Manchester-based lawyer David Hoffman is to take over as chairman of Limmud at the beginning of next year.

The commercial barrister, who has chaired Limmud International and revived its regional events in his home city, was appointed by the organisation’s educational trustees to succeed Kevin Sefton, who has led it for the past three years.

Mr Sefton said that his successor will “ lead Limmud to new heights. This transition is happening as we head into our milestone 35th Limmud Conference, in a brand new location to accommodate record-high registration. Limmud is thriving internationally, with over 80 Limmud communities in 43 countries. David brings years of Limmud experience and success to this role.”

Mr Hoffman, who is a keen rock musician in his spare time, said that his goal was “to build upon and expand Limmud’s unique strengths in training young leaders, convening Jews of all stripes, and fostering discussion and debate.

“We will continue to spread Limmud’s model of celebrating all things Jewish here in the UK and wherever there are Jews, inspiring them to move forward in their Jewish journeys.”

Limmud’s annual winter conference opens in Birmingham in three weeks.