South African Jewish Board of Deputies

Jewish Contributions to Education and Skills Development in SA: We Want to Hear from YOU!

Last year at our Conference, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe appealed to the Board to assist in addressing the pressing challenges of education and skills development facing the country. He emphasised the talent, experience and resourcefulness of the SA Jewish community. Responding to this challenge is one of our major projects for 2012. We are embarking on research to hilight the most successful endeavours in these fields by Jewish organisations and individuals around the country, and will present the lessons and proposals to the Deputy President and other government officials by August 2012. We want to hear from you about projects you are involved in or know about in the skills development and educational spheres in SA. Please contact Steven Gruzd

The Hon Irwin Cotler MP impresses SA audiences

In February 2012, the Hon Irwin Cotler MP, former Canadian Minister of Justice and internationally renowned human rights and legal scholar, was the guest of the IUA-UCF in South Africa in February 2012. During his visit, the SAJBD arranged for him to meet South Africa's Minister of Justice and Consitutional Development, Jeff Radebe; Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities Lulu Xingwana; Advocate Lawrence Mushwana, Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission; Advocate George Bizos, Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein and several other influential South Africans. He also lectured at Wits University, addressed FairPlaySA and the Hate Crimes Working Group, and delivered a powerdul and moving tribute to Raoul Wallenberg. Read more and see the photos on Facebook

Inspiring Jewish Connections

Read the relfections of SAJBD National Director Wendy Kahn, Cape Council Director David Jacobson and Cape Media and Diplomatic Liaison Dan Brotman, who all attended the Charles and Lynne Schusterman Foundation's South African Young Jewish Innovators Gathering in Johannesburg on 11-12 February 2012. They highlight the benefits of this unique event, and the truly inspiring and meaningful work being done in South Africa by young Jewish innovators. It was also an opportunity for Wendy to promote the Board's new Project Motlanthe, designed to highlight Jewish initiatives in education and skills development.

Cape Board launches UCT Mentorship Programme

The SAJBD Cape Council and its partners has launched an innovative mentorship programme at the University of Cape Town, and is looking for expressions of interest from the Jewish Community to assist in this innovative and important initiative

Miffed you missed out on "Jewish Memories of Mandela"?

When Jewish Memories of Mandela (a magnificent new coffee-table book chronicling Jewish involvement in bringing democratic change to South Africa) was published, many people said, "But why didn't you contact me? I've got a brilliant Mandela story!" Although we did appeal to the community to send in their memories of Madiba, we weren't able to reach everyone.

But don't let those feribels fester. An ulcer you shouldn't give yourself. If you (1) Like our Facebook Page AND (2) Post your Mandela Memory on Facebook, you could stand to win a free copy of Jewish Memories of Mandela! We'll put the best ones on the web. This offer runs until 29 February 2012. Nu - get liking already!

Read full reviews and articles on Jewish Memories of Mandela To order for R400 (excluding postage and packaging), email Shirley Beagle beagle@beyachad.co.za or call +27116452583. Hurry - stocks are limited!

Problems with University Exam Dates in 2012?

If your university has scheduled exams on Jewish Holidays, please contact our National Director, Wendy Kahn so that the SAJBD can endeavour to assist you. We also encourage all South African Jewish university students to join the South African Union of Jewish Students (SAUJS), to help us be in touch regarding exam date issues. Also read Mary Kluk's Above Board column, appealing for more support for our bursary funds, and check out the Chaplain's Guide to Jewish Beliefs and Practices and the Aleph Institute's Institutional Handbook of Jewish Practice and Procedure with information relevant to examinations and Jewish practice