We are elated to announce the launch of a brand new institution for Jewish Life in the Western Cape. Chabad on Campus at Stellenbosch University is now an official address for Jewish Students studying in the area. Since 2017, when Chabad started visiting the campus, the Jewish population has grown from a mere 25 students to now 150. In fulfilling our core mission to reach every Jewish Student in the Cape, we are expanding the Chabad on Campus family. Please welcome the new Shluchim family to Stellenbosch University.
Stellenbosch University is fast becoming the preferred institution of higher learning in South Africa.
The Duthies have stepped up to the plate to work with the Jewish students on campus in order to provide a home away from home at Stellenbosch.
Chabad on Campus in conversation with Rabbi Chananya and Rebbetzin Eliana Duthie
Q: It’s great to be with you both. Why don’t you tell us a little about yourselves?
C: Hi, my name is Chananyah Duthie. I was born and raised in Cape Town and my mother’s family comes from Stellenbosch. You could say that I consider myself a native of both areas. I graduated in 2014 with a BComm degree from Maties. It was during this time at the University that I became acquainted with the Jewish community in Stellenbosch. After living in Germany, I studied at the Mayanot Yeshiva in Jerusalem for two years and, during the COVID pandemic, I met my wife Eliana. I moved to Brooklyn where I continued my studies at Hadar Hatorah Yeshiva and we got married.
E: Hi there, I’m Eliana. I was born and raised in North Carolina, USA, and spent my young adulthood living between Germany and the US. I have two Bachelor diplomas, one in German language and the other in Political Science. My dream was to work for the Foreign Service and become an ambassador for the US! Instead, I realised that I wanted to become an observant Jew and moved to Brooklyn, where I studied
at Machon Chana Seminary.
Q: So you’ve been living in NYC… Why on earth would you move from the greatest city in the world to Stellenbosch?
C: As an alum of the University, I want to give back to the place where my spiritual journey started. Since Stellies is on track to become the preferred University amongst Jewish students and there isn’t a full-time campus rabbi, it was a natural decision.
E: On our first date we actually discussed the idea of going on shlichus, as I had no desire to live long-term in the US. My husband asked: “Well how do you feel about South Africa?” and I answered: “Sounds like an adventure, sure!”
Q: What do you guys hope to accomplish in the next five years?
C&E: We want to create an active Jewish presence on campus and in the Stellenbosch community. A place where any Jew can come to nourish their mind and heart. Providing regular access to kosher food on campus, Shabbat and Yom Tov programming, and to cater to the growing tourism industry that is flourishing in the Winelands.
Q: Coming from the United States, where antisemitism is rampant on campus, what is your message to Jewish students today?
C&E: Not to be afraid to be proudly and outwardly Jewish. Stellenbosch is a politically neutral campus where learning is prioritised, allowing for freedom of speech and of religion. It is our duty to our brothers and sisters across the world to stand proud as Jews.
Chabad on Campus Stellenbosch University email: stellenboschshtiebel@gmail.com, Mobile: 062 563 6324
Chabad on Campus is Cape Town’s largest Jewish Student Network.
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