Jewish Chaplaincy
Judaism is very much about living in the real world, and being Jewish in Exeter is very much part of that experience. There are Jewish students and staff from many different backgrounds in Exeter, and we welcome everyone, whatever their beliefs.
Chaplains serve all in the University of Exeter community; staff/students of any faith background or none. They offer specialist faith advice, pastoral and spiritual support and run events from various different faith traditions and worldviews.
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Chris Spreadbury - Pastoral Chaplain
I grew up on Dartmoor and now live just outside Exeter with my wife Anna and our spaniel, Eva. I converted to Judaism through the Masorti Beth Din in 2020. My Jewish life is very much practice-focused: I enjoy keeping Shabbat, attending services, observing festivals, and continuing to learn. I particularly love practising Hebrew, especially through song. For my day job, I work as a musician, conductor and educator.
I joined the University of Exeter Chaplaincy team in 2025, where my role is to support Jewish students. If you would like support, or simply to have a chat, you are very welcome to pop into the Multifaith Centre on one of the Thursdays I am in. I work as part of a chaplaincy team with my wife Anna, who students are also very welcome to contact if they prefer.
I am usually on duty fortnightly on Thursdays from 10:00am to 12:30pm, with dates shared via the JSoc WhatsApp group. You are very welcome to contact me directly by email at c.spreadbury@exeter.ac.uk, or to ask the Multifaith Chaplaincy team for my details.
Alongside my chaplaincy role, I am closely involved with Exeter Synagogue as Membership Secretary and am always happy to help students connect with the local Jewish community. Anna and I sometimes host Jewish festivals and JSoc events in our home, and we can also help link students into synagogue events and wider community life if that would be helpful.
Outside chaplaincy, I enjoy travel, keeping fit through CrossFit and football, and spending time outdoors.
בברכה
David Kolitz - Faith and Worldview Chaplain
Email: d.l.kolitz@exeter.ac.uk
Mobile: 07765 249825
No current events
Watch this space for events that may be run in the future
Jewish Society (JSoc)
The Students' Guild Jewish Society (JSoc) aims to create an environment for students of all backgrounds.
We showcase the best of our culture and religion by always bringing a modern twist to annual festivals, Friday Night Dinners and much more.
What you can expect from us:
- Fun and innovative Friday Night Dinners
Cheap food, great company and amazing atmosphere! - Interesting socials
From our 'Lunch & Learns' to bake-alongs, you can always expect a fun time - Interfaith events
From discussions to joint socials, we want to create an extended family with all religions on campus - Support
We want you to think of our society as an extended family, knowing you can come to us at any time for a chat and slice of challah
Our students are diverse, come from many parts of the world and each has a unique connection to Judaism, be it cultural or religious. We make sure to accommodate all students in our society and make our events varied and fun for people of all backgrounds and faiths.
The society is here to assist its students in any way possible. Our members study many different disciplines at the University and are always here to help with anything. Additionally, we work closely with the multifaith chaplaincy who are here to help with anything, no matter how big or small.
You will find opportunities to have fun, network, get assistance in your studies and personal life, and much more in Exeter JSoc.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us through our social media pages! We hope to see as many of you as possible throughout the year!
A little of our history
Our Annual Ball is themed on a Jewish festival that occurs around September/October - Rosh Hashanah (or Jewish New Year). In this way, we share our seasonal joys with everyone. Our 2014 Ball was titled 'Israel: Celebrations of a Sweet New Year' and brought together the Friends of Israel society. As a result, we were nominated for Union of Jewish Students (UJS) Event of the Year (2014).
2014 also saw the University's first Interfaith Winter Formal, organised by the Student Guild's Faith and Worldview Executive which included representation from JSoc. The event, held at the Royal Clarence Hotel in Exeter, brought together other faith societies on campus and won the Exeter Students' Guild Awards Event of the Year (2014).
Our society has recorded multiple short interviews with BBC Radio Devon, speaking on modern Jewish life. For our efforts, UJS nominated us for Communication of the Year (2014). During that season, we held a full Kosher Shabbat dinner for the society, which was part of our campaign for kosher food at Exeter.
In 2015 we secured a kosher accommodation* block in University accommodation, for students who want to continue observing Jewish customs while at Exeter.
These are events/activities in the wider Exeter community as recommended by our Chaplains! Please be aware the Multifaith Chaplaincy are not running these events.
Exeter Synagogue
Jews have lived and worshipped in Exeter for more than two centuries. Exeter Synagogue is over 250 years old, and the community is small and welcoming.