A sense of community:

Despite its small size and geographic isolation, the Vryburg Jewish community maintained a vibrant and active communal life. Religious observance, Zionist involvement, youth groups, and dedicated volunteer efforts—especially by women—helped sustain a strong Jewish identity and continuity over many decades. Through shared celebrations, fundraising, education, and youth leadership activities, the community showed resilience, dedication, and a deep sense of collective responsibility.

The community often gathered to celebrate other Jewish holidays such as Sukkot and Purim. Many recall building a sukkah next to the synagogue. As recent as the early 1980s, the five Sussman and Rohloff children still read the Megillah and built a sukkah. I believe we were simply continuing a long-standing tradition. 

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Long before my time, a major annual highlight was the Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations held in the synagogue hall. The hall was decorated in blue and white with flags, and featured delicious food along with several speeches. These events were always well-attended. Mike Cohen remembers the atmosphere vividly and shared a copy of the speech delivered by Max Cohen at the 1963 Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration. In his address, Max Cohen referred to the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963, in Addis Ababa, as well as Israel’s engagement with Africa.

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Fundraising and Communal Support

Vryburg Jews were deeply involved in fundraising for Jewish causes. Max Cohen was remembered for personally canvassing support for the UJIA, including visits to nearby towns such as Taung. Many families regularly supported the JNF, WIZO, and the UJIA. As we have seen there was an active Zionist society in Vryburg prior to World War One.  JNF emissaries visited the small towns well before the Shul was built 

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The town also hosted notable visitors and schnorrers. Meish Arenson shared a photograph taken outside the International Hotel during the visit of Zionist leader Ya’akov (Vitkin) Zerubavel. Both Meish and Merle Katz recall hosting visiting speakers in their home.

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The Jewish Ladies Society and Community Finances

The Vryburg Jewish Ladies Society played a critical role in sustaining the community financially. In 1961, communal finances showed a surplus of R 1,178.86, largely due to their efforts. At the 1965 AGM, Chairman Jack Katz acknowledged that the Ladies Society’s work “largely contributed to keeping us solvent,” with donations amounting to R 759 that year.

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By 1966, however, the financial situation had worsened. The surplus stood at R 841.32, with income derived mainly from rental of the rabbi’s house (R 552), the Ladies Society donation (R 617.25), and general donations (R 583). Subscriptions had declined by R 171, resulting in a shortfall of R 375 toward the teacher’s salary. Treasurer Harold Scheckter warned that, while finances were technically balanced, the community faced serious difficulties—particularly as the Ladies Society struggled to raise funds amid a shrinking population.

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Habonim and Youth Activities

Habonim activities were active in Vryburg during the 1950s. Although originally from Mabalstad, my father Isaac and his brother Woolfie had boarded at Herbert House and were enthusiastic Habonim members. After relocating, they helped establish a local branch.

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Photographs show a Vryburg contingent attending camp at Lietchies Bay, with local activities led by Hazel Rohloff and the two Sussman brothers. Lorna Toube (née Mendelow) recalls that “all the kids went to Habonim,” meeting at the shul on Sunday mornings and sometimes cycling to the grandparents’ farm.

My brother Brett and I, together with Morne Rohloff, were later sent to Habonim camps to ensure we connected with other Jewish children and maintained our Jewish identity. We would rise before dawn, drive to Kimberley station with our trommels, and take the camp train. One year, when our kombi broke down near Pudimoe, we borrowed a car from the local general store and rushed to Kimberley, repeatedly circling the station due to faulty brakes until we could finally stop.

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Both my younger brother Wayne and I later became deeply involved in Habonim Dror, eventually heading the movement. As Mazkir Klali (Secretary General), I particularly valued leading seminars in Welkom and Zimbabwe and felt strongly that Habonim was especially meaningful for country communities. This research has given me a deeper understanding of where our family’s Habonim connection began.

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