Letters/Discussion Forums
Working for our students
If you were to ask our National Director, Wendy Kahn, which aspects of the Board’s work are the most complex, time-consuming and stressful, there is no doubt that resolving problems of university exams set on Shabbat or Yomtov would rank high on the list.
JEFF KATZ
Whether timetable clashes involve many religiously observant Jewish students or even a single individual, the Board will exert itself to the utmost in order to come to an acceptable alternative arrangement with the university concerned.
That we have in the vast majority of cases to date been successful in this regard has in large part been due to the absolute dedication with which Wendy has devoted herself to such cases. It can truly be said of her that she feels a personal obligation to help each and every individual and that she will not rest until every door has been knocked on and every possible option pursued.
For this, innumerable Jewish students, and indeed the entire community, owe her a particular debt of gratitude.
A second area in which the Board has become involved, is in assisting Jewish medical students wishing to be placed in reasonable proximity to a Jewish community when doing their post-graduation year of community service.
Students accept that they will be placed in areas where their skills are most needed, but wherever possible we assist them in obtaining posts not too far removed from one or other centre where there exists an organised Jewish presence. Once again, Wendy has taken this particular task on her shoulders.
As in previous columns, I would like to reiterate the need for students who require our assistance in these or any other such areas, to contact the Board as timeously as possible on (011) 645-2521/ sajbd@sajbd.org
Welcome to our new Cape Director
Last month, the SAJBD – Cape Council appointed Joshua Hovsha as its new executive director. Joshua has very much hit the ground running, and we have already had the opportunity of working with him on issues of national concern. I wish him all success in his new position, while knowing that he has an excellent team of lay leaders and professionals to back him up.
The Cape Council can look back on another successful year, despite having to deal with various complex challenges. The latter included having to address the sensitive question of women singing solo at Yom Hashoah, and here, thankfully, it was possible to come to a mutually acceptable solution for all concerned. As in previous years, the Council continued to be active in the interfaith arena and broader social outreach, was much involved in making this year’s commemoration of 175th years of Jewish life in South Africa such a success and in general played a key role in fostering unity and cooperation within the Cape Town Jewish community. Kudos to all concerned, and especially to Cape Council chairman Eric Marx for his dedicated and hands-on leadership.
Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, 101.9 ChaiFM every Friday 12:00-13:00