Comedian David Schneider tackled a serious subject at Sunday’s South London Limmud — comedy and the Holocaust.

Mr Schneider discussed reactions to jokes about the Shoah with 100 of the 500 turnout at the event’s new Pimlico Academy venue.

Another crowd-puller was Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman’s analysis of American foreign policy and the Middle East. The 79 presenters also included Middle East commentator Hagai Segal, who analysed the Arab Spring.

For the fit and thirsty, a bike lent by Tzedek had a blender mounted on the back, which was powered by pedalling to produce smoothies.

The closing concert featured cabaret artist Rebecca Joy Fletcher and Rev David Rome, the new Catford Synagogue minister. “He sang beautifully,” said event chair Joe Burchell, who also praised his volunteers and those who ran the crèche and youth programme.

Participants Michelle and Gordon Kaye, who attended with their toddler Ariella, said the day had been “fabulous. It was worth making the journey from Brighton. Well done to the hard-working team.” Visitors came from as far afield as Glasgow and Leeds.