling retreats and invite them to overlap with considering scheduling retreats and invite them to overlap with Limmud ConferenceLimmud Conference
Recommendations for Improving Limmud NYRecommendations for Improving Limmud NY
Volunteer RelatedVolunteer Related
Implement clearer volunteer expectations and volunteer utilization.Implement clearer volunteer expectations and volunteer utilization.
Provide additional support to volunteers including helping the chairs to Provide additional support to volunteers including helping the chairs to strengthen the core team (steering committee) and encouraging team strengthen the core team (steering committee) and encouraging team leaders to build their teams (including opportunities for fun in team leaders to build their teams (including opportunities for fun in team meetings). meetings).
Broaden volunteer base and implement a more sophisticated Broaden volunteer base and implement a more sophisticated organizational model organizational model
Recommendations for Improving Recommendations for Improving Limmud NYLimmud NY
Diversity Diversity
More outreach to Jews of color, LGBT people including (and More outreach to Jews of color, LGBT people including (and especially) LGBT families with kids and converts.especially) LGBT families with kids and converts.
VendorsVendors
Have more vendors- at the CAJE conferences, the vendor room was Have more vendors- at the CAJE conferences, the vendor room was one of the things not to be missed; have more booksellers, vendors of one of the things not to be missed; have more booksellers, vendors of educational materials, Jewish software etc. educational materials, Jewish software etc.
Year-Round CommunicationYear-Round Communication
Set up a series of list-serves for specific interest groups.Set up a series of list-serves for specific interest groups.
