The annual Limmud winter conference has opened at the University of Warwick, with thousands of participants expected to attend sessions over the next five days.

More than 500 presenters from around the world will lead Limmudniks through 1,200 lectures and discussions on topics including social action, history and politics, religion and philosophy, and arts and culture.

Shabbat-related sessions took place over the past two days, but the full range of events begins in earnest this morning.

Among the highlights today will be Holocaust expert Deborah Lipstadt tackling the question of whether Jews spend too much time focusing on the Shoah.

The JC’s Judaism editor Simon Rocker will chair a panel this afternoon on the cost of Jewish life in Britain.

Panellists will include American Orthodox rabbi and author Alan Brill, Yiddish-speaking Londoner Ben Richardson and Liberal Judaism chief executive Danny Rich.

Baltimore Jewish Times’ editor-in-chief Josh Runyan will be among those debating politics in the United States.

A Jewish approach will be taken to the topics of depression and happiness, following actor Robin Williams’ death earlier this year.

On a lighter note, one of this evening’s leading sessions looks at the relationship between Judaism and football, and the halachah of playing the beautiful game on Shabbat.

Anthony Angel, marketing co-chair, said: “This year’s programme brings together the best of Jewish learning from around the world.

“None of this would have been possible without the commitment and hard work of a core team of 30 volunteers. Limmud relies and thrives on the passions and skills of its volunteers.”

Limmudniks will also be keen to sample food at the event – catered for the first time this year by Manchester firm Celia Clyne Banqueting.