JOSHUA FRIEDMAN, Programme & Development Manager, Cape SAJBD
I had the privilege of being selected as one of 36 Fellows for the international Nahum Goldmann Fellowship (NGF), which this year took place just outside São Paulo, Brazil, during late August.
When I received the acceptance notification – after a process involving essays and video interviews – I was both thrilled and daunted. I didn’t know anyone attending; I had never been to Brazil; and I had no idea how I’d manage in Portuguese. In short, I had more questions than answers. What followed, however, was an experience that profoundly shaped my Jewish identity, leadership, and sense of global connectedness.
For context, the NGF is a global Jewish leadership programme designed to deepen Jewish learning, strengthen connections, and explore identity. It brings together emerging and current Jewish leaders from around the world to learn, debate and share perspectives. The Fellowship honours the legacy of Nahum Goldmann, one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century: architect of the reparations agreement with Germany; founder of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organisations; long-time President of the World Jewish Congress; and a central figure in strengthening Jewish life in the diaspora.
The programme was held in Águas de Lindoia (‘the Waters of Lindoia’), a small town about three hours from São Paulo. Before this trip, I had little sense of the size or vibrancy of Brazil’s Jewish community. With around 120 000 Jews, Brazil is home to one of the largest communities in the Southern Hemisphere, and São Paulo alone hosts some 70 000 Jews – roughly 60% of the country’s total. This community, shaped by immigration from Eastern Europe and Morocco in the 19th and 20th centuries, is a unique blend of Ashkenazi and Sephardi traditions.
The Fellowship itself felt like a mini World Jewish Congress. Fellows came from the USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, the UK, Hungary, Spain, Portugal, Bolivia, Peru, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Israel. Sessions were led by world-renowned faculty – professors and lecturers – covering a variety of topics from Jewish identity in film and music to philosophies of Zionism, Jewish sovereignty, resilience, and the challenges facing Jewish communities in the post-liberal world, especially after October 7th. There was also a session on Antisemitism and the global Jewish future.
Between formal sessions, the real magic happened in conversations – over meals, walks, and late nights. We debated, disagreed, laughed and bonded. Whilst we may not have agreed with one another on every issue raised, we were not disagreeable. We listened to each other with a sense of great respect.
One highlight in the spirit of unity and diversity was Shabbat. No matter where we fell on the spectrum – religious or secular, Orthodox, Conservative, or Progressive – everyone participated in an eclectic, meaningful service. That sense of togetherness was facilitated beautifully by NGF.
My personal takeaways are profound. Engaging with Jewish leaders from such diverse contexts was eye-opening. Despite differences, I was struck by how similar our challenges often are. Questions of identity, resilience, and community sustainability echo across continents. At the same time, I felt deeply proud to represent South Africa. For all the challenges we face, it was inspiring to realise how robust Jewish life is back home. Our civil rights are strongly protected and monitored; Jewish practice is vibrant; and our community, though small, is dynamic and creative.
The experience also reminded me a little of camp – the intensity of learning, the joy of community, the friendships formed in a week that felt like a lifetime. NGF managed to create a space that was both intellectually rigorous and personally nourishing.
I return with gratitude: to the faculty who guided us, to my peers who shared openly and generously, and to the Cape SAJBD who made my participation possible. A special thank you to the NGF organisers, Jeni, Sienna, and David Jacobson – our own former Cape SAJBD Director – for curating such an inspiring gathering of Am Yisrael.
The Nahum Goldmann Fellowship was more than a leadership programme – it was a reminder of the strength and diversity of the Jewish people, and the importance of building bridges across borders. I look forward to staying engaged with this global network and to carrying these lessons into my work at home. ●
Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies | http://www.capesajbd.org | Instagram | Facebook
- For the current edition of the Cape Jewish Chronicle, click here.
- Subscribe to the Cape Jewish Chronicle: R450/year, or R38/month via debit order. Simply email us at subscriptions@ctjc.co.za and click here for payment info.
- The Cape Jewish Chronicle reaches over 6 000 readers monthly across print and digital platforms.
- To book advertising space or discuss a custom package contact Adéle Gradner Mobile: 083 321 5222 | Office: 021 464 6736 | Email advertising@ctjc.co.za
