Our vibrant Jewish community alive and kicking

MARY KLUK

These have demonstrated that despite the enormous pressure we have all been under as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza, it has not prevented us from focusing on the many positive things we have achieved as South African Jews, nor from celebrating our rich and diverse Jewish heritage.

On August20 at Beyachad, the Board partnered with the Embassy of Japan and Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre in holding a tribute evening to the Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara, who during the war saved the lives of some 6 000 East European Jews, by issuing them – on his own authority – with life-saving transit visas.

It was tremendously moving for all of us to celebrate the life of this extraordinary human being, with the added poignancy of having with us some of the descendants of those whom he saved and who brought a special tone to the evening by sharing their stories with us.

During this past month, our community has been feeling very vulnerable and disquieted, and it was thus uplifting for us to pause and focus on what is best in humanity. I congratulate the professional staff of the Board for organising this special event, despite the many testing challenges they have had to deal with, and in particular Aviva Moses, who managed the whole process so capably and with such dedication.

The Jewish Achievers function, from all accounts, was another rousing success. This is an event that showcases not just the talent and creativity within our community, but also what so many of its members are contributing to the greater society in the philanthropic and social upliftment fields. I commend Howard Sackstein and his team at the SA Jewish Report for putting it all While I would very much have liked to have been at the Jewish Achievers function, I decided instead to attend the annual CSO appreciation dinner in Durban.

The work that the CSO does to safeguard our community and the Jewish way of life in South Afric, is ongoing, but its benefits have been especially apparent during these past few unsettled weeks. I felt, therefore, it was particularly important for me to join with my own community in Durban in showing my appreciation to the CSO and the dedicated professionals and volunteers who ensure that its critical functions are carried out.

Also over the weekend, the Limmud festival kicked off in Cape Town and has since come to Durban. This coming weekend, it will be in Johannesburg. As ever, the festival offers a wide range of outstanding speakers and a diversity of topics that will leave participants spoiled for choice.

It reminds us of how privileged we are to have so many opportunities to be exposed to and enriched by our Jewish heritage, and that there are so many dedicated people in our community who on an ongoing basis are providing us with opportunities to do so.

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