Growth and celebration

It has been a poignant month for the Jewish community as a number of events have again showcased our vibrancy and importance in the greater South African society. On Monday, 11 November, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies celebrated its 120th anniversary with a gala dinner. The theme was our contribution to society, and we highlighted more than 100 Jewish South Africans who had made iconic contributions to South Africa. We could easily have filled the halls with double or triple the number of personalities.

This event occurred in the same week as two other significant community celebrations: the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards; and the Shabbos Project.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Jewish Achiever Awards, which place a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions of nominees and awardees to both the Jewish community and South African society at large. Among the honourees was Tony Leon, the former head of the opposition and ambassador, whose acceptance speech resonated deeply.

Leon eloquently describe the Jewish community as “a thousand points of light”, made up by an alphabet soup of organisations (SAZF, JNF, CSO, SAJBD, and so many more). He then highlighted the Women’s Action Campaign of South Africa headed by his wife, Michal, to expose the gender-based violence that occurred in Israel on 7 October.

Reflecting on the transformative impact of 7 October, Leon described how, following the events of that day, his identity became more proudly Jewish. He described this awakening as emblematic of a broader communal shift from a historically “trembling Israelite” posture to one of unapologetic strength and self-advocacy.

Both the Jewish Achiever Awards and the Board’s gala recognised Jewish South Africans who have left a mark internationally. Honourees like Dion Friedland and Michael Lewis have transformed industries locally and abroad. Similarly, Stanley and Dr Marion Bergman, celebrated at the Board’s event, have had a profound impact in the United States, while Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the chief rabbi of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, continues to shine as a global leader.

Last weekend also marked the Shabbos Project. Conceptualised and created by South African Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein, the Shabbos Project is a further example of the contribution that this community has made internationally.

This week, the Board in the Western Cape also hosted its anniversary event, commemorating 120 years of community service. We’re proud of the strong record of advocacy and representation of our Western Cape branch, which has been at the forefront of some of the Board’s most challenging battles.

As we approach the end of 2024, these moments of reflection inspire immense pride. Whether it was hosting the largest-ever Limmud; the powerful 7 October commemorations; or record-breaking Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations, this year has highlighted the community’s resilience and unity. Furthermore, as December approaches, we’re happy to see that the summer camps and youth movements are also growing and providing us with a source of strength and inspiration.

• Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, 101.9 ChaiFM, every Friday from 12:00 to 13:00.