The Cambridge Traditional Jewish Congregation is an orthodox but independent and unaffiliated community. It runs its services in a traditional manner, with standard orthodox liturgy, a mechitzah, and so forth, but also has a relaxed, friendly, and open style. It is inclusive and welcoming in its activities and outlook. We do not have a resident rabbi or chazan: the services are led by members of the congregation. This is a very do-it-yourself community, and probably has the highest attendance rate of any shul in England. If you miss a shabbat people will ask after you...

Shabbat morning services start at 9.30 throughout the year. They finish usually around 11.30, and there is a kiddush every week outside university term (and many weeks of term too). As with everything else, the kiddush depends on community members contributing and organising. It is also a good place to meet our many visitors: Cambridge hosts many academics and others who come for shorter and longer periods, and enjoying their company is an integral part of our Jewish life in Cambridge.

The resident Jewish population of Cambridge is small, and one thing that distinguishes it from other communities is - inevitably - the moderately high percentage of members from the university. There is a good intellectual and social atmosphere in the shul: there are regular talks, and shiurim, which complement the offerings of the Jewish Society - the students who own the shul - and other student and outreach organisations such as Culanu and Chabad.

During University term, the services are run by the students, with a touch more boisterousness than out of term. Outside University term, the shul reverts to the residents (who also run the High Holy Day services). The times of Friday night services are posted on the website, and weekday services are agreed on a Shabbat morning or by special arrangement.

Cambridge is a unique community. It is serious without being pompous, friendly without being happy-clappy, open without losing sense of the necessary boundaries - and, above all, a true community, where people look out for each other, and enjoy each other's company. Do come and see for yourself!

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