By Mary Kluk

The start of the secular new year is a time of new beginnings and in particular for our school leavers now taking their first steps in forging their own life’s pathways as independent adults. Once again, all our Jewish day schools produced consistently outstanding results, and Jewish candidates figured prominently amongst the country’s top achievers. 

The start of the secular new year is a time of new beginnings and in particular for our school leavers now taking their first steps in forging their own life’s pathways as independent adults. Once again, all our Jewish day schools produced consistently outstanding results, and Jewish candidates figured prominently amongst the country’s top achievers.

I congratulate all concerned, and wish all matriculants every success in their future endeavours. For many, this involves further study, whether at university, Technicon or some other institution. With the university term about to start, the SA Union of Jewish Students (SAUJS) is hard at work preparing for orientation week, where it is hoped that as many Jewish students as possible will sign up as members.

SAUJS provides a crucial bridge between Jewish school and home life and the senior Jewish establishment. It creates forums where students can continue to build on their Jewish identity while at the same time preparing them for future leadership roles within the community. The SAJBD works closely with SAUJS, helping to address problems of anti-Semitism or anti-Zionism on campus, resolving problems of examinations being scheduled on Yom Tov, arranging on-campus events or in other areas. I strongly urge Jewish students to join SAUJS and involve themselves in its multi-faceted activities. It is through the continued commitment and enthusiasm of our youth that our community’s future success will be assured.

For Durban Jewry, an exciting new chapter has commenced with the opening of a Jewish day school in Umhlanga. The school caters for pre-school through to grade five and will offer the best of both Kodesh and secular education. Umhlanga now also has a Kollel, whose initial five families will no doubt be very much involved in the school and in the activities of the broader community. It has been a real privilege for me to have been involved in this whole initiative, one that marks a resounding vote of confidence by the Durban community in the future.  

Just as we look to imbue our youth with a knowledge of and commitment to their Jewish heritage, so can we also look back on what past Jewish leaders have achieved. This year, as well as being the hundredth anniversary of the African National Congress, also marks the centenary of the united SA Jewish Board of Deputies. It was in August 1912 that the various provincial branches of the Board came together to form a national body, which ever since has served as the umbrella representative body for the entire Jewish community. We are currently considering various ways in which we can best celebrate this important milestone, both for our organisation and for those whom we represent.

This Above Board Column first appeared in the South African Jewish Report