Jews find purpose off the beaten track

For generations, Jews have been associated with professions such as medicine, law, accounting and business. Yet, beyond these stereotypes are people whose working lives look very different. 

A game ranger tracking lions before sunrise, a hospitality manager whose workplace travels across Southern Africa by rail, and a forensic scientist searching for answers in a laboratory all demonstrate that Jewish identity and professional life can intersect in unexpected ways. Although their careers are markedly different, each says Jewish values shape the way they approach their work. 

For Joshua*, 41, his workplace is the bush. He spends his days in the Greater Kruger region managing anti-poaching operations, monitoring wildlife, and educating visitors at a private game reserve. 

Growing up in Johannesburg, he never imagined his career would involve sleeping under the stars for weeks at a time. He says many visitors are surprised when they discover their guide is Jewish. “People have a picture in their heads of what Jewish careers look like. Khaki shorts, dusty boots, and buffalo aren’t usually part of it.” 

His days begin long before sunrise and rarely follow a predictable routine. “By lunchtime I’ve probably tracked rhino, repaired a fence, and explained elephant behaviour to tourists from three different continents.” 

Life in the outdoors has also changed the way he sees himself. “The bush strips away your ego remarkably quickly. Lions don’t care about your degree. Elephants don’t care about your surname.” 

For Joshua, conservation extends beyond protecting wildlife. “Conservation isn’t just about saving animals. It’s about protecting an entire ecosystem that future generations deserve to inherit.” 

He sees a strong connection between that responsibility and Jewish teachings. “Judaism teaches us we’re caretakers rather than owners of the world. I can’t think of a better description of what a ranger actually does.”  

Observing Shabbat takes on a unique character in the wilderness. “I’ve had Shabbat dinners beside campfires with hyenas calling in the distance. It’s one of the most spiritual experiences I’ve ever had.” 

Rebecca*, 46, also works in a profession that rarely fits traditional expectations. As a luxury-train guest-experience manager, she oversees journeys across Southern Africa, juggling five-star hospitality with the practical challenges of running what she describes as a moving hotel. 

“Most people commute to work. My office travels through vineyards, deserts, mountain passes, and game reserves.” 

Rebecca says excellent hospitality depends less on luxury and more on paying attention to people. “Luxury isn’t about crystal glasses or expensive linen. It’s about remembering that one guest mentioned their anniversary in passing three days earlier and surprising them with dinner under the stars.” 

Behind every seamless journey is extensive planning and problem solving. “When you’re responsible for a moving hotel, there are hundreds of things that can go wrong every day. The secret is making sure your guests never notice any of them.” 

Travelling has given her opportunities to celebrate Jewish traditions in unusual places. “I’ve celebrated Shabbat in the Namib Desert, watched the sun rise over the Karoo, and welcomed guests from more countries than I can count. Every journey reminds me how enormous and beautiful Southern Africa really is.” 

She believes hospitality reflects an important Jewish value. “Jewish tradition teaches hospitality as a mitzvah. In my career, hospitality has become both my profession and my way of expressing those values.” 

For Rebecca, conversations are often the most memorable part of the journey. “Some of the most meaningful conversations happen somewhere between stations, when people finally slow down enough to tell you their life story.” 

All three interviewees asked to remain anonymous because they are the only Jewish members of staff in their respective workplaces. Although none has experienced antisemitism from colleagues, they said they felt more vulnerable in the current climate and preferred not to be identified publicly.  

Rebecca said she had also overheard guests making antisemitic remarks during train journeys. While the comments were not directed at her, she said they reinforced her decision to protect her identity. 

Aaron*, 48, works in an entirely different environment. As a scientist specialising in forensic biology in Cape Town, he analyses crime-scene evidence that may help identify victims or suspects.  

He says popular television dramas have created unrealistic ideas about his profession. “People imagine dramatic courtroom moments. Most of my job involves extraordinary patience, tiny pieces of evidence, and hours of meticulous laboratory work.”  

The emotional weight of the work is never far away. “Every sample on my desk belongs to someone’s worst day. I never forget that.” 

Aaron says the purpose of forensic science is not to confirm assumptions but to establish facts. “Forensic science isn’t about proving people guilty. It’s about uncovering the truth, wherever that truth leads.” 

He believes this careful pursuit of evidence reflects Jewish values. “There’s something profoundly Jewish about pursuing justice through evidence rather than assumption. We don’t begin with answers. We begin with questions.” 

Although some investigations remain with him for years, he says resilience comes from continuing to do careful work despite difficult experiences. “If I’ve done my job properly, an innocent person may never be charged, a grieving family may finally receive answers, or a dangerous offender may no longer be able to harm someone else. That’s an extraordinary responsibility.” 

Though their workplaces range from wildlife reserves to railway carriages and forensic laboratories, Joshua, Rebecca, and Aaron share a belief: Jewish identity is not defined by a particular profession, but by the values people bring to whatever work they choose. 

*Interviewees have requested anonymity for privacy reasons