A winter term powered by care, connection & community
- Dec 18, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 4
Dear Friend,
The winter term is always the busiest of the year, with many second and third year students sitting exams before returning home for the winter break. From providing one-to-one support to Jewish students in more remote parts of the UK to cross-campus events for hundreds of students across their region, our Chaplains have been relentless in their mission to provide critical support, connection and moments of inspiration for Jewish students across the country.
I am so deeply aware that while we have many things to celebrate this term including tremendous events on campus and opportunities for learning and connection for our students across the UK, yet I can't help but reflect that we also end the term with yet another tragedy. The start of term, closely followed by Yom Kippur, was marked by the horrendous attack in Manchester at Heaton Park Synagogue and the first night of Chanukah was spent thinking about the unfolding tragedy in Sydney and the deaths of 15 innocent Jews. Our thoughts continue to be with all those coming to terms with the aftermath of these terrorist attacks. I am all too aware of the responsibility we place on our rabbinic teams across our campuses, to continue to keep the flame lit, to ensure Jewish life doesn't just continue on campus but also thrives. In this increasingly febrile environment the jobs they do carry more risk but matter more than before and so I take this opportunity to recognise and thank all our Chaplains for the dedication, exceptional provision and support they have given to thousands of Jewish students this term.
After helping set up their first JSoc, Rabbi Natan Fagleman visited the students for an inaugural lunch ‘n’ learn.
Rabbi Asaf and Atara Forges brought together 15 students for a bagel lunch.
Rabbi Fishel Cohen’s last ‘Bagels with Fishel’ of the term attracted over 70 students.
Rabbi Asaf and Atara Forges arranged several creative-led welfare focused activities in their home, including making vision boards and home-made pizzas.
Rabbi Yekutiel and Netanya Greiff hosted a number of students for a Thanksgiving dinner in their home.
Rabbi Asaf and Atara Forges made the long but rewarding journey from Bristol to Exeter to meet a number of students for a bagel lunch.
Rabbi Yisroel Meir and Mindi Zobin continued to grow their weekly lunch ‘n’ learn programme.
With thanks to the Montefiore Endowment, Rabbi Natan Fagleman brought Rabbi Benjy Rickman to address 15 students on the importance of religious freedom for all people of faith.
Rav Gav Broder helped students at the University of East London set up their JSoc.
Rabbi Ephraim Guttentag welcomed 25 students for a hot ‘supper and chill’.
Rabbi Aviad & Tehila Raviv together with Nottingham Jewish Society hosted Esther Rose from KeshetUK to explore issues around LGBT+ inclusion with over 20 students.
Rabbi Moish and Tanya Blum hosted 35 students at a midweek ‘tisch’ (similar to an evening, centred around a central table, laden with refreshments).
Rabbi Fishel Cohen tried hard to remain impartial during the first round UJS Cup football game between Maccabi Selly Oak Vs Warwick Matzaballers.
Rabbi Eliran and Ayalah Shabo were busy hosting many students in their home and at campuses across Scotland:
Nationwide - Now a much loved annual feature, 140 Jewish students from across Scotland came together for an annual Scottish Friday night dinner.
Edinburgh - Rabbi Eliran and Ayalah hosted 20 students for a Thanksgiving dinner as well as a challah bake; Rabbi Eliran also attended a ceremony with the First Minister of Scotland to mark one year since the signing of the Drumlanrig Peace Accords.
Glasgow and St. Andrews - Chanukah-themed bagel lunches were held at each campus, before the end of term.
Chanukah comes early on campus:
Despite Chanukah falling outside of term time, some regions kicked off Chanukah early with parties for students who were still in their digs.
Even though term has ended, many of our Chaplains have remained in situ over the break, continuing to host students who have remained on campus during the holidays. Aside from preparing their programmes for the spring term, our Chaplains are reaching out to students and their loved ones ahead of our matched fundraising campaign on January 25th and 26th. If you are as passionate about supporting Jewish university students as we are - and want to help ensure that our critical provision can continue from Aberdeen to Exeter - please do consider being a Chaplaincy Champion and help support our message; that it’s Our Campus Too; please contact Michali@mychaplaincy.co.uk for more information.
Before signing off, I’d like to take a moment to highlight a key milestone for the Birmingham region, as Rabbi Fishel Cohen enters his 42nd year of dedicated service. His contribution to student life has been immense and he has impacted tens of thousands of students over the years and you can read extracts from his interview with the university here.
Finally, a big thank you for your continued succour through 2025 - your ongoing support illuminates the work of our Chaplains and the lives of the students they serve - and we couldn’t do it without you.
With best wishes,
Sophie Dunoff, CEO
