Jacaranda Jews honoured in new book

A record 190 guests filled the lounge at Jaffa Accommodation for Fellow Aged in Pretoria on Sunday, 26 October, for the launch of the book Jacaranda Jews Voices from Pretoria 1865-2025.

Master of ceremonies Paula Slier was the favourite of the day, as she mentioned how the first saplings of Jacaranda trees were planted in 1888, and like the Jacaranda, the book is about the families and stories that took root here, growing and flowering across generations. With humour and charm, she mentioned how this book is our tribute to the dreamers, the doers, and the builders of community, and the enduring beauty of life in the Jacaranda City.

Gary Nowosenetz, the chairperson of the Pretoria Council of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) said he was in awe at those whose hard labour over five years had created this work of art, and made presentations to the three stalwarts, Yvonne Eskell-Klagsbrun; Diane Wolfson; and Carol Baron.

Candles were lit representing past, present, and future generations who built, nurtured, and continue to sustain the Pretoria Jewish community. Willie Pokroy, the oldest member of the community, who recently turned 101, symbolised roots, reliance, and tradition; Sharon Yuter represented leadership, service, and continuity, and a candle was lit by Mia Baron, a 10-year-old student. This was followed by the Baron family, uniting all three generations still living in Pretoria today.

Myra Egdes, secretary of the Pretoria Council SAJBD for 40 years, gave a short summary of her experiences followed by Estelle Lief, representative of the Bet Menorah Progressive community.

The event concluded with everyone in the room singing along to the well-known old school war song “We are marching to Pretoria”, accompanied by Nathan Noche on the piano.