The Trustees and Executive of Limmud are delighted to announce the appointment of Adam Rossano as the new Executive Director, and Joe Hyman as Limmud’s first Director of Innovation and Engagement. Both leaders will take up their positions in autumn 2022.
Adam Rossano has a formidable track record of leadership in the Jewish Community. He is currently the Associate Vice President for Global Development of Moishe House, having risen through the ranks of the international organisation since 2014.
A former National President of BBYO, Adam was born and raised in Bournemouth and holds a BA in Philosophy and Hebrew from the University of Manchester and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is also a Trustee of his synagogue, Makor Hayim. Adam’s achievements and vision as a leader have been recognised multiple times and in September, as well as starting his role at Limmud, he will take up his place in cohort 7 of the prestigious Schusterman Fellowship for exceptional Jewish leaders across the globe.
Through his extensive experience in nurturing volunteers, creating innovative programmes and leading organisations, Adam is perfectly placed to continue Limmud’s role in taking people one step further in their Jewish journey. He is a Limmud volunteer with direct experience of delivering the annual flagship event, Limmud Festival, and is familiar with the unique culture and values of the organisation.
Adam says: “I am thrilled to become Executive Director of 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. I am honoured and delighted to join the team and work closely with the Limmud community of talented volunteers, especially at this moment as we return to an in-person Limmud Festival for the first time in 3 years”.
Joe Hyman will become Limmud’s first Director of Innovation and Engagement. Recognised widely for his activism and leadership skills, Joe comes to Limmud from JW3, where he led and grew innovative programming over 3 years.
Joe brings extensive Jewish learning and knowledge gained through his studies at both orthodox and conservative yeshivot in Israel and New York. Joe is also Chair of Ohel Mo’ed Community and founder of DAVAR – The Jewish Art Immersive. Combined with his professional training in architecture at Leeds and London universities and his passionate activism on LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Jewish community, he possesses a rare combination of skills and perspective. In his new role, Joe will support volunteers to incubate and develop innovative programming approaches and build volunteer capability and capacity, particularly extending Limmud’s outreach to marginalised groups and to regions outside London.
Joe says: “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. 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 engages with the challenges ahead.”
Jon Freedman, Limmud’s Deputy Director since 2018, will be working alongside Adam and Joe to deliver Limmud’s first in-person Festival for three years. He has announced that he will be leaving Limmud in January 2023, having steered the organisation successfully through the pandemic with professionalism and creativity.
Limmud Chair, Carolyn Bogush, 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. Both Adam and Joe wowed us with their authenticity, passion for our work and their vision for Limmud. They are both values-led and visionary leaders who together constitute an incredible strategic team. It is a testament to the ongoing excitement about Limmud here in the UK that we have two of the community’s brightest young stars joining us to take Limmud forward on our journey.”
Adam and Joe join Limmud’s longstanding Head of Logistics, Alanna Lewis, as the organisation heads into an exciting period of growth and renewal, including Limmud Festival in person, in December. To reserve your place with a £5 deposit, please go to https://events.limmud.org/limmud-festival-2022/apply/