Rabbi Uriya & Shima Dvir
Chaplaincy Couple
Uriya and Shima Dvir met in Israel when they were 17 years old, while volunteering with kids with cancer. They got married during Uriya’s military service five years later, lived in Jerusalem and gave birth to a baby boy, Imri. Shima undertook a BA in dance and psychology at Hebrew University and Uriya is soon to finish his MA in education, with a specialty in Jewish philosophy. Over the years Shima worked with student exchange programs and was a dance teacher, whilst Uriya was a tutor. The Dvirs are excited to start their new adventure with the students of Nottingham.
RABBI URIYA & SHIMA DVIR
Uriya and Shima Dvir met in Israel when they were 17 years old, while volunteering with kids with cancer. They got married during Uriya’s military service five years later, lived in Jerusalem and gave birth to a baby boy, Imri. Shima undertook a BA in dance and psychology at Hebrew University and Uriya is soon to finish his MA in education, with a specialty in Jewish philosophy. Over the years Shima worked with student exchange programs and was a dance teacher, whilst Uriya was a tutor. The Dvirs are excited to start their new adventure with the students of Nottingham.
Regional Amenities
Where are you from?
Jerusalem, Israel
Why chaplaincy?
We looked for a place where we could build a community with the students, be there for them daily, provide Jewish life on campus in various aspects and be a home away from home.
How can you help students?
We are here for any religious clashes with the university, as well as problems with antisemitism, and here to help solve any conflict with the university. Besides that, any personal issue, ever feeling lonely or not yourself or just looking for company, we are always here for coffee (or tea!) dates, long walks, and more.
What do you enjoy doing most with students?
Our favourite time with students is Thursday nights when everyone comes to cook for Shabbat and eat delicious schnitzels. Besides that, we also love when students spontaneously knock on our door and join for a meal or just come to chat and spend some time with us.
What do you want students to take away from their Jewish experience at uni?
We want the students to experience the joy, pride and feeling of community and connection and to take this with them into their independent post university life.
What prepared you for this role?
Shima worked with students in the Hebrew University in Israel and Uriya was a high school teacher, so we had a lot of experience with students in various ages. Besides that, UJC prepared us with a great seminar filled with lots of important topics, as well as always consulting with experienced chaplains all over the UK.
Personal interests?
Shima loves doing pilates, dancing, traveling and seeing new places. Uriya loves hiking, playing basketball and climbing. Both of us love to read and learn new things all the time.
Where did you go to yeshiva / university?
Shima studied in the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and in the Academy for music and dance. Uriya attended Othniel Yeshiva for 5 years and then one more year in Yeshivat Siach Yitzchak.
Universities we cover
