Diller: JHB x CT JCM experience
BY: EYTAN LABE
Our Cape Town Diller group had the opportunity to travel to Jozi for an unforgettable long weekend as part of our Jewish Community Mifgash (JCM). We built powerful connections with the Johannesburg Fellows through meaningful workshops, bonding activities, and eye-opening experiences. We explored Soweto, took in the view from the iconic towers, and embraced our adventurous side with acrobranching. A highlight was our game drive where we got to pat a cheetah! The JCM reminded us of the strength and beauty of our wider South African Jewish community and we left even more grateful for the memories made and the friendships formed. This shared journey with our Joburg counterparts will stay with us for a long time.
Habonim: Kaleidoscope trip to Israel
BY: YAEL DUCHEN
Israel…Inevitable conflict or a chance for a shared society?
This was the question seventeen madrichim were faced with as we embarked on the Kaleidoscope trip to Israel. Exploring social change and post-October 7th realities, we visited institutions, toured the northern border, and connected with alumni. Yom Ha’Zikaron was spent meaningfully at Kibbutz Tuval, and on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, we reflected on chalutzic aliyah and fulfilment. We ended the week with Shabbat in Jerusalem. Just like a palimpsest – like water spilled on a book revealing the layers beneath – this journey revealed deeper stories of Israel. As we ‘hugged and wrestled’ with Israel’s complexity, my connection to the country strengthened. Kaleidoscope would not have been possible without the generosity of Habonim Alumni who are role models to us all. We left Israel inspired, grounded, and hopeful for a peaceful future in the region. Aleh Ve’Hagshem
Bnei Akiva: What’s up, Bnei Akiva?
BY: MAYA SHEWITZ
We’ve just launched the official dates for Winter Camp 2025!
From the 17th to the 21st of July, chanichim can start counting down the days to an unforgettable week. Sign-ups will be announced on our socials.
Bnei Akiva had representatives at all community commemorations, from honouring the memories and legacies of Am Y’Israel on Yom Ha’Shoah and Yom Ha’Zikaron, to celebrating the birth of our homeland on Yom Ha’Atzmaut.
Sayeret Reim brought the energy with two inspiring and powerful sessions. Our madrichim have also been gathering weekly for Torah Nights, with dinner and joint learning. And every Shabbat we have come together to hold a minchah service, led mainly by channichim, followed by a soccer tournament.
To close out the month, we gathered our amazing team of maddies for a jam-packed meeting, and our leadership team came together for a mazkirut meeting to plan the next month.
Netzer: Winter looks lit!
Check for details on our socials.
BBYO: Community, culture & connection
BY: MARTINE KAWALSKY KATZ
BBYO South Africa’s string of dynamic events continues to highlight the growing engagement among Jewish teens.
Our ‘Games and Flames’ Lag Ba’Omer celebration was an afternoon of Olympic-style challenges followed by a meaningful bonfire experience. Fun blended with tradition, creating a space for Jewish identity to be expressed in a fresh, relevant way.
A week later, BBYO teens took the lead again with ‘Pyjama Book Night’: an engaging storytelling event for Grades 1–3. Stories with meaningful Jewish messages were shared, fostering intergenerational connection and giving younger children a taste of our vibrant Jewish youth movement.
These events reflect the organisation’s commitment to leadership development, Jewish engagement, and building a strong teen-led community.
BBYO is open to all Jewish teens in Grades 8–12. To find out more, we would love you to join our database! Contact southafrica@bbyo.org or follow BBYO South Africa on Instagram.
Keep up to date!
Habonim: website: Habonim Dror SA, Facebook HabonimSA
Netzer: website: Netzer.org.za, Instagram netzer_southafrica
Bnei Akiva: website: Beni Akiva South Africa, Facebook Bnei Akiva Cape Town
SAUJS Western Cape: Facebook @SAUJS, Instagram @saujs_westerncape
Diller Teen Fellows: website: Diller Teen Fellows , Facebook Diller Teen Fellows, Instagram @diller.capetown
BBYO South Africa: Instagram @bbyo.sa, website http://www.bbyo.org
Find the SA Zionist Federation – Cape Council online:
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, http://www.sazfcape.co.za
- JUNE 2025: Read the June 2025 Digital Edition in your browser as a Flipbook or a PDF.
- SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the Cape Jewish Chronicle for just R450/year (or R37.50/month debit order) and you will remain connected. Simply email us at subscriptions@ctjc.co.za and click here for payment info.
- ADVERTISE in the Cape Jewish Chronicle and on this website. Contact Lynette on 021 464 6736 or email advertising@ctjc.co.za.
