The rabbi serving Oxford University and the Oxford Jewish community since 2001, his titles include executive director of the city’s Chabad and the student-run Oxford University Chabad Society. Other involvements include founding the David Slager Jewish student centre in the heart of Oxford, the Samson Judaica library and the new David and Lara Slager mikveh on the Oxford Chabad site
Tell us about a typical week at the synagogue
During university term there is a weekly welcome for up to 200 students, faculty, community members and tourists. I host high-profile guest speakers from Oxford, elsewhere in the UK and abroad; offer classes and courses; and lead weekday and Shabbat services. There are Shabbat dinners, inside and outside university term, for up to 100 students each Friday. I also teach over 10 classes weekly on Judaism, privately and in groups; counsel students on relationships; and help them campaign against antisemitism and anti-Israel bias. I further assist student prospects for conversions to Judaism and provide resources for students writing essays on Jewish subjects.
Tell us what you like most about your role
Working with young, educated and intellectual people.
What do you do in your time-off?
Reading, writing and researching new topics in a broad range of subjects; football, chess, riding and family vacations and trips.
Define your Judaism
Relevant in every sphere, making a fundamental difference to the modern world.
