We were saddened to learn of the passing on Friday of our treasured friend and esteemed colleague Goldie Goldsmith. For over forty years, Goldie worked for the SAJBD in various capacities, primarily as administrative secretary of the Board’s journal Jewish Affairs as well as of its Afrikaans language publication Buurman which appeared during the 1970s and early 1980s. She was well into her eighties when, by her own choice, she decided to finally retire.
Goldie Goldsmith, née Kruger, was born in Johannesburg in December 1926, her parents having recently ‘semigrated’ from Oudtshoorn. Prior to joining the staff of the SAJBD, she was closely involved with the Arcadia Jewish Orphanage, where her husband Stanley was long-serving secretary. While not involved in an official capacity, she concerned herself extensively with the children at the home and was a constant source of support to them. This warm, caring approach to all she worked and engaged with was likewise a hallmark of everything she did at the Board.
Added to this was the professionalism, commitment and integrity that Goldie brought to her work. Whatever she was asked to do, she did to the utmost of her ability. Her experience and dedication, including her ability to bring in advertising revenue in progressively more difficult circumstances, had much to do with Jewish Affairs continuing to be brought out in its traditional hard-copy (in addition to being made available online) when similar such niche-market academic publications were either folding altogether or switching exclusively to online format.
It was completely in character for Goldie that when on those occasions she needed to be absent or pressing personal reasons, she would insist on working the extra hours to make the time up, even when her ‘bosses’ all but implored her not worry about it. Her uncomplaining self-reliance and quiet strength of character perhaps came particularly to the fore in the years following the passing of her beloved husband and partner of more than fifty years in 2006.
The SAJBD extends its sincerest condolences to Goldie’s family. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
