Originally from Manchester, Rabbi Fishel Cohen has been a dedicated Chaplain with University Jewish Chaplaincy since August 1984, making him one of our longest-serving Chaplains. He resides in Birmingham with his wife Esther and is the father of four grown-up sons.
Rabbi Cohen received his religious education at Kfar Chabad in Israel and the Central Lubavitch Yeshiva in New York. During his yeshiva years, he engaged in community work, including visiting Israeli soldiers on army bases during Chanukah and Purim, teaching school children weekly, visiting shops and businesses with Jewish workers, and visiting prisoners in New York State Prisons. These experiences prepared him for his chaplaincy role.
Inspired by the Lubavitcher Rebbe's love for every Jew and passion for strengthening Jewish communities, Rabbi Cohen views his chaplaincy work as a privilege. He assists students in navigating their university years by providing a warm, Jewish, homely atmosphere, sharing Jewish thoughts during his now infamous bagel lunches, and being available in times of need. He also liaises with university management, supports students facing challenges such as exams on Shabbat, and attends academic hearings with them.
Rabbi Cohen enjoys hosting events like bagel lunches on campuses with smaller Jewish populations, allowing him to build relationships with individual students. He also organises larger events, such as themed Purim banquets and Simchat Torah Hakafot, which attract hundreds of students. His goal is for students to leave university with the understanding that Judaism is both fun and relevant to their lives today.
