Kol isha settlement means respect for equal treatment of all

Rabbi Julia Margolis

In the settlement, the SA Jewish Board of Deputies has agreed to end its ban on women singing at such a ceremony and has committed that future ceremonies will be restructured so as to include women singing.

We are glad to know that all future SA Jewish Board of Deputies ceremonies and events will be infused with respect for the equal treatment of all on grounds of sex and gender and that no members of the community will be treated as second class Jews.

SACRED became involved in this issue as it is deeply committed to the values of our Constitution and ensuring the elimination of unfair discrimination within the Jewish community of South Africa (and beyond).

The agreement has also brought an end to the unacceptable situation of there being officially-sanctioned discrimination at the Holocaust memorial ceremonies in South Africa. While the agreement has been reached with the Board of Deputies in the Western Cape, SACRED expects all chapters of the Board of Deputies across South Africa to include women singing in their Holocaust memorial ceremonies.  

It is our fervent hope that young people, women and others who were alienated from the Holocaust Memorial due to the recent ban, will once again feel able to participate in a manner which reflects their values and the lessons of the Shoah.

We also have affirmed that our Jewish communal structures must affirm in all their actions the key constitutional value of equality – which is also a foundational principle of Jewish tradition. 

On behalf of SACRED, I would also like to extend its sincere gratitude to our co-applicants and to all of those who have so generously given of their time, money and support in this struggle.

The solid support and encouragement received from across the South African Jewish community – from multiple organisations and individuals – has enabled us to succeed. 

Chairman of SACRED