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Now Jew-hating PE lawyer denies allegations, set to sue SAJBD
Shalom reader,
Welcome to our second issue of 2016!
In the news …
Kosher authorities in the US and Canada can’t seem to agree on whether marijuana is kosher after medical marijuana was legalised in Canada and certain US states. While our local Beth Din won’t rule on an illegal product, read our story to hear more about edible marijuana and efforts to have it given the kosher thumbs up.
Lawyer Maureen Jansen was reported to the Human Right Commission by the SA Jewish Board of Deputies for reportedly saying on her Facebook page that Jews are “monsters” who should be “exterminated”. But now Jansen says she is pressing charges against the Board for accusing her of making racist and anti-Semitic statements.
This year the SA Jewish community celebrates its 175th anniversary. As its history began in Cape Town, a festive programme, including an orchestra performance and sporting events, will soon be rolled out in the Mother City.
A meeting under the aegis of the Co-ordinating Council of National Women’s Organisations discussed pressing kashrut issues with members of the Kashrut Divison of the UOS. These included the prices of kosher foods and the costs of holding kosher functions for Jewish organisations.
And in light of criticism for the Beth Din over recent kashrut alerts, Beth Din representatives report back on the extensive effort they make to protect kosher consumers.
Rabbi Jay Karzen, coined “the barmitzvah king” by The Jerusalem Post in 1997, has recounted a series of hilarious anecdotes in a very readable interview about boys wanting to have their barmitzvahs at the Kotel. There is also the story of the South African family who insisted on a physical address for the Kotel, for invitation purposes!
And in her editorial, Vanessa Valkin looks at South Africa’s education crisis and contrasts it with the bubble of privilege and academic excellence of the SA Jewish community. She offers a few suggestions from academic experts for a ‘road to recovery’ including some tips from “the Jewish parents’ handbook to academic success”.
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