Uncovering our story in the SAJBD archives

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) is on a journey to rehouse, revitalise, and reimagine our archives. An often unknown and overlooked entity, the archive is a treasure trove that holds more than 180 years of our community’s vibrant history. Internationally renowned, it’s frequented by researchers from institutions like Yad Vashem, universities, and think tanks, who visit regularly and have even described it as among the most accessible in the world.

The task of relocating our archives has become a journey of rediscovery. As we carefully comb through the collection, we uncover gems that speak to the soul of our community. Each file, each photograph, each meticulous minute book or poster pulls us into a story, sometimes personal, always communal. For me, the Yiddish Theatre documents resonate, echoing the passion of my grandparents, who found joy and identity in its vibrant performances.

The stories within these archives are as diverse as our community itself. Among the treasures is a certificate of gratitude from the Russian Massacre Orphans Fund of the early 1910s, a priceless document that tells not only of our community, but the situation of our people at that moment in time.

There are also so many examples of organisations of various purposes and constructs that formed the backbone of Jewish life throughout the country. A clear trend is in women’s and Zionist organisations, which were ubiquitous throughout the country and are thus so well represented in our archives.

A particularly delightful find is a certificate issued by the Hebrew Order of David to “The Devoted Women of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies”. It turns out that even in the 1970s, there was a club of what our National Director Wendy Kahn calls the “broads at the Board!” Photographs detail just how few women were active at the Board at the turn of the past century, and while our national chairperson, the chairpersons of the three national regions, and our national director are all now women, so many of the issues they dealt with in the past are echoed today.

As an example, there is a 1951 letter from the Department of Interior of the Union of South Africa designating the Reverend Mordecai Berdin as a “Marriage officer to solemnise marriages according to Christian rites within the Union of South Africa!” In fact, we also house some of the very first marriage licences granted to Jews in the country from 1893.

Yet, not all discoveries are heartwarming. Among the papers are stark reminders of the hostility our community once faced: a 1940s press release warning of “thousands of Jews pouring into our country”, and right-wing newspapers brimming with antisemitic vitriol. These documents jolt us, but they also provide context for our progress.

Our archives are a living entity, continuously growing with contemporary clippings, stories, and Jewish newspapers. But the digital age poses new challenges. Where once we recorded meetings on vinyl, tape, or microfilm – all of which we find in abundance – today’s debates unfold on social media and WhatsApp. How do we capture these fleeting digital footprints for future generations? This is a question we are actively exploring, ensuring that the stories of today are as accessible to our descendants as the records of 180 years ago are to us.

In coming weeks, we will be putting out a call for volunteers to assist with this meaningful endeavour. This is more than a project, it’s an opportunity to connect with our past, to touch the documents that shaped our identity, and to ensure that our legacy endures. I invite our community to step into this journey with us, to uncover the stories that define us, and to help us tell them anew. Together, we will ensure that the SAJBD archives remain a beacon of memory, resilience, and hope for generations to come.

• Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, 101.9 ChaiFM, every Friday from 12:00 to 13:00.