Bloem’s Jewish community – small in numbers, huge in spirit

MARGOT COHEN

Shabbat services are conducted by members of the community. All Yomtavim like Purim, Pesach, Shavuot and Succot are celebrated and suitable functions are held.

Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft, the SA Jewish Board of Deputies’ country communities rabbi, takes a deep interest in the Bloemfontein community. He pointed out that the Orthodox shul goes back to the 1890s. However, in 1996 the Reform shul was consecrated as the Orthodox shul by the late Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris, as the original Orthodox synagogue had become too big for the dwindling community.

Theology students of the University of the Free State regularly visit the shul as well as a number of other non-Jews, says Chabas. According to Rabbi Silberhaft the relationship between the different religious groups in the city is very cordial.

Popular Cantor Chaim Ehrlich conducts the High Holy Days. The present chairman is Alan Berelowitz, who is also chairman of the Chevrah Kadisha.

Says Chabas: “The highlight of our year is the communal Breaking of the Fast in the shul hall. It is a great social event.”

Julian and Benita Kowal who are 91 and 83 respectively, are good examples of lively active congregants. They have lived in Bloemfontein all their married lives. “Our days are busy with reading, gardening, walking and playing bridge, and of course visits from our daughter Lesley Harris and two grandchildren who live in Johannesburg, which we visit often,” says Benita. Husband Julian only recently gave up bowls.

The late Ronnie Rosen as a past president was instrumental in establishing the archives with Dr Sheila Aronstam. This has proved to be a vital source of information for many visitors to the Jewish Communal Centre. Descendants of former congregants enjoy strolling through the archives, remembering their loved ones.

Thinking back on her youth in Bloemfontein in the 60s and early 70s, Lesley Harris recalls the thriving and energetic large Jewish population of the town. Orthodox and Reform shul services were well attended. 

The bayit was the meeting place for Habonim. Many visitors spent holidays in the city. There were countless high achievers who made their community proud and who contributed in many fields.

Tenacity and faith keep this small community going, boxing way above their weight. Despite not having had a rabbi for more than 20 years, they are still continuing to hold their own and to live their Yiddishkeit.