Oxford is one of the most actively pluralist, diverse, and welcoming J-soc in the UK. J-soc centres around the shul in Oxford (Oxford Jewish Centre), which, in addition to a friendly Modern Orthodox community, boasts a dynamic Masorti community, which holds Friday night and Shabbat morning services once a month. Overall, Oxford students are willing to be experimental with their Judaism, and they won't be scared of the name Masorti, but rather intrigued. This will be a campus where students will be able to throw intellectual curve balls and challenge themselves in the process.

Every Friday night 60-100 students enjoy a relaxing and informal Shabbat meal, which is usually themed but always seems to involve chicken. Up to 20 attend Shabbat lunch at shul, as well, and Seudah Shlishit, usually held in someone's room. In addition, kosher meals are provided at shul every weekday evening. Events are held at least once a week and include parties, bagel brunches, pub quizzes, high profile guest speakers, panel debates, pub nights etc. J-Soc provides a great opportunity to meet people from other colleges in a relaxed, non-judgmental and welcoming atmosphere.

This year (2007-8) we welcomed our new Chaplains - Rabbi Aaron and Shira Katchen - who are Modern Orthodox by denomination but sympathetic to the needs of all students, whether these be religious or otherwise. They are instrumental in terms of education: on a weekly basis, both Aaron and Shira lead 'lunch & learns' and offer evening classes on Talmud and Ivrit respectively. In terms of social events, they host film nights and numerous J-Soc events at their home in Jericho, and also invite some students back for Shabbat lunch every week.

J-Soc is run by a committee of approximately ten undergraduates and positions come up for election every term, so there is ample opportunity to get involved in running it. It is also possible to serve on the Ball Committee to organise the black-tie extravaganza that takes place yearly in Hilary term.

Oxford is becoming an increasingly popular choice of study for Jewish students. There are enough events within the Jewish life of Oxford to ensure that there is something for everyone. For further information, contact Simon Gordon at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Oxford Jewish Society Details

• Size: 500

Accommodation

All first year students live in college but special arrangements can be made with the individual colleges. When living out, there are usually at least a couple of groups of students who try and make up a kosher house.

Food

Weekday evening meals can be purchased from the Jewish Centre at heavily subsidised prices. Friday night, Shabbat lunch and third meal are also provided. Every fortnight Kosher food is brought to Oxford from Gee's in Birmingham.

Synagogue

The Orthodox, Masorti and Progressive members of the community meet in the same building--the Jewish Centre, which is at 21 Richmond Road, OX1 2JL. The community is very supportive of all aspects of Jewish life at Oxford and provide invaluable support both financially and in terms of resources.