United Kingdom

Information

Demography

There are approximately 300,000 Jews living in the United Kingdom, making it the 2nd largest community in Europe (France being the largest), and the 5th largest in the world. They are mainly concentrated  in the major cities: London, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow.

Most Jews living in the United Kingdom are English,with approximately 6,000 from Scotland, 2,000 from Wales and less than 400 from Northern Ireland.

The Jewish community is only 0.48% of the British population, compared to 4.8% Muslim and 59.3% Christian.

It is a diverse and vibrant community.

History

The first Jews arrived in 1070 with William the Conqueror but were expelled in 1290 by Edward I until Oliver Cromwell in the 1660s.

By the mid 18th century, Jews were granted equal rights. 

Religious tolerance meant an increase in Jewish immigration, allowing thousands to flee from the Nazis in the 1930s. 10,000 German, Austrian and Czech children arrived on the kindertransport.

However, the United Kingdom was responsible for restricting immigration into Palestine and many refugees were turned back to Germany or interned in camps as 'enemy aliens'.

Public Life

Jewish people have contributed to British society and politics.

In the mid 18th century, Jews were accepted into Parliament. In 1868, and again 1874-80, Benjamin Disraeli became the first (and only) Jewish (although he had converted to Christianity) Prime Minister.

1993-97: Michael Howard was Home Secretary.

2007-10: David Miliband was Foreign Secretary.

2009: Rt Hon John Bercow was Speaker of the House.

Community Life

There are approximately 300 synagogues in the United Kingdom, serving all streams of Judaism for both Ashkenazi and Sephardi.

26% of the community  identify as traditional; 24% are cultural/secular; 18% are Progressive; 12% are Orthodox; 4% are ultra Orthodox/Charedi.

50% of the community are affiliated to a synagogue: United Synagogue caters for modern Orthodox, Reform Judaism, Liberal Judaism, Sephardi, Masorti Judaism, Federation of Synagogues.

The Chief Rabbi of the United Synagogue is Sir Ephraim Mirvis CBE.

The Senior Rabbi of Reform Judaism is Laura Jenner.

Kashrut

 There are plenty of kosher shops, butchers and restaurants in the major cities. Kosher food can still be found elsewhere in less abundance, and online options are available everywhere.

Education

Approxiamtely 60% of Jewish children attend Jewish primary and secondary schools in the UK. As this figure increases, the number attending Cheder classes is reducing.

Jews' College offers Orthodox rabbinical studies, whilst Leo Baeck College teaches Progressive rabbinical studies.

There are several yeshivot across the UK as well as adult education centres teaching Jewish Studies, specifically the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS) and the Lyons Learning Project.

The Union of Jewish Students (UJS) respresents students in tertiary education.

Youth

The UK is affiliated to several youth organisations promoting Jewish values and encouraging contribution to the wider society: 

B'nei Akiva, BBYO, Betar, FZY, Habonim Dror, Hashomer Hatzair.

Media

Several papers serve the Jewish community weekly: Jewish Chronicle, Jewish News, Jewish Telegraph and Jewish Tribune. There are als weekly radio programmes.

Affiliations

Commonwealth Jewish Council

World Jewish Congress

World Jewish Relief

UJIA