Jun 01
This is what we have always termed the ‘Yom’ issue. It is also the 271st Cape Jewish Chronicle that we have brought out in hard copy since we began the paper in 1984. Quite amazing!
This online edition is quite young yet, and while initially it required just a few megabytes to download, this has increased somewhat over the years. So please do allow time for the lengthier process.
Following our normal annual cycle – encompassing commemoration and celebration this issue covers Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha-atzmaut – being somewhat after the fact for Yom Hashoah, but that is due to its not making the May deadline.
The front page will indicate the starting point for readers, but in no way diminishing the regular (Chronically ‘cyclical’) and the ‘irregular’ items covered within.
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Jun 01
The Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies and Research at the University of Cape Town is about to embark on a new Oral History Project, building on an earlier project which was carried out nearly thirty years ago.
At that time the focus was on life histories of elderly Jewish men and women who had grown up in South Africa or at least came to South Africa as children. About 300 interviews were conducted in the early 1980s by a team of interviewers.
These valuable memoirs were transcribed and archived. Subsequently the interviews have been used by scholars in the reconstruction of the South African Jewish past.
According to Professor Milton Shain, director of the Kaplan Centre, the new project will focus on Jewish leaders. The emphasis will be on the ways in which Jewish leaders entered into communal life, the burning issues they dealt with and the changing priorities. Interviews will be led by Lauren Snitcher.
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Jun 01
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Standard bearer SAJEX Captain Howard Shagom
stands in front of the 1500 Capetonians who turned
out to commemorate Yom HaShoah this year. |
As Owen Futeran, Board of Deputies (Cape Council) chairman, reminded the 1500-strong crowd at Pinelands Cemetery on Yom Hashoah Vehagevurah, there is, in Judaism, a sacred duty to remember the souls of the departed. According to British Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, the act of remembering is one of our most important halachic responses to tragedy and to live in a way so that those who died “al kiddush Hashem” live with us and carry us forward.
Since the late 1940s, Holocaust commemorative functions and educational programmes have been held in Cape Town. Even during the war mass memorial meetings were organised in the City Hall by the Board of Deputies and the Zionist Council, when Jewish businesses would be closed and the hall packed out. Since 1976, Yom Hashoah ceremonies have been held at Pinelands No 2 and form one of the major events organised by the Board of Deputies.
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May 01
Well, at last the April holidays are over! Not an easy period for monthly publications – not an easy period for any productive activity. Actually, we completed the edition at the office on PDF on about 23 April and could have got it online then. But that wouldn’t be fair to the ‘hard copy’ readers, who had to wait for the printing and distribution process, which was very much hampered by the holidays.
So there …or rather here … you have it.
Nor does it cover the events that took place well after deadline, like Yom Hashoa and Yom Ha’Atzmaut. For that you will have to wait till June.
Another point, we have reverted to the normal format, with front page in the normal position and reading from left to right, the Pesach ‘Haggadah’ issue having gone the Hebraic way. That of course did not affect you, but when you read this May Wayicit column you might wonder what it is all about.
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May 01
This year’s Limmud conference is for the whole family, no matter what age the children. Parents are invited to take their children on a dynamic Jewish journey at YOUNG LIMMUD (SA) Cape Town. A fun and stimulating line-up of Jewish themed activities specifically catering for children, from babies to teenagers, will be offered at this year’s Limmud Conference, which is being held at the refurbished Goudini Spa, from 31 July to 2 August.
The weekend getaway will be an opportunity for young children to experience the beauty of Jewish tradition and learning in the form of games, song and discussion. The high quality Young Limmud programming for children parallels their parents’ experience and ensures that everyone in the family can take one step further on their Jewish journey.
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May 01
Over 350 people got up close and personal with the famous Goldfish at this year’s Yad Launch on 18 March at the Hellenic Club. The venue looked slick but laid back, with its white couches, sequined cushions and orange lighting setting the scene for a night of fun and fundraising.
The evening commenced with a welcome cocktail, courtesy of Smirnoff Vodka Premium, and a decadent spread catered by Merle Rubin, for all to indulge in. The crowd was diverse, with everyone having the chance to mingle, network and catch up with friends. The atmosphere — buzzing with anticipation and excitement!
Starting the proceedings, YAD chairman Warren Kaimowitz updated everyone on the Campaign’s current position and explained the vital importance of YAD’s targets for 2009. This was reinforced in an emotive educational video by Di Rosen Productions, screening personal accounts from beneficiaries within the community, ranging from Glendale, Cape Jewish Seniors Association, Highlands House, Herzlia, Oranjia Children’s Home to CSO/Ezra and Staffwise. These touching stories highlighted the importance of the Campaign and brought tears to eyes.
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