Jewish Chaplaincy

Judaism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions. Our Jewish chaplaincy team are here to support Jewish students and staff of any tradition. Sheffield has a small Jewish community, with Orthodox and Reform congregations.

On

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  •  - your questions answered about Judaism and Jewish observance
  •  - a Hebrew date converter, Shabbat candle lighting times, and Jewish holidays

Jewish chaplaincy team

Rabbi Golomb

Email: bnbr-life@sheffield.ac.uk 

Orthodox Jewish Chaplain at the BNBR Life Centre and Rabbi at the United Synagogue and Jewish Centre Sheffield.  

Rabbi Yisroel Meir & Mindi Zobin

Joining the team soon.

Email: bnbr-life@sheffield.ac.uk

Rabbi Yisroel Meir and Mindi, originally from NW London, have recently joined the chaplaincy team, bringing with them youthful energy and a deep passion for empowering young people through Jewish identity and education. Yisroel Meir went to Hasmonean High School, and then learnt in yeshivot in Israel, first in Shaalvim and then in Mir. Mindi went to Menorah High School, and then Michlalah seminary in Jerusalem during her gap year. 

Yisroel Meir is studying Accounting and Finance with UoL, and Mindi is in her third year of Speech and Language Therapy at Leeds Beckett. 

Both have diverse experience working with teenagers and students, using Torah values, and a compassionate and supportive approach to help each individual feel their best and reach their full potential.
 
As Chaplains, the Zobins are excited to connect with students at events, around the shabbat table (get ready for the best cholent ever!) and through meaningful conversations. They are here to support all students at this formative stage of their lives, and provide a warm home away from home where students feel accepted, understood and inspired.

Yisroel Meir and Mindi love hiking, and can't wait to explore new beautiful areas around Leeds and Yorkshire; everyone is welcome to come join the fun!

Jewish Advisers

Patsy Cunningham

Email: patsy.cunningham@sheffield.ac.uk 

Hi, I’m Patsy Cunningham.  I grew up in America’s Midwest, managing to get a Bachelor's degree in philosophy (a subject I still struggle with), a Master’s degree in Social Work (I learned a lot), two children, and three grandchildren (I learned even more!).  I then spent ten years at three different universities in Hungary teaching lots of students about American Jewish literature and a very few students about American feminist literature.  In 2001 I moved to Sheffield, working first at Northern General Hospital and then (a real privilege) as the social worker on the Macmillan Palliative Care Unit. I am an active member of the Reform Jewish Congregation here and as their representative have had the opportunity to participate in a variety of interfaith groups and activities in the city - including now here at the University. Please feel free to text, email, or just give me a call; I’d welcome the opportunity to meet you.

Maya Brown

Email: maya.brown@sheffield.ac.uk

Hi I’m Maya. I’m the community development worker for Seven Hills Shul (aka Sheffield Reform/Sheffield Progressive community). I am here to make links between students and the community. We have a welcome and diverse community with 3 services a month, festival events and various ad hoc groups such as torah study, Hebrew lessons, Rosh Chodesh, a book group and a family group. We love new people getting involved and taking initiatives so do get in touch to ask questions!

I am also an alumni of the University. I studied Philosophy and German here and was also on the Jsoc committee so I hope to have some understanding of student life and empathy for what its like. I am also a musician – I play in a ceilidh band and a Klezmer band which organises klezmer music sessions occasionally. So feel free to get in touch with me to have a chat about community, University, music or anything else!

University Jewish Chaplaincy

Further information and support is available from the team of chaplains at the national , who are there for Jewish students of all backgrounds and affiliations. They provide a warm, vibrant, inclusive and inspiring Jewish environment with thousands of students benefiting every year from their pastoral, spiritual and practical support. 

Synagogues and congregations in Sheffield

Sheffield has a small Jewish community, with two worshipping congregations - one from the Orthodox and one from the Reform traditions.

Please note that these listings are to provide information only. The inclusion of any group or association in these listings does not represent an endorsement of its views or practices by the University of Sheffield.

Both synagogue communities are friendly and welcoming, whatever your level of knowledge or observance.

The Reform community does not have its own building but meets regularly in the Ranmoor area.

The Orthodox community's building is near Hunter's Bar. Services are conducted according to traditional customs on every Thursday morning, Friday evening and Saturday morning as well as midweek festivals.

Please get in touch for more details of locations and times of services.

The Reform congregation uses English and Hebrew in services, usually led by members of the community but sometimes by a visiting Rabbi. Torah (Bible) readings are in Hebrew and translated into English. Both communities run communal events and offer home hospitality.

Orthodox

Rabbi Golomb

Synagogue, Brincliffe Crescent, near Hunters Bar, Sheffield S11 9AW.

There is a kosher butcher shop on the premises every Thursday morning open from 8.30-10.30am selling fresh meat and Challot.

At the same time there is a cafe offering a kosher breakfast and coffee. You can find it just up the stairs from the butcher shop.

Reform

Seven Hills Shul

Small, informal, inclusive Reform Jewish community.

We run events and services mostly in Ranmoor. Please phone or email Maya Brown, our community development worker (cdw@shef-ref.co.uk) or a member of the Seven Hills Shul committee (enquiries@shef-ref.co.uk) for the address.

High Holy Days

The High Holy Days, beginning with Rosh Hashanah (Day of the New Year) and ending with Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement, occur in September or October and so will often come early in the semester or even during Intro Week. They begin at sunset the evening before and end approximately one hour after sunset on the following day.

For Jewish students coming to a new city during the High Holy Days, it can be challenging to be away from family and friends.

Here is some information and advice to help you enjoy these important dates in Sheffield.

  1. There will be both Orthodox and Reform Services for the High Holy Days.
     
  2. You are welcome to come to Reform Services, but please contact enquiries@shef-ref.co.uk beforehand so that we know who you are and can give you more details.
     
  3. If you need to miss a Department event, contact them in advance to let them know why you will not be able to attend that day. More information is available here.
     
  4. No one needs to be alone on the High Holy Days. The Jewish Society will have a Yom Kippur student event. Contact them for information about it and to be signposted to the Orthodox and Reform Communities. Contact jewish.society@sheffield.ac.uk or on .
     
  5. Students who for religious reasons cannot attend lectures, sit exams, etc., on specific dates or times should discuss with their academic department(s) in advance. If exams on specific dates, late Friday afternoons, or Saturdays will not be possible, please complete  before the end of October.

Sheffield Student Jewish Society

The Sheffield Jewish Society is a joint society for students of both the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University.

Email : jewish.society@sheffield.ac.uk.

We also have an active WhatsApp group which you can join. We use our and occasionally for public statements and announcements. 

Visit our , where all of our platforms will be available in one place.

Related information

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