Warmest congratulations to SAJBD past-president Marlene Bethlehem, who was confirmed as the new president of the Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture at its recent meeting in Mexico. That one of our own has been elected to head up this prestigious organisation s a signal honour not just for Marlene, but for the whole of South African Jewry. The MFJC was established after World War II with the primary purpose of rebuilding Jewish life in post-Holocaust Europe. It has since become a dynamic vehicle for grooming future Jewish leaders in all parts of the world, largely through its flagship Nahum Goldmann Fellowship Programme project. Graduates of the latter include a number of senior SAJBD professional staff members and lay leaders. The close fruitful relationship that exists between the Board and the Foundation has very largely been due to Marlene’s dedicated efforts over many years.
Recent Articles
Jewish Report 11 - 18 September 2025
Above Board in this week's Jewish Report
by Prof Karen Milner
Connection, recollection, condolence
This week has seen the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) continue its vital international engagements, fostering connections that strengthen our community on the global stage. Our national director, Wendy Kahn, joined her counterparts from 60 communities around the world at the World Jewish Congress (WJC) National Community Directors Forum in Bratislava, Slovakia. This gathering provides an invaluable space for open dialogue, where they share experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from one another in a spirit of collaboration and mutual support.
SAJBD National Director Represents South Africa at Global Jewish Leadership Forum
SAJBD National Director Represents South Africa at Global Jewish Leadership Forum
This week, SAJBD National Director Wendy Kahn attended the World Jewish Congress’s 10th National Community Directors Forum, held in Bratislava, Slovakia. The gathering brought together over 75 Jewish community leaders from 50 countries to share experiences, strategies, and mutual support at a time when Jewish life faces significant global challenges.
Wendy Kahn's column in the latest edition of Jewish Life: Hidden Treasures - Our Living history
Wendy Kahn's column in the latest edition of Jewish Life:
Hidden Treasures - Our Living history
There is a little-known treasure trove in the Beyachad building that few have experienced. I have worked at the SAJBD for nearly 20 years, and I have used the archive periodically in my day to day work life, getting information for articles, legal cases or correspondence.
Over the past month we have been in the process of moving our archive into the heart of Beyachad, making it more accessible and exciting for our community and the many people who use it.