StudentsOxford Students
Students, visiting staff and the OJC
All undergraduates automatically become honorary members of the OJC while studying in Oxford and visiting graduates and staff are welcome at the synagogue and at all OJC activities and events. They are encouraged to become members of the OJC if they will be in Oxford for a period of time and special rates are available.
Oxford University Jewish Society
—Providing for all the needs of the 500-strong Jewish student population of Oxford.
Oxford Jsoc (Jewish Society) is NOT just a religious society; our aims and likewise our events are varied in their nature. JSoc organises social, educational as well as religious events for students of all shades of observance - ranging from those who go to shul three times a day to three times a year. With prestigious speakers, cocktail parties, bagel brunches and of course Friday night meals, Jsoc provides a unique opportunity to mix with other Jewish students. We also provide meals every night of the week at the OJC (Oxford Jewish Community Centre) so eating kosher food in Oxford should never be an issue. Charges are reasonable. Look on the J-Soc website for further details.
Oxford JSoc has it's very own Chaplains, Hannah and Rabbi Daniel Braune Friedman. They are around not just to educate, but for any help on any issue, however mundane you might think it is. Further details on the Oxford Jewish Chaplaincy website http://oxfordchap.weebly.com/
Whilst the OJC is the home of Jsoc, we have plenty of events that take place in colleges, which is a great way to get to know Oxford. We have 'lunch n learns' most days of the week on a plethora of controversial and interesting Jewish issues. Traditionally Jsoc has been at the heart of many interfaith and intersociety events, from barbeques to football matches.
Despite having events most days of the week, Friday nights are at the heart of JSoc. With themed dinners, speakers and of course chicken soup (that will never match up to Grandma's but we try), Friday night services are a great way to end the week. The JSoc lounge combined with an abundance of alcohol ensures that Friday nights not only a meal, but one of the best social events of your week.
Further details on the J-soc website http://www.oxfordjsoc.co.uk/jsoc/
Oxford Brookes
Oxford Brookes has a small but thriving Jewish community. We hold Lunch and Learns two or three times a week on campus and have numerous social events throughout the term. Whilst being a separate University, we are fully integrated into JSOC life in town and as a committee are there to facilitate this. We regularly get a good turnout at Friday nights at the OJC (with the main JSOC) but would love to see more Brookes students at all events so will provide taxis if enough Brookes people want to attend. Since the beginning of the academic year we have had a Middle Eastern night, Channukah party, gone ice skating and hosted the annual JSOC ball to name just a few events happening at Brookes!
Oxford Grad JSoc
We are a Jewish social group for young professionals, graduate students, and anyone else who feels that it's for them. In practice we generally cater for the 20s-30s age group, though that's a guide rather than a rule.
Our main activity is weekly Friday night vegetarian potluck dinners, held usually in people's homes or colleges. There's kiddush at the beginning of the evening, and we usually begin around 8pm (later in summer) to allow people time to get there from shul. The Friday night crowd draws people from many different Jewish denominations and backgrounds, and is open to all, whether religious or secular. Efforts are made to cater for all varieties of Jewish belief.
We welcome all those who are interested, whether or not affiliated with a university. We aim to have Friday nights every week in term-time, and also out of term-time if people volunteer to host.
The group also has drinks evenings on weekdays around twice a term, in a bar in town. News of our activities is sent out in a weekly email. To be added to the mailing list, or for more information, please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Further details on the JSoc website: http://www.oxfordjsoc.co.uk/jsoc
Facebook Group: Oxford Grad JSoc
Israel Cultural Society
The students have also organised an Israeli Culture Society which plans an Israel festival and lectures (Contact them on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ); and also students organise an Academic Lecture series on Israel, see their website http://www.ihps-oxford.co.uk/index.php or contact them on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .