News

University opens ‘kosher kitchen’

(22 November 2007)

Durham University will today be the first North East university to provide a kosher kitchen and dining facilities for its students.

The University’s Jewish Society will today (22 November) celebrate the opening of the kitchen, which will provide Sabbath and Festival meals for members of the society. The facilities, located in St. Aidan’s College, will be under the direction of Ken Dent, Catering Manager of St Aidan’s. The kosher kitchen means that all catering will conform to Jewish dietary law concerning food and its preparation. For example, pork is specifically prohibited, and vegetables and fruit must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure no insects are eaten. Other products, such as some yoghurt brands and some breakfast cereals, contain gelatine or glycerine, which are also prohibited, while items such as cheese and wine must come from an approved source. The initiative is jointly funded by Durham University and the Union of Jewish Students Hillel (UJS) to support the needs of the rapidly growing Jewish student community in Durham. The University is committed to encouraging such cultural and religious diversity amongst students, already hosting a Muslim Prayer Room and several Christian chapels, and is pleased to work alongside UJS Hillel who provide a network of facilities for Jewish students across the UK. Alan Sheppard, co-president of Durham University’s Jewish Society, said: "We are delighted by the opening of the kosher kitchen. We are grateful to UJS Hillel and the University for providing so much support to us and giving us this fantastic opportunity to help Jewish life grow even further in Durham, providing us with a facility to have more regular Friday night dinners for larger groups and put on more events throughout the year." UJS Hillel operations director, Gerry Lucas, said “This initiative demonstrates not only our commitment to supporting Jewish students wherever they are studying but also the willingness of Durham University to cooperate in such a positive and demonstrable manner. We are truly grateful to the University for their co-operation.” Dr Susan Frenk, acting principal of St Aidan’s College, said: “Historically, food plays a role far beyond pure survival and lies at the heart of every community. “This kosher kitchen is a little jewel in our broader celebration of the complex cultural mosaic of College and University life and we hope that it will prove a rich source of intellectual and spiritual nourishment as well as embodying the historic struggles and rituals of our Jewish members.” The facilities will allow the Jewish Society to have a dedicated space to use for Friday night dinners as well as other events including speakers, film nights and festival celebrations. Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, Professor Chris Higgins will be attending the launch of the kitchen as well as the Acting Principal of St. Aidan’s College, Dr Susan Frenk, and the heads of the Islamic Society and Christian Union. Also in attendance will be representatives of the Union of Jewish Students and UJS Hillel together with other guests from the University and the Jewish Society.