Bogrim Mobile in Manchester 2011

Bogrim Mobile in Manchester 2012 

Manchester has a thriving Jewish community both in the University and in the City. The Jewish Society is a joint venture between University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan and the University of Salford called MJS (Manchester Jewish Society).

There are Orthodox and Reform Synagogues in Manchester as well as an Orthodox Student Shul in Fallowfield where most students live. Although often seen as a very Orthodox community, the J-soc is pluralist and caters for all students. A new Egalitarian Friday Night Minyan has been recently set up and is off to a great start! There is also a strong Marom group who have Friday Night Dinners and occasional drink nights a few times a term.

Once a month there is a 'Friday Night Fever', a massive communal J-soc Shabbat meal. There are regular club nights for occasions such as Purim and also a Booze for Jews once a year. Regular Bagel lunches are held at the university and this year has seen nargila, pro evo and dance nights happen on a regular basis.

Services are held in the Student Shul most days and occasionally there is a Progressive service. It is often reported that Manchester is a very anti-Semitic campus. However, this is not true!! There is an active Palestine lobby on Campus but Jewish students effectively defend themselves on campus this year winning the majority of the seats on the Student Union. The J-soc ball is held once a year and is always a great night. Elections are held once a year for the committee and positions are usually held by first years. The Student Chaplian is extremely welcoming and approachable for all students regardless of religious affiliation and there are two other rabbis on campus who are always available to chat or to feed students. With the introduction of the student centre, the existing Hillel House and all the events put on by the MJS, Aish and other organisations there is always something Jewish to do on campus.

Manchester Jewish Society Details

• Size: 500
• Website: www.manchesterjewishstudents.com

Accommodation

There is a Hillel house in Manchester, situated very close to the University campus. There is a wide choice of other accommodation in Manchester for first year students, mostly near to the University itself. Many of the Jewish students tend to go for Richmond Park, a modern halls which is a short bus journey away.

Food

Kosher food can be bought in North Manchester, and in the Tesco in Didsbury.