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.
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. Northern Region events, such as the popular Burns Ball; an evening offering traditional (but kosher) Scottish food and dancing in Edinburgh, present an opportunity to meet other Jews attending the universities of St Andrews, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The J-Soc attracts high profile speakers - last year for instance the Israeli deputy-ambassador to Britain was welcomed as well as Ray Hill, the former BNP member turned whistle blower and the inspirational Rabbi Daniel Rowe. This year we have hosted the MP for Durham City, Roberta Blackman-Woods at a Friday night dinner as well as Rabbi Tatz 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 under three hours. Those in need of Kosher food can speak to any member of the J-Soc exec, or make their way to nearby Gateshead, which is a short train journey away. 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.
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.
As well as the university's academic reputation, the i...
