Oxford Masorti Group

The Oxford Jewish Centre provides for the needs of all Jews in Oxford, whether permanent residents, students or visitors. We hold services for Orthodox, Masorti and Progressive forms of prayer, sometimes simultaneously. Members of the community, whatever worship they participate in, are equal members of the congregation, and all of the many communal activities here are open to all.

The Oxford Masorti Group meets within the Oxford Jewish Congregation on the last Shabbat of every month. Our egalitarian services are conducted using the traditional Hebrew liturgy from the Singer’s siddur. After the service we join the community’s Orthodox minyan for a communal Kiddush. Those who want to listen are welcomed equally with those – adults and children – who are able and willing to take an active part in the service.

Community services

Our own synagogue building

Weekday services

Cheder (religion school)

Bar/bat-mitzvah and teenage classes

Children’s services

Adult education

Social and cultural events

Events for young adults

Playgroup/parent and child activities

Activities for older members

Burial society

On the last Shabbat morning of every month, a Masorti service is held at the OJC. Masorti means "traditional"; and our services are conducted using the traditional Hebrew liturgy in the Singer siddur. In a relaxed atmosphere, we hold egalitarian services, with men and women sitting together and participating equally in all parts of the service, an approach which is permitted within the Masorti interpretation of Halacha.

The service begins slightly after the Orthodox service and ends so that we join the rest of the congregation for a communal Kiddush, thereby following the all-important Oxford minhag of one cohesive congregation. Those who want to listen are welcomed equally with those who are able to take an active part in the service- at any level, such as leading a portion of the service, leyning or reciting the Prayer for the Royal Family in English. We also encourage the participation of the children, for example in leading the singing of Adon Olam and in dressing the Torah.

We do not hold separate Masorti High Holyday services but join the Orthodox or Progressive congregations on these special days of worship. We are happy to help in arranging family celebrations, for example baby blessings, bar and bat mitzvah and if you would like any further information about Masorti, please do not hesitate to contact: masorti@ojc-online.org