What is Jewish Kent?

Jewish Kent is an informal grouping of the various Jewish communities in Kent which was established in 2004 to promote the richness of Jewish life in the county and to promote friendship and cooperation between its different communities.

Ssince then we have organised 3 community days in Chatham, consisting of a wide variety of social, cultural and musical activities, a seminar day in Canterbury and a stand at the Maidstone Mela, a multi-cutural celebration of music food and dance. More recently a drama workshop for chilren of all ages from 2-17 took place in Chatham and another one is planned for the eve of Chanukah 2008.

On 29 October 2006 we launched the Jewish Kent Heritage Trail and on 14 October 2007 this was followed by a Thanet Synagogue Trail. Please visit our events page for further details.

This website aims to provide an introduction to the diversity of Jewish life in the Garden of England, linking to the various Jewish communities and to a wealth of practical detail connected with a Jewish lifestyle outside the big cities.

Kent has some five active Jewish communities beyond the London suburbs, ranging from Orthodox and Independent to Progressive.  These communities have resolved to work together on a range of social and cultural projects designed to enhance the breadth of Jewish life in the county.  The joint hosting of the Jewish Kent website is one of the first ventures undertaken in this spirit of close co-operation.

With its historic cities of Canterbury and Rochester combined with picturesque villages  countryside and seaside resorts, Kent is an extremely pleasant place to live. Its comprehensive road and rail network puts all parts of the county within easy reach of London and the Channel Tunnel.

This web site is meant particularly for Jewish people who are looking for the quality of life which urban life cannot always provide, but who place a high value on remaining close to a community.  The information on this site gives a basis from which to assess living in Kent from the point of view of travel, housing, education, worship, leisure and lifestyle. 

Pages covering transport details and and Jewish facilities and useful links will be added soon.

For further information you can email us at jonw@jewishkent.org.uk