Religious Services

Religious services in Oxford, for all denominations, take place under the auspices of the Oxford Jewish Congregation at the Oxford Jewish Centre (OJC), 21 Richmond Road, Oxford (for a map, click here). The Congregation is, uniquely, committed to encouraging equal access for all denominations of Judaism within the Congregation. Orthodox Friday night and Shabbat morning services are held throughout the year, regular Progressive and Masorti services are held every month, and occasional Women's services and children's services also take place there. After Saturday morning services a Kiddush is held for all members of the Congregation attending services in the building.

There is no Rabbi so lay members, with the help of students from the two universities and other visitors, run the services. We have a Sunday morning Hebrew school of more than eighty children between 5 and 15, as well as adult education and social events

Orthodox

Orthodox services are held at the Synagogue (Richmond Road) every Friday night and Saturday morning. Starting times are: Friday night in winter - 7.00pm, Friday night in summer - 7.30pm, Saturday morning - 10.00am.

With the exception of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, morning services are followed by a communal Kiddush when the Orthodox congregation is joined by any other group which has been holding a separate service at the Centre on the day. This is a great opportunity to catch up on news and to meet new people.

Apart from the high Holy Days, services are conducted by volunteers. Orthodox services follow the Singer Prayer book for Shabbat and daily services and the Routledge Prayer Books for all eth Festivals.

For further details contact orthodox@oxford-synagogue.org.uk

Masorti

"Masorti" literally means "traditional." Masorti is traditional Judaism practised in a spirit of open minded enquiry and tolerance - and that is exactly how our services are organised. We follow the traditional liturgy, using the Singer prayerbook as in the Orthodox service, with full Torah and Haftarah readings. Men and women take part in the service on an equal footing; all members of the congregation sit together, count for the minyan, and can be called up for all aliyot. We like to conduct the service at a pace that allows everyone to understand and appreciate the prayers and the melodies.

Our services are held on the last Shabbat of every month - when we are always delighted to welcome visitors and new members. We start at 9:45am sharp and aim to end at the same time as the Orthodox service so that all members of the OJC can join together as one community for the Kiddush.

All those who can lead any part of the service or read Torah and Haftarah are warmly invited to do so. Both men and women do this. (If you haven't led a service or done any leyning since your Bar or Bat Mitzvah, the Masorti service could be your reason to review that trop or act out your dreams of being a cantor for one Shabbat morning every month.) Also, we are equally happy for you to join us as a congregant.

If you are interested but unsure about Masorti why not just come along.

For further information please contact masorti@oxford-synagogue.org.uk.

Progressive

There is a lively Progressive group in Oxford, but at present more call for Liberal than Reform services. They are usually held on the second Saturday of the month at 11.15 a.m.

We are always glad to welcome visitors and new members and help with services is especially appreciated. After the services members of the congregation to are welcomed to share a 'bring-a-dish' lunch at the home of one of the congregation - an ideal way to get to know the community.

For further information please contact progressive@oxford-synagogue.org.uk.