A tribute to Elliot Wolf, the consummate educator

PETER FELDMAN

Last Sunday night the community turned out in full force to honour in song the achievements of this man who gave 50 years of service to King David Schools and Jewish education.

One of his alumni, Colin Schachat, a celebrated international baritone, and his son Gabi, were showcased in this tribute at the Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg in honour of this great educator and mensch.

“What a joy it was to perform for Mr Wolf,” said Colin Schachat. “It was like the closing of a circle”, having been one of his pupils at King David Linksfield.

“Mr Wolf had such a profound effect on so many thousands of students. It was a time when education was rigid and he had the philosophy of not only teaching people, but also showing them how to think for themselves. He made an enormous impact on those he taught.”

Wolf first joined King David Linksfield in 1968 as a head of department, teaching Latin and English. He became deputy head in 1969 and in 1974 headmaster – a position he held for 34 years.

After a three-week retirement in 2002, he was asked to head the King David Schools’ Foundation, where he still is – a total of 50 years of service to this remarkable institution that has produced thousands of students who today are leaders in their respective fields the world over.

The stirring music extravaganza in his honour also featured the 40-piece Johannesburg Festival Orchestra under the baton of renowned Israeli conductor David Sebba, a guest appearance by noted South African tenor Given Nkosi and the united King David School Choir.

Wolf told Jewish Report how honoured he had been and thanked the generosity of the King David Schools’ Foundation, that had organised the event.

Wolf said he felt “absolute joy and pride” and “happiness because I was accorded such special treatment and pride because I have been given the privilege to play a part in so important a cause and survived for so long.”

Over his distinguished career, Wolf enjoyed many highlights. “The highlight of my career,” he said, “has been the opportunity I have had to play a part in the lives of so many thousands of wonderful students over 34 years at KDHS Linksfield. 

“I have had the privilege of attending King David reunions locally and all over the world and they certainly proved to be a reaffirmation of my choice of career. 

“I derive great vicarious pride in the achievements of the alumni and reconnecting with them has been such a pleasure. On a very personal level, my sharing of my career with my twin brother Jeffrey, was certainly a highlight and a tremendous advantage since I always had an excellent sounding board, particularly in times of stress.”

Asked about the changing face of education over the years, he said: “Education has certainly changed considerably over the years and many of the changes have been brought about by the advent of IT and are certainly advantageous. 

“However, my belief is that nothing can replace a good teacher who interacts with his/her students and shares a learning experience with them. Good teaching is not only about imparting relevant subject matter, but also about providing a moral compass and the values and attitudes that will serve our students well in their future lives.”

He added he would certainly encourage young people to consider a career in teaching in spite of the attractions of the more lucrative professions. 

“Teaching offers other rewards – job satisfaction and the knowledge that one is making a difference in the lives of future generations.”

From a relaxation perspective, Wolf now finds time to read, travel, do gardening which he describes as “a long-practised hobby”, tackle crossword puzzles, attend the theatre and watch films.