Tuesday 20-12-2022 - 12:40

Here is Sophie Wimborne, a third-year English Literature student from Collingwood college and the incumbent President of the Durham University Jewish Society (JSoc). JSoc forms the heart of Jewish life at the University. This society is a cultural group that celebrates Judaism in all its plurality and functions as a safe space for those practising the faith and those interested in learning about it. An inclusive and welcoming group, JSoc's flourishing interfaith community, has led to its soaring popularity on campus. Jewish education is one of the core pursuits during its enriching events. With weekly Friday night dinners, Lunch and Learn sessions, Mitzvah day events, and an abundance of cultural festivities, JSoc's dynamism provides its members with an immersive cultural experience. 

Right from the beginning of her journey at Durham, Sophie was eager to be involved with JSoc. For her, the group presented itself as an opportunity to be part of a supportive community of like-minded individuals deeply associated with the Jewish tradition and culture. Even with the pandemic restrictions dampening her first year at University, the society proved to be an active platform of cultural exploration and exchange through its lively virtual events. She mentions that these events led her to meet a lovely group of friends whom she wouldn't have had a chance to meet otherwise. Sophie cherishes them to be her home away from home. JSoc's passionate work and community motivated Sophie to partake in JSoc as an exec. During her second year, she worked as the Social Secretary for JSoc. During her tenure, Sophie was primarily concerned with reviving in-person meets and socials.  

Currently, in her role as the President, she hopes to harness the strength of the doubled membership base and further expand on campus in pursuit of the group's potential. Right from the Freshers' Fair, Sophie and her team have been engrossed in scheduling programs and arranging events. JSoc has avidly collaborated with their lead chaplain and numerous NGOs (non-governmental organizations) concerning the issues of antisemitism. Interfaith initiatives and occasions also form a majority of JSoc's socials. Sophie notes that a significant number of events in association with sponsor organisations and partner companies await its members. 

JSoc's Friday night Shabbat dinners are one of the most treasured events that the group conducts. These dinners are entirely kosher, and Sophie is truly grateful to the catering team for facilitating the society with wonderful kosher meals each week. She states that these dinners are a lovely occasion to come together with your friends as you would at home with your family and dear ones.  Additionally, the society invites the Rabbi from Newcastle to conduct Lunch and Learn sessions for its members and innumerable other festivities during Jewish holidays. A recent highlight of the group's activities includes a successful beach clean-up event that they conducted for the Mitzvah day. 

Sophie mentions that while JSoc's incredible membership numbers are encouraging, they are also, at times, overwhelming. From networking to scrupulously organising events and keeping members regularly involved, the role of the President had indeed been challenging. Though this added responsibility brought with it a strenuous commitment, she finds it truly fulfilling to be able to make such a community-wide impact. 

To know more about Judaism and to partake in the exciting events conducted by the Durham University Jewish Society, reach out to jewish.society@durham.ac.uk.