Our volunteer leadership is elected annually at our AGM.
Chair – Ben Soffa
Ben lives in Lancaster with his six year-old son, having previously been involved in Jewish communities in Cardiff and London. As Chair, Ben leads on the external representation of the community and is part of the group of volunteers who run educational sessions in local schools.
Vice Chair – Noah Katz
Noah Katz is an award-winning media host with a documented passion for Jewish advocacy. As well as the Chair of LLJC, Noah is the Chair of the Board of Deputies’ Under 35 Assembly as well as a UJS Deputy, a member of the World Jewish Congress’ Jewish Diplomatic Academy, and a Director & Trustee of NUS. In 2022-23, Noah was VP Education at Lancaster SU and is now studying for an MSc in Human Resource Management.
Secretary – Naomi Jacobs
Naomi Jacobs is Secretary of LLJC as of October 2023, having previously been a member of the committee as Social Secretary. She works at Lancaster University as a Lecturer in Design Policy and Futures Thinking. Naomi grew up around London but has lived in the North West of England (and Scotland) since 2006.
Naomi leads on the administration of our community activities. If you are in doubt about who to speak to, Naomi should be your first point of contact.
Treasurer – Adrienne Wallman
Adrienne manages the funds held on behalf of the community. She says “I was born and brought up in Manchester and have lived in Cambridge, Oxford, London and Sheffield. I moved accidentally to Lancaster in 2006. I still have family and friends in Manchester and I’m a member of the Heaton Park synagogue, which I attend on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.“
Committee Member – Rob Smith
Rob says “I have lived in the Lancaster area since 1984. I did my undergraduate and postgraduate studies here and taught in Adult Education and at Lancaster University for many years. I am a committee member of the Lancaster & Lakes Jewish Community, previously Vice-Chair; and a member of the University Chaplaincy Centre Trustee Board.“