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Identity

This section explores the nature of Jewish life in the Kalahari.

I review the five Rabbis and Hebrew teachers. I also reflect upon religious observance, notably Sabbath observance and Kashrut, Passover Seders and the High Holidays celebrations. This section also looks at holidays like Purim and Yom Haatzmaut as well as youth activities (Habonim). This section also looks at weddings and the issue of mixed marriages. We also explore the Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. Finally, I document the cemetery, showing the 42 tombstones located in the Jewish section. It would seem that there are graves of Jews buried in the general cemetery prior to the consecration of the Jewish cemetery in 1905. These have yet to be found and documented. I have also added the death certificates of those buried in the Jewish section. 

Yom Kippur 1915

Yom Kippur 1915

Notice from the Northern News, Services were held in the local Masonic Lodge

Yom Hazikaron 1954

Yom Hazikaron 1954

Letter shared by Pearl Kay

Selma van Gelderen, Purim 1952

Selma van Gelderen, Purim 1952

Taken outside the shul, dressed as a doll. The outfit was sewn by Zara Katz .Jeanette and I used to visit her very often. Even though we were much younger than she was she was a good friend.

Vryburg Jewish Ladies - early 1930s

Vryburg Jewish Ladies - early 1930s

Photo from the early 1930's: Left to Right: Rhina (Zelda Lieberthal's sister - became Rhina Savel), Helen Toube (nee Lieberthal), Celia Poliak, Pessa Wald, Rose Slonim, ?, Zelda Lieberthal,?

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