Rabbi Asaf and Atara Forges, originally from Israel, joined University Jewish Chaplaincy in 2024 to serve the Bristol and Western region and are accompanied by their two young daughters.
Rabbi Asaf dedicated five years to studying Jewish Law at a yeshiva in Netivot, Israel. He holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Hebrew Literature from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and is currently pursuing a PhD in the same field. His passion for Jewish studies and Hebrew literature has led him to teach high school students, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with younger generations.
Atara's journey includes academic and Jewish studies, complemented by extensive experience in leadership development and team building. During her national service, Atara worked at a Jewish studies centre in Tel Aviv, followed by a year teaching in San Francisco, USA. She then attended seminary and earned a Bachelor's degree in Community Social Work from Bar-Ilan University.
In their Chaplaincy roles, the Forges aim to support Jewish students in the Bristol and Western region by fostering a vibrant and inclusive Jewish environment. They are committed to providing both practical assistance and emotional support, ensuring that students can connect with their faith and community during their university years.