Cambridge University Contact Details

J-Soc Notes

Although Cambridge has a strong academic life, the J-Soc make sure to have fun and interesting programs almost every week in Cambridge. From Booze for Jews to the Cambridge Learning Forum with amazing guest speakers to themed Friday nights, Cambridge makes sure to give Jewish students a range of Jewish activities. Cambridge has both an Orthodox and egalitarian minyan that meet every Shabbat and put on their own religious events. Cambridge also has a Culanu centre which provides Kosher lunch during the week, Friday night Onegs, and Sunday bagel brunches, as well as many other fun activities.

Campus Notes

Cambridge has a thriving student night life. Each college has its own bar with cheap drinks. There are plenty of bars in town as well as dance clubs, all which have their own student nights. The best restaurant for Jewish students is Rainbow Cafe, which has a strictly vegetarian menu and decent prices.

Kosher Food & Accommodation

While there are no kosher stores, it is possible to get a few kosher items in Cambridge. The Derby Store, right outside the city centre carries a few small kosher items, such as cheese, biscuits, and bagels, and the large Sainsbury's also has a small kosher section. Kosher accommodation depends on the hospitality of the students.

Local Synagogue Information

The Cambridge Traditional Jewish Congregation hold Orthodox services at Thompsons Lane which are run by the students during term time and the residents in the vacation. There are a cheder and adult learning classes, in addition to various communal events.

Beth Shalom holds Reform services. Beth Shalom also has a cheder and runs various other communal events. Students are welcome any time but once a term there is a student shabbat with a special kiddush to which they are especially welcome!

Local Community Information

We have about 140 families on our mailing list and we try to act as an umbrella group for the whole community. Now we concentrate on social, educational, cultural and welfare activities that can encompass Jews of all persuasions in Cambridge.
There are various other groups involved in Jewish Cambridge life including a very active Friends of Magen David Adom.

Final comments

We also are very lucky to have a chaplain living in Cambridge as well. If you have any further questions, please visit our website and come up to Cambridge and visit!