Rabbi Moish & Tanya Blum
Chaplaincy Couple
“We want to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive at university and has every opportunity open to them. Our goal is to support Jewish students through the challenges of university life, offering guidance and fostering a sense of community. We want to provide a safe environment where students can be proud of their Jewish identity.”
Rabbi Moish & Tanya Blum
Moish and Tanya Blum both grew up in NW London.
Moish spent a few years learning in yeshivot in Israel including studying for semicha in Jerusalem. Before joining Chaplaincy, he was learning in the Borehamwood Kollel, a role which includes outreach and local community work alongside his final year studying Economics at the University of London.
Tanya spent a year in seminary in Israel post-high school, then studied Occupational Therapy at Brunel University, from where she recently graduated. Since her return to London, she has taught Jewish studies at Yavneh College and recently qualified as an occupational therapist, starting to work for the NHS in October.
Regional Amenities
Where are you from?
We are both from NW London (we grew up about a 10-minute walk from each other!) We moved to Borehamwood when we got married.
Why chaplaincy?
We are delighted to be given the opportunity to support Jewish students through their university experience. Having both needed support from Chaplaincy during our time at university, we understand the impact they make. Being a part of Chaplaincy gives us the opportunity to make a difference, and provide the support students need.
How can you help students?
We are both always happy to chat with students and have meaningful conversations. We love hosting people!
What do you enjoy doing most with students?
We love discussing the idiosyncrasies of Oxford! We also love having Torah discussions and hosting fun events.
What do you want students to take away from their Jewish experience at uni?
To be proud of their Jewish identity, regardless of where life takes them.
What prepared you for this role?
Moshe: Attending various Yeshivot worldwide for several years has given me an excellent background in high-level Jewish learning. I have also been a Madrich (and cook!) on different camps.
Tanya: When I was in uni, I was very involved in my youth movement, eventually heading one of the camps! I love arranging events and creating relationships with other people. I also was a Madricha for Aish, Yavneh and JFS, doing trips to Israel, Poland or a Lunch and Learn!
Personal interests?
Moshe: I love to play the piano, build IKEA furniture and am an avid sports fan.
Tanya: Muay Thai (kickboxing), Learning more about Judaism, plants, nature, shopping.
Where did you go to yeshiva / university?
Moshe: Gateshead Yeshiva, the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Israel, Semicha from Rav Lerners Kolel in Jerusalem, Israel, Borehamwood Kolel in Hertfordshire. My degree is from the University of London, through the London School of Economics in Economics and Finance (more than happy to discuss how annoying it is with anyone interested).
Tanya: I went to Michlalah in Jerusalem, Israel during my gap year. I got my degree from Brunel University, London in Occupational Therapy.
Universities we cover
