Durham University Contact Details

Durham JSOC:

The Jewish society at Durham is one of the three fastest growing Jewish student communities in Britain. In recent years Durham University has emerged as a popular choice for Jewish students. The success of the Jsoc has been recognised on a national level through Durham winning the award for best Developing Jsoc for 2009/10 at the national UJS student awards. Further, the Jewish Society is proud to welcome its first on-site chaplain in 2010 to be responsible for the North East Jewish societies. 

As well as the university's academic reputation, the increasing vibrancy of Durham's Jewish Society helps explain its growing popularity. In recent years Durham J-Soc's programme of events has greatly expanded, a trend set to continue this year as well. Durham is the first university to have a dedicated kosher kitchen, which allows for regularly catered functions, such as weekly Friday night meals. Barbeques, film evenings and nights out also take place on a weekly basis as well as lunch and learn sessions with outside speakers.

Durham J Soc is affiliated with the Northern Region of Jewish Students which enables members to meet and socialise with other Jews attending the universities of St Andrews, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh.  Durham J Soc hosted its first shabbaton weekend last year attracting over 50 people from Scotland and the North of England.

The J-Soc also attracts high profile speakers.  Last year we hosted the MP for Durham City, Roberta Blackman-Woods at a Friday night dinner as well as Rabbi Tatz, Rabbi Rowe and Managing Editor of Honestreporting.com, Simon Plosker.

Durham's accessibility to the major Jewish centres of London, Manchester and Leeds also helps explain its attraction to Jewish students. London King's Cross can for instance be reached from Durham train station in under three hours, whilst the train journey from Durham to Manchester Airport takes just over two hours. Those in need of Kosher food can speak to any member of the J-Soc exec, or order weekly directly to the kosher kitchen. Durham Jsoc also enjoys close links with Newcastle Jsoc, just 20 minutes away, with both societies regularly supporting each other events.

Durham's collegiate system is another important attraction to the university as it creates a particularly friendly environment in which students can study and socialise. This, along with the city's idyllic scenery and relaxed and safe nature, make Durham a great place for Jewish students to go to university.

Students live in College during the first year, live out during the second, and then have the choice during third year. All colleges aside from Josephine Butler are fully-catered. If specifically asked for, colleges may be able to provide kosher meals. However, if this is not possible then a vegetarian option is always available.

Durham is close to Gateshead, which has a kosher butcher and baker. This is accessible via the Newcastle Metro and also the A1 for those who have cars.

However, the main source of Kosher food will be Friday Nights and other events hosted by the J-Soc which take place in St. Aidan's College. St Aidan's is now equipped with a fully Kosher Kitchen in which specially trained staff can prepare Kosher Meals. This has revolutionised Jewish life in Durham.

Local synagogues and community:

Although there is no synagogue in Durham, Newcastle is 20 minutes away. Newcastle has two synagogues, the Orthodox UHC (United Hebrew Congregation) and the NRS (Newcastle Reform Synagogue). Both synagogues are very welcoming and delighted to see students at services or community events. 

Durham J Soc also hosts termly shabbat services in St Aidan's College.

If you would like to find out any more information about Durham, feel free to contact any of the links above. Alternatively, you can get in touch with the National Development Officer for the area at josh.m@ujs.org.uk