South African Jews grapple with semigration and emigration
As South African Jews continue to emigrate, many to Australia, the community they leave behind is struggling to adapt.
As South African Jews continue to emigrate, many to Australia, the community they leave behind is struggling to adapt.
In a new book, \”Into Kokerboom Country: Namaqualand\’s Jewish Pioneers,\” authors Phyllis Jowell and Adrienne Folb tell the story of these Jews from their arrival in the northwestern Cape to the late 1970s, when the community had dwindled to a precious few.
South Africa\’s main Jewish group is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and concerns about the community\’s future — as well as its past — are dominating the organization\’s efforts.
The heart of the dispute centers on whether Sea Point must observe the standards of halacha demanded by the country\’s chief rabbinate in Johannesburg, or whether it can adopt looser standards.