By Joshua Friedman, Programme and Development Manager, Cape SAJBD
Allow me the opportunity of introducing myself: my name is Joshua (Josh) Friedman and I was born, raised and educated in Cape Town.
For almost a decade I worked in a leading South African retailer and now look forward to a new adventure with the Board of Deputies. By the time this article is published in June 2023, I will have been in my new role as Programme & Development Manager for one month.
In April this year I was afforded the opportunity to attend the Kesher Keren Hayesod Seminar for Young Leaders in Israel during its 75th year of independence. It was a thrilling and inspirational experience, where I was able to meet with and build connections with like-minded, communally-minded and passionate young Jewish leaders from all over the world. This included participants from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Switzerland, and of course myself as the sole representative from South Africa.
A highlight of the seminar was a rousing speech at one of the events by Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel. President Herzog’s message was clear and resounding about our unique Jewish culture and our ability to be triumphant over any adversity faced — and I believe we can take this message to our community, families, places of work and beyond.
Herzog stated, “The external threats of antisemitism we face are all known to you, and they are all real and remain pervasive and poisonous. Our Jewish culture is one that recognises that in order to grow we need to bring a genuine receptiveness to listening, learning and really hearing each other. Disagreements can be the force that builds and binds us. The essence of our Talmudic culture of dialogue or chavruta which is companionship that challenges us and our assumptions, is basic to growth. It is only dialogue between us that allows our moments of crisis to turn into moments of growth, and we need to find a way to start making contact between ourselves to deepen the conversations between us.”
The suggestion by Herzog is that a first measure in responding to challenges is through healthy dialogue. Let us take this message to our own families, workplaces, and community. Dialogue, conversation and engagement are all a part of the Board’s mantra — to Engage, Educate and Empower — and we are committed to fulfilling this in our very own community.
Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies website: www.capesajbd.org, Instagram, and Facebook page.
• Published in the June 2023 issue – Click here to start reading.
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