Reform Judaism

We serve three distinctive groups: Jews whose parents or grandparents were among the early proponents of Progressive Judaism, Jews raised in Orthodoxy, and those who have chosen Judaismâ€"many of whom are well integrated into the congregational leadership. South Africa’s transformation from a rigidly racially divided society is truly lived out through our congregational life. Especially since 1994â€"South Africa’s first democratic election, which brought Nelson Mandela into the presidencyâ€"the number of Jews-by-choice from multiple ethnicitiesâ€"among them Afrikaaners, Indians, and descendants of black Yemenite Jewsâ€"has expanded, enriching the community. As another example, South Africa has offered marriage under Civil Union since late 2006, and the South African Union for Progressive Judaism has accepted same-sex marriage under a chuppah since May 2007; we may be the only mainstream religious group in South Africa to do so. While the first aufruf for two grooms created a stir, the congregation has not looked back. Do you have unique celebrations? Our Shavuot morning cheesecake contestâ€"many of the cheesecakes flavoured with passion fruit or other tropical fruitsâ€"attracts lots of tasters. We also have special community days, such as Mandela Dayâ€"near the first president’s birthdayâ€"when we welcome 100+ orphans from Alexander for fun and food. As our community does not have access to the mikveh at Orthodox synagogues, new Jews-by-choice are immersed in a suitable, private swimming pool. How has South African history influenced Jewish life here? Much of the early history of Progressive Judaism is linked with the years of Apartheid. Jews were over-represented in the anti-Apartheid struggle, but also had members of the National Party that perpetuated Apartheid. For Bet David, a diverse suburban community, the crisis year was 1987, when Alexander Townshipâ€"just kilometers awayâ€"faced school closings as members of the black community engaged in struggle against the Apartheid regime. A few Sisterhood women started an emergency 12th-grade school, offering preparation for the country’s “matricâ€� exams (a prerequisite before students can pursue higher education). Twenty-six years later, Mitzvah School, on the Bet David campus, has produced hundreds of graduates, some of whom have become communtiy leadersâ€"churchmen, physicians, bank managers, etc.â€"in the renewed South Africa. Nowadays Bet David’s Kehillah (formerly Sisterhood) also supplies foodstuffs for a primary school, an after-school haven, an orphanage, and a shelter for street orphans. Fulfilling the needs of the impoverished is a major component of our work. In today’s diverse South Africa, where about 250 separate religious groups are recognized, religion is primarily a private matter. The Orthodox-dominated Jewish community attempts to fence off Jews from Progressive Judaism in a way that at times borders upon hostility. Meanwhile, the non-Jewish community sees all of the Jewish community as one, and appreciates the Jews’ strong contributions to South African politics, arts, business, and academia. For Jews, being publicly proud of one’s Jewishness remains a respected tradition.