Leeds is an amazing university for Masorti students! In general, Leeds is just as big, if not bigger, a Jewish community as Manchester. There is a well-established Masorti community functioning in the city (though they're difficult to coordinate with student events, because they're located too far away from campus.) The best part of Leeds is the MARS group (Masorti and Reform Services). They meet every fortnight at the Hillel House, parallel with the Orthodox service, alternating between Masorti and Reform services. MARS is always followed by a Reform/Masorti dinner at someone's flat. Leeds accommodates Jewish students from all backgrounds, and the Masorti community is very tight-knit; however, some Masorti students feel separated from the main community. There is a push from the Jewish chaplain to involve Masorti students in the J-soc events, so the problem is getting better. J-soc has a brilliant relationship with the Islamic Society.

Leeds Jewish Society Details

• Website: www.leedsjsoc.co.uk
• Size: 1,200 Jewish students

Leeds J-soc says, "Once a week students can buy a Shabbat pack for 1 pound. This consists of candles, challah, Grape juice, a bencher and a chicken. It is for 4 people. The society has a weekly newsletter and monthly magazine. Past events have included the annual Leeds ball to which thousands of Jewish students from all round the country attended, a video link up on Yom Yerushalyim to the Western Wall with the Chief Rabbi, Robert Winston, the Israeli soldier Rami Sadam and many other speakers. There was a Holocaust Shabbat, where speakers included Lady Jacobovitz and Geena Turgel--both Holocaust survivors."The corn exchange was hired out for a huge dinner and party, which was a massive success. Every Wednesday night there is Ulpan and also the chance to learn Ti-condo. For the first time this year Leeds Jsoc are taking students on a skiing holiday in the first week of the Christmas holidays and also have a Poland trip planned. There is also a tutorials service where students can get experience teaching with the possibility of actually getting a job in a local school."So there is something to do every night of the week, something for everyone, whether you just fancy a drink in the pub, a wild club night or an educational experience, Leeds Jsoc is the place for you!"

Accommodation

There is a Hillel house providing great accommodation for Jewish students.

Food

Every Monday night the Hoof and Cud restaurant serves delicious food, and there is a daily kosher restaurant at Hillel, serving egg and chips, plus other tasty food!There also plenty of kosher food shops nearby.