Limmud has announced its new executive director and a new professional post as it prepares for the first in-person winter Festival in three years.

Adam Rossano, the associate vice-president for global development for Moishe House, is to become executive director, while Joe Hyman, who led innovative programming at JW3 for three years, is to be Limmud’s first director of innovation and engagement.

The two new directors will take up post in autumn, before Jon Freedman, deputy director since 2018, who steered the organisation through the pandemic, leaves in early January.

Carolyn Bogush, chair of Limmud, said, “After a rigorous recruitment process, we are delighted that Adam and Joe have been appointed. We are so grateful for Jon's incredible hard work over the last three years and for continually championing Limmud's values in everything that we do.

“We are confident that Adam and Joe will continue to build on this and the strong presence that Limmud has maintained throughout the pandemic, working alongside our outstanding volunteers to drive Limmud forward to create more spaces for cross-communal learning, connections and community building.”

Mr Rossano, who grew up in Bournemouth, said he was thrilled to be joining Limmud. “So much of my own Jewish journey and career path to date have been shaped by the power of inclusive cross-communal Jewish spaces led by empowered volunteers. Since my very first Limmud experience, I have always viewed Limmud as a unique gem of the British Jewish community.”

He has a degree in philosophy and Hebrew, having studied at Manchester University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. A former national president of BBYO, he is trustee of the Makor Hayim Synagogue, a Reform community in Willesden, and rose through the ranks of Moishe House after arriving in 2014.

Joe Hyman

Joe Hyman

Mr Hyman chairs another young London community, Ohel Moed, affiliated with Masorti, and founded Davar - the Jewish Art Immersive. He has studied at both Orthodox and Conservative yeshivot and is a prominent activist for LGBTQ inclusion.

“Limmud has for decades been the driver of change in our community, pushing the boundaries in Jewish learning, bringing people together and empowering volunteers of all ages, denominations and backgrounds,” Mr Hyman said.

“My own Jewish identity and volunteering has been profoundly formed by the opportunities afforded to me by Limmud and I want to bring that transformative experience to so many more people. I can think of nowhere better to work over the coming years as Anglo-Jewry engage with the challenges ahead.”