All articles published
Our latest press releases
Violent protests threaten our rights
Violent protests threaten our rights as South Africans! Today we saw violent protesters along the Cape Town beachfront, designed to threaten Christians in this country. Christian people have the same
Joe Biden delivers a powerful message
A public announcement from Joe Biden “We are with Israel, make no mistake.” United States President Joe Biden delivers a powerful message of support for Israel. View below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXqsDOMRULY
A letter to the president
We are betrayed. President Ramaphosa we are outraged by your callous disregard for the systematic and targeted mass murder of Jews last week and lack of concern for the 200
Our three most recent chairperson's reports
Chairperson’s Report 2021
Chairperson’s Report 2020
All our blog posts, unfiltered
Violent protests threaten our rights
Violent protests threaten our rights as South Africans! Today we saw violent protesters along the Cape Town beachfront, designed to threaten Christians in this country. Christian people have the same
Cape Talk 702 interview
We closely monitor and investigate all acts of antisemitism in South Africa — but we stand against all forms of hatred. Hands off our children – a call from the
Hands off our children
Hands off our children – a call from the Jewish community! The Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies is outraged by the recent antisemitic attack on our children. Yesterday,
Flourishing business in Khayelitsha
The Entrepreneurs Network ended the year on a high with an inspirational event held at the Isivivana Centre in Khayelitsha. This featured a panel discussion moderated by successful entrepreneur Luvuyo
Remembering our heritage in Ceres
Yesterday, over 50 people gathered to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone of the first Ceres shul , precisely 100 years ago on 21 November 1923. Former members of
A century of Jewish religious life in Stellenbosch
1923 – 2023: A century of Jewish religious life in Stellenbosch The Stellenbosch Hebrew Congregation celebrated its centenary with a meaningful Shabbaton on the 20th and 21st of October 2023,
Pray for Israel
2000 members came together Today, more than 2000 members of the Jewish community, friends of Israel and friends of peace, got together to pray for the safe return of hostages
Joe Biden delivers a powerful message
A public announcement from Joe Biden “We are with Israel, make no mistake.” United States President Joe Biden delivers a powerful message of support for Israel. View below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXqsDOMRULY
Antisemitism on Seapoint promenade
Offensive graffiti Earlier today the Sea Point promenade was exposed to antisemitic and highly offensive graffiti. Thanks to the City of Cape Town for swiftly removing these. We received many
Johannesburg shows support
We are betrayed. South Africa Supports Israel. People have been driving through the streets of Johannesburg watching the buildings lit up with the Israeli flag.https://www.capesajbd.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/387833127_1359139175021005_1004834788449449171_n.mp4
A letter to the president
We are betrayed. President Ramaphosa we are outraged by your callous disregard for the systematic and targeted mass murder of Jews last week and lack of concern for the 200
Cape Town stands with Israel
Solidarity Rally “Our community is united as we pull together and draw strength from each other and we will make sure that we come out of this not just intact
A call for peace
Stand against terror. Today, more than 2000 members of the Jewish community, friends of Israel and friends of peace, got together to pray for the safe return of hostages and
Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt Function
‘You can’t carry an axe, you have to carry a scalpel’. Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, addressed an audience of over 200 people at the
History of the Union of Jewish Women Exhibition
The Board values the relationships with our Affiliate Organisations and we always try to amplify the incredible work they do in the community. Last night we hosted a tour of
Old Synagogue building restored
Last year, the Piketberg Museum embarked on a mission to repaint and restore the old Synagogue building which now houses the museum. It was a costly affair and the job
Old Shul re-opening
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭! Among the guests attending the opening of our beautifully restored Old Shul were guest of honour US Ambassador to South Africa,
Call for Protest
South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) has called for an end to what it says are threatening protests at Jewish places of worship. The SAJBD says a small group
Cape SAJBD Media responses to Protests
The Cape SAJBD has spoken out about the recent intimidating protests plaguing our Jewish facilities. Executive Director, Daniel Bloch spoke to SABC News. Watch the interview now. The South African
The Entrepreneurs Network
The Cape SAJBD is proud to be a partner in initiating and supporting the Entrepreneur Network – a platform where entrepreneurs from diverse communities come together to nurture their businesses.
Stop Threatening the South African Jewish Community!
For the past two months, the Cape Town Jewish Community has been threatened, intimidated, and viciously maligned by anti-Israel organisations like the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, UCT PSF, and others who
Swastika spotted in Macassar
Earlier this week it was reported that a swastika symbol had been spray painted on an electrical high voltage box in Macassar (which is near Somerset West). We have reported
Professor Milton Shain’s latest book on Antisemitism
The Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies attended the launch of Professor Milton Shain’s latest book on Antisemitism entitled “Fascists, Fabricators, and Fantasists: Antisemitism in South Africa from 1948 to
Freedom Day
Freedom Day represents peace, unity, and the restoration of human dignity of all South Africans. We call on our community, our neighbours, our government, faith-based organisations, civil society, and every
Terrorist organisations address UCT students on campus
The Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) is appalled that an event where messages from Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Hamas were screened was allowed to take place at
Human Rights Day
At a time when all South Africans face an uncertain future, let Madiba’s words remind us who we are and how we should respect one another. “To deny people their
Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill
SAJBD statement on the passing of the Prevention and Combatting of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill in the National Assembly on Tuesday March 14th 2023After over a decade of
Move Down to Cape Town Welcome Reception
Yesterday we welcomed several Jewish families and individuals to the Western Cape by hosting the Move Down to Cape Town Welcome Reception. Many have moved to the Cape in the
Why emigrate when you can semigrate?
Over the past few years we’ve been increasingly aware of news items and articles relating to semigration (moving from one part of a country to another, as opposed to migrating
Combat Antisemitism
“You can’t carry an axe, you have to carry a scalpel.” Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, addressed an audience of over 200 people at the Gardens
Entrepreneurs Network event
“The Board shares a dedication to and passion for developing sustainable growth and improving the quality of life for people in the Western Cape. The Entrepreneurs’ Network project resonates deeply
AGM and Conference
“You are not required to finish your work, yet neither are you permitted to desist from it” (Pirkei Avot – 2:21). These were the words that encapsulated the 2022 Cape
Entrepreneur Network
The Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies, in support of Entrepreneurs’ Organization South Africa, ORT Jet Cape Town, and Over The Rainbow, invites you to apply to an exciting new
Move down to Cape Town
‘Semigrating’ to Cape is better than emigrating, says Cape Board. Though the Johannesburg Jewish community faces the perennial question of whether it’s time to “pack for Perth”, the Cape South
The Bursary Foundation
Apply now for financial assistance for your 2023 tertiary education. You may apply if you: Are a Jewish undergraduate or postgraduate student. Are in need of financial assistance to study
Robertson cemetery gates restored
One of the key responsibilities of the Cape SAJBD is to ensure the well-being of all our constituents in the Western Cape. With a total area of almost 130 000
Mandela Day 2022 Global Cook-A-Thon
Happy Mandela Day! “Freedom is meaningless if people cannot put food in their stomachs”- Nelson Mandela. 1 in 4 South Africans are food insecure without affordable, nutritious food. This year
21st edition of the Maccabiah Games OPENS
The 21st edition of the Maccabiah Games has officially opened! Also known as the ‘Jewish Olympics’, the quadrennial games officially begin today with 10,000 individuals competing across 42 sports –
Cape SAJBD Election 2022: Verified list of nominees
Vivienne Anstey Viv is currently the Director of the Eliot Osrin Leadership Institute (ensuring a leadership succession pipeline & upskilling lay/professional leaders), Director of the Midrasha Adult Education Institute incorporating
Cape SAJBD meets CEO of the Commonwealth Jewish Council, Clive Lawton
On 30 June 2022, the Cape SAJBD met with the CEO of the Commonwealth Jewish Council, Clive Lawton. Members of the Board as well as members from the SAZF and
Celebrating the power of the Youth
The Cape SAJBD engage, educate and empower young adults to ensure their voices are heard. In commemoration of this Youth Day, we held two initiatives to celebrate the youth and
Cape SAJBD meets with Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde
As part of the Board’s focus areas aimed at advocacy and political networking, our Chairperson, Executive Director and Associate Relations Subcommittee Chairperson, met with the Premier and the Deputy Director:
Cape SAJBD meets with President of WUPJ (World Union of Progressive Judaism), Rabbi Sergio Bergman
On Friday 3rd June 2022, members of the Cape SAJBD along with leadership from the SAZF, UJW and Progressive Community, met with Rabbi Sergio Bergman – President of the World
ONE to ONE 2022 Give Warmth donation drive
One to One Day Fair is a community-based project that’s been running for just under 40 years and had held 2 projects under COVID-19 restrictions. It is a unique example
Yom HaShoah veHagvurah 2022
“To forget (the Holocaust) would be not only dangerous but offensive; to forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time.” – Elie Wiesel. On Thursday, 28
Visiting roads less travelled
With Pesach fast approaching, the Cape SAJBD went to visit the country communities of the Garden Route to wish them a Chag Pesach Sameach. From Caledon to Riversdale, George, Plett,
From Miss Iraq to global peace activist – meet Sarah Idan
“Governments may be enemies, but people are not.” This was the statement made by former Miss Iraq, Sarah Idan who turned global peace activist. She joined us and some of
Cape Town Interfaith Initiative Prayers for the City
We are committed to working with other faiths and communities to create a united, equal and prosperous Western Cape. Promoting harmony, goodwill and peace among different people allows us to
Welcoming Stellies new policy accommodating religious diversity
Through the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies (“Cape SAJBD”) engagement with the Registrar, Deputy Registrar and Ombudsman for Stellenbosch University over complaints it had received by members of
Engage, Educate, Empower: Kicking off 2022 with a bang!
The first day of school can often be one that emotes fear, dread, or anguish. However, the excitement was palpable on the 19th of January when the Cape SAJBD visited
Covid-19 Fourth wave on our doorstep: Prof Barry Schoub and Dr Richard Friedland guidelines
For the past several months, we have been able to enjoy life under lockdown level 1 with relative freedom. The number of active cases in our community has been negligible
Bringing the spirit of Chanukah to our Country Communities
This Chanukah, we partnered with Chabad Cape Town to bring the spirit of Chanukah to our Country Communities! We delivered Chanukah boxes which contained a Chanukiah, candles and a dreidel,
The Blanket Project
During September and October, we partnered with Jewish Community Services, on The Blanket Project campaign. The objective of this campaign was to encourage our community to donate blankets to those
A Kaleidoscope of Views
Our 2021 Cape Conference, ‘A Kaleidoscope of Views’ was held on 31 October at the Pola Pasvolsky Conference Centre. It was great to be back in person, albeit with a
Join us for a Kaleidoscope of Views
JOIN US via ZOOM on Sunday, 31 October at 16h00 for our annual AGM and Conference titled A KALEIDOSCOPE OF VIEWS. It includes a keynote address by renowned political economist, Simon Freemantle, who
Cape SAJBD condemn online discriminatory rhetoric in build-up to Elections
On Sunday 10 October, in partnership with eNCA, we hosted a local elections debate where representatives of the front-running political parties presented ideas for addressing housing, homelessness, crime, and social
Congratulations to Viv Anstey!
The Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies wishes our board member, Viv Anstey, a hearty mazel tov on her recent achievement of receiving the Eric Samson & Mendel Kaplan
Know Your Rights!
Our Generation Next subcommittee recently rolled out its ‘Know Your Rights’ campaign to Herzlia High School and CT Torah High Grade 11 and 12 students. Whether you are studying, working
Political parties talk tachlis
On 10 October, the Cape SAJBD and eNCA hosted a debate regarding the upcoming Local Government Elections. Held at the Investec, with catering by Merle Rubin (her devilled eggs have
Our Executive Director gets his first dose of Pfizer vaccine! Have you registered yet?
On 15 July, Covid-19 vaccine registration opened to all those between the ages of 35-49, with the aim to start vaccinating this age group on 1 August. Today, our Executive
Cape SAJBD condemns violence and looting in KZN and Gauteng
The Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies condemns the unrest that has broken out in KZN and Gauteng. South Africa’s people will only be safe when we accept the
#VotesMatter Campaign
As the representative spokes body of the Western Cape Jewish community, Cape SAJBD will engage with Local Government to protect and advance the rights, status and welfare of the Western
Cape SAJBD launches Report Hate Hotline
We are excited to announce the launch of our new #ReportHate Hotline. The community will now be able to report antisemitism and hate speech to an operator who will capture
Persons Over 60 Offered COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Helpline
The South African government has put in place a COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Process for all persons over the age of 60. We urge all community members over the age of
SAJBD Presents Holocaust Commemoration Ceremony: Friday 9 April at 12:00
This Friday, 9 April at 12:00, as part of the annual Holocaust Commemoration Day (Yom HaShoah), six Holocaust survivors will each light a memorial candle, give testimony and provide a
New Executive Director Daniel Bloch to Start Serving Community in May
The Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies is pleased to announce that Daniel Bloch will be joining the professional team in the position of Executive Director starting 1 May
The SAJBD remembers King Goodwill Zwelithini
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) extends its sincerest condolences to the Royal Family and the Zulu nation on the passing of King Goodwill Zwelithini. In a reign
Vandalism at Hermanus Jewish Cemetery Reported to SAPS
Press Release 08 March 2021 | 24 Adar 5781 The Cape SAJBD is saddened to learn about the vandalism that has taken place at the Hermanus Jewish Cemetery. The
Cape SAJBD Welcomes Canadian Decision Declaring Uyghur Genocide
Tuesday 2 March 2021 | 21 Adar 5781 The Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies (Cape SAJBD) welcomes the passage of a motion in Canada’s House of Commons
SAJBD Welcomes Mcebo Dlamini Apology for Antisemitic Comments
Today (14 December), the former Wits SRC President Mcebo Dlamini and the SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) engaged in mediation facilitated by the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The
Reconciliation Day 2020 Through a District Six Lens
by Gwynne Robins Many years ago, I was one of many in the packed auditorium who had come to listen to Jewish Chilean playwright and human rights activist Ariel
JCC Gives Stuart Diamond Chairperson’s Choice Award for Leadership
Jewish Care Cape Chairperson Philip Todres honoured our Executive Director, Stuart Diamond with the Chairperson’s Choice Award for Leadership at the JCC’s virtual Annual General Meeting on 26 October 2020.
Outspoken Rabbis: Speaking Truth to Power in Apartheid South Africa
Written for and originally published on DafkaDotCom on 5 August 2020 as part of the ‘Communal Matters: Exploring the Concerns of the South African Jewish Community’ series. Click for original.
Words matter.
Over the last few months, the board has witnessed engaged debates and discussions among our community — about COVID-19 and what we should do about it, about PPE, about schools
Sentencing of Matome Letsoalo: Magistrate says hate speech will not be tolerated
As issued by the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) [national] Today, the Randburg Magistrates Court sentenced Matome Letsoalo to three years imprisonment, suspended for five years, for threatening
First-ever criminal verdict in an antisemitism case: Matome Letsoalo
As issued by the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) [national] Last Friday, a major step forward in the battle against online antisemitism was taken when the Randburg Magistrates
Full Statement: After Long Fight, ADL is Relieved at Facebook Announcement That It Will Remove Holocaust Denial Content
New York, NY, October 12, 2020 — ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) is relieved by Facebook’s announcement that it was updating its hate speech policy to prohibit any content “that denies
Rosh Hashanah 100 years ago
by Gwynne Robins What do the High Holy Days mean to most of us? The 2019 Kaplan Centre Survey on the Jews in South Africa found that 72% attended
Electoral Commission Announces Outcome of Affiliate Ballot
Dear Community At 17:30 on Sunday 6 September 2020, the Cape SAJBD’s affiliate ballot election closed. At 18:15 the Electoral Commission announced the provisional results to attendees of our conference.
EC Congratulates Five New Board Members Elected by Public Ballot
Dear Cape Community At 17:00 on Tuesday 18 August the Cape SAJBD’s Public Ballot Election 2020 closed. On Wednesday 19 August, the provisional results of the public ballot were released
[Update] Oudtshoorn Jewish Cemetery badly vandalised, families sought
The Chevra Kadisha in Oudtshoorn this week discovered the Oudtshoorn Jewish Cemetary to have been vandalised, with a number of gravestones damaged in the process. Family members of those buried
EC Sanctions Community Member Following Two Complaints About Petition
Dear Western Cape Community Late last week, the Electoral Commission (EC) received two formal complaints concerning an alleged violation of the Electoral Code by a member of the community who
Election and Engagement in Community
Voting in public representatives is a unique opportunity for you, as a member of our community to engage, debate and decide who best will represent your views, fulfil the organisation’s
COVID-19, Conspiracy Theories and Us
By Gwynne Robins Which of these statements do you believe to be true? • COVID-19 spreads when Israeli soldiers wipe the virus on car door handles (suggested by Palestinian
Our Suggested #MinuteOfSilence Echoed by CoCT
In response to a suggestion from the Cape SAJBD, Minister Anroux Marais calls for a minute of silence every Wednesday at 12:00 noon. #PhysicallyDistanced #SociallyConnected #MinuteOfSilence
UOS and Beth Din Encourage Arrangements with Stone Masons
Originally communicated in a UOS and Beth Din letter dated 16 July 2020. Dear Colleagues and Friends It is a Mitzvah to erect a monument over the graves of
#Elections2020 : Election Commission Condemns Smear Campaign
To the Western Cape Jewish community, The Election Commission (EC) sent out a communication last week indicating that it had been made aware that defamatory allegations against one of
Camps Bay and Hatikvah
by Gwynne Robins When the British took over the Cape in 1806, it took possession of Dutch properties including the shabby Camps Bay farmhouse bought from Von Kamptz, after whom
Cape SAJBD Welcomes Five New Affiliate Organisations
Dear Community As of Sunday 2 August, the Cape SAJBD welcomes 5 new organisations to our affiliate database, representing various sectors. A warm welcome to • Chabad on Campus (under
#Elections2020 : Defamatory Message Being Investigated
31 July 2020 | 10 Av 5780 To the Western Cape Jewish community, On Wednesday 29 July, the Electoral Commission (EC) was made aware of a defamatory message directed at
Tony Ehrenreich apologises. SAJBD: It is never justified to threaten one’s fellow citizens
Johannesburg — Nearly six years after posting a comment inciting violence and hatred against the leadership of the SA Jewish community, former Western Cape Cosatu leader Tony Ehrenreich has at last
Announcement: Section 15(b) Suspended in #Elections2020
Dear Cape Community, Section 15(b) of the SAJBD Regulations states: “The communal ballot election will be declared invalid if less than 25% of eligible voters participate.” This provision may be
Announcement: Affiliate Delegate Allocations for #Elections2020
Dear Community Below you will find a list of our current Affiliate organisations and the delegate allocation for each. Applications received by organisations seeking affiliation are currently being processed, the
No Place for Hate
With our elections coming up under the Cape SAJBD’s new democratic constitution, it seems appropriate to take this opportunity to explain the Cape SAJBD’s stance on forms of hatred. At
Cape SAJBD Public Ballot Nominees Brochure out now
Learn more about the final list of Public Ballot nominees — their careers and their motivations for standing in the Cape SAJBD Board Election 2020. Download the Public Ballot Nominees
Seeking affiliation with us? Now’s the time!
Getting affiliated with the Cape SAJBD before Monday 13 July would make your organisation eligible to vote on the affiliate ballot at our board election in September this year. “We,
Details on CSO’s COVID-19 Monitoring Programme
CSO Cape Town launched its Wellness Monitoring Programme in response to the local COVID-19 outbreak. The programme was developed alongside Hatzolah Medical Rescue to enable the organisation to monitor local
JPR-Kaplan report provides latest insights to South African Jewish life
The Institue for Jewish Policy Research and the Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies at the University of Cape Town in March 2020 released their findings after surveying the Jews of
Letter: Easy Aid for Employers
Moratorium op die heropening van Kaapse sinagoges
05 Junie 2020 (13 Sivan 5780) VIR ONMIDDELLIKE VRYSTELLING Gardens, Kaapstad, Vrydag 5 Junie — Vanoggend het Rael Kaimowitz, voorsitter van die Kaapse Suid-Afrikaanse Joodse Raad van Afgevaardigdes, met
Moratorium on the reopening of Cape shuls
05 June 2020 (13 Sivan 5780) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Gardens, Cape Town, Friday 5 June — This morning, Rael Kaimowitz, chairperson of the Cape South African Jewish Board of
Montagu Cemetery in tip-top shape again
On 22 May, a team of gardeners completed another clean-up operation at Montagu Cemetery. This and other cemetery upkeep initiatives are supported by the Cape SAJBD, but we could use
Be kind, but be fierce
“Be kind, but be fierce. You are needed more than ever before. Take up the mantle of change. For this is your time.” —Winston Churchill Thursday 12 March feels like
Decision on Cape Synagogues to Follow
As of 1 June, all the synagogues in the Cape will remain closed. The Cape SAJBD, the body that is steering the communal COVID-19 workstreams, will be meeting with all
Letter: Let’s Observe Two Minutes of Silence at Noon Gun
Dear Editor Throughout the UK and the Commonwealth, two minutes of silence is observed at 11:00 on the 11th day of the 11th month — Armistice Day — one minute
A Prayer in Response to COVID-19
by Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz Master of the Universe, Our Creator and Liberator of diseases We are afraid and unprepared. We beseech you for guidance and support. Grant victims the
SAJBD Donates 9 Million Rand to help feed fellow South Africans
The SA Jewish Board of Deputies is delighted to announce that it has created a R9 million fund to provide help feed communities most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The
Newly-formed Community Fund Launches Interest-Free Loans to Support Small Jewish Businesses
PRESS RELEASE as released by the Gesher Small Business Relief Fund on Wednesday 6 May 2020. Today, Philanthropists from the Jewish community in South Africa announce the establishment of the
Yom HaShoah 2020 – Why Is This Year Different from All Other Years?
by Gwynne Robins “I thought I had been through everything in the camps. I never thought I would be experiencing this,” a survivor confided to me. During the Holocaust —
Personal Reflections on May Day
This special personal narrative was shared with the Cape SAJBD ahead of Workers’ Day 2020, when trade unionists and political activists Leon and Lorna Levy will celebrate 58 years of
Bestowing kindness: Who needs you most right now?
To all our community members, We appreciate the good you are doing for our community during this extraordinarily difficult time. Without your support —be it through donations or volunteering— many
Limitations of Freedom Today Given the Lockdown
By Tyla Dallas It is almost ironic to celebrate Freedom Day today when our freedoms are so severely restricted under this national lockdown. The Constitution cements —inter alia— that we
How Did the Bnoth Zion Association Begin?
By Gwynne Robins It is 19 August 1901 and Moses Zuckerman has called a general meeting for Jewish women in the Masonic Hall. “By 1901,” writes Marcia Gitlin, “Zionism
How Did Zionism Start in Cape Town?
By Gwynne Robins The first Zionist society in Cape Town was the short-lived Bnei Zion Society which had been established on 27 November 1897 by Reb Yehuda Leib Schrire, the
The 1918 Flu Pandemic and the Cape Town Jewish Community
Prof Howard Phillips’ Interview with Jenny Stern (14.11.1978) – born 1903 Abbreviated from the interview in In a Time of Plague: Memories of the Spanish Flu Epidemic of 1918 in
How Did Astra Begin?
By Gwynne Robins Global education network ORT, which started in St Petersburg, Russia in 1880 to teach Jews employable skills, came to South Africa in 1936 when its chairman, Dr
How the Jewish Community Services Started
By Gwynne Robins The hazards of the sea were directly responsible for the establishment of the first Jewish organisation in the Cape, the Jewish Philanthropic Society of the Jewish Community
How the Cape SAJBD Started
By Gwynne Robins Since the fourth century BCE, the Jews in the Diaspora have found it necessary to have a kehillah, a semi-autonomous organised Jewish community structure, that could intercede
Summary: Proper use of cloth masks during COVID-19 response
Updated as at 04/05/2020: The Western Cape government has made the wearing of cloth masks mandatory when you leave the home to access essential services or purchase essential goods. We’ve
Cape Town dad’s Kneidlach Chicken Soup
By Clive Dallas Ingredients • 8 spoons Matzah meal • 3-4 Eggs • 2 tbsp Schmaltz • 1 large onion • 2 carrots • 1 stick of celery • 4
Food Parcels Support Our Refugee Communities During Lockdown
From one minority community to another, the Cape SAJBD in April supported refugee Burundian, Congolese and Rwandan communities with food parcels to see them through the national lockdown. Isaiah Mombilo
Caring During National Lockdown
The Cape SAJBD has been involved in various initiatives leading up to the national lockdown and since it was announced, including helping a team of experts and communal leaders draft
The 1901 plague and its effect on Cape Town’s Jews
By Gwynne Robins In 1901 the Bubonic plague reached Cape Town. The South African War was at its height and the British had imported horses for its troops and fodder
Letter: Easy Aid for Employers during COVID-19 Lockdown
The President had on 15 March 2020 declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national disaster. On 23 March 2020, he announced the national lockdown in order to curb its spread. During
Letter: A brief summary of the latest lockdown regulations
As we begin the first day of this 21 day national lockdown, aimed at ‘flattening the curve of infection’ so our healthcare system can handle the influx of cases, we
COVID-19 fears are a breeding ground for intolerance
There is a fear consuming us. Fear for our families, our businesses and our futures. Fear for our country, for all the healthcare workers on the frontline. By Tyla Dallas,
Statement by Premier Alan Winde on first coronavirus deaths
A few short months ago, the world learned of a virus that was spreading rapidly through the province of one country, leaving little in its wake but chaos and mourning.
Letter: Impact of lockdown regulations on retail leases
Dear Cape Community Member, On Wednesday 24 March 2020, new regulations were introduced in terms of the Competition Act, after the President declared a nationwide lockdown on Monday evening. These
Summary: National Lockdown
The nation-wide lockdown will be enacted in terms of the Disaster Management Act from midnight on Thursday 26 March until midnight on Thursday 16 April. All South Africans will have
Letter: The Government Gazette’s Impact on Restaurants and Takeaways
As I am sure you are aware, on Wednesday 18 March 2020, government introduced new regulations in terms of the Disaster Management Act that will have an effect on many
Campaign for JCS’ Food Bank raises R61,075
A Kosher food drive started during Purim to support the Jewish Community Services’ (JCS’) Food Bank transformed into a weeks-long online campaign. On 9 March, the Cape SAJBD first appealed
Yom HaShoah Vehagevurah: A History
Most South African Jews came from Eastern Europe between 1880 and 1930, with some from Germany in the 1930s and others from Rhodes Island in the 1960s. After the Holocaust,
From the Office of the President of Lithuania
Around 96% of Jews in Lithuania were killed during the Holocaust, most of whom were killed in the summer of 1941. Most South African Jewish families are descendants of Lithuanian
Dr Anastacia Tomson: Pride Dvar Torah Terumah
Shabbat Shalom to everyone. At the outset, I need to express what an honour and a privilege it is for me to be able to deliver a drasha from the
Jewish community embraces inclusive children’s book
School groups visiting the Jewish Museum in 2020 will receive Fatima, a lauded diversity and language-inclusive children’s book, and a box of crayons each. Gardens, Cape Town, Friday 28 February—
May court order be executed peacefully
We understand refugee experience and pray for safe spaces for displaced people. Gardens, Cape Town, Wednesday 26 February— The Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies (Cape SAJBD) calls for
Board, Herzlia and Holy Cross RC celebrates Tu B’Shevat in community service
In celebration of Tu B’Shevat on Monday 10 February, the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies (Cape SAJBD) teamed up with Herzlia Primary’s Grade 5 class to undertake a
Interfaith concert unites Cape Town in harmony
The Cape SAJBD hosted an Interfaith Concert at Temple Israel Green Point on Wednesday 5 February. The event was created in honour of the United Nations’ World Interfaith Harmony Week,
‘Remembering is intrinsic to Judaism’
Rabbi Stuart Serwator represented the Jewish community at the Remembrance Day ceremony held at the Cenotaph war memorial on Heerengracht, by invitation from the Cape Town Beth Din, on 11
Carrying my flag on my shoes
The end of January saw me jumping on a plane to Washington DC for my second Cohort 5 gathering of the Schusterman Leadership Programme. This time we focused on the
Help us enrich the Gitlin offering
In honour of Cape Town Pride 2020 (17-28 February), LGBTQIA+ activist Jacqui Benson and the Cape Board are joining hands to expand the Jacob Gitlin Library’s queer literature section. Jacqui
Do’s and don’ts in responding to antisemitism on campus
If an antisemitic incident happens on your campus: ● Do: Call campus security, or call CSO immediately if there is any threat to your safety or that of your fellow
Board welcomes artefacts from Jewish German refugees
By Gwynne Robins Steffie Buechler came to England in 1939 from Glauwitz, Germany (now Poland) to work as a domestic servant, having taken a one-month needlework course ‘for female