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

On 1 February 2012, a delegation from the SAJBD's Gauteng Council, led by Chairman Jeff Katz and Deputy Chairman Gigi Wolf, held an important meeting with the new Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Councillor Mpho Parks Tau at his offices at the Council Chambers in Braamfontein. In this warm encounter, the role and history of the Jewish community in Johannesburg was discussed, as well as the city's key priorities and vision. Everyone welcomed the oppportunity to strengthen ties between the Board and the City. Follow-up meetings will be held to identify practical areas of collaboration. Also in attendence were National Director Wendy Kahn, Senior Researcher Steven Gruzd, Councillor Sol Cowan, and two senior city officials.

On 31 January 2012, the SAJBD's Senior Reseacher presented the Board's submission to the Press Freedom Commission's public hearings on print media regulations at the Braamfontein Recreation Centre. The Board was strongly in favour of self-regulation. This builds on his involvement on the Gauteng Working Group of the Right2Know campaign around the Protection of State Information Bill. Eyewitness news tweeted "@ewnreporter: #PFC Gruzd: Unlike Winston Churchill I had time to prepare a short speech with only a few slides. Supporting effective self-regulation" and "@ewnreporter: #PFC Gruzd: Hate speech definition should be broadened. Ombudsman should have power to impose fines." Steve's tweet raised some chuckles from the commissioners: "@rhymeswbruised: #PFC. A variety of yawn-stifling moves evident from the Commissioners #longday!"

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!

The Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture is now accepting applications for the twenty-fourth International Nahum Goldmann Fellowship, which will take place in Warsaw at the Windsor Palace Hotel on July 3-10, 2012. The Nahum Goldmann Fellowship provides an intensive experience in Jewish living, learning and leadership for young men and women from around the world between the ages of 25-40 who show serious interest in Jewish culture and demonstrate a potential for individual growth and communal leadership. See http://ngfp.org/upcoming.htm and http://www.mfjc.org/mission.html

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