Winelands community
Nestled among the mountain ranges of the Cape Winelands, the town of Wellington is noted for both its natural beauty and the quality of its agricultural produce. Established in 1840, it takes its name from the 1st Duke of Wellington, hero of the 1815 Battle of Waterloo.
Rabbi Stuart Serwator, who has an interest in the town, describes the road leading to Wellington via Bain’s Kloof as offering “stupendous views and panoramic landscapes.”
The Jewish presence in Wellington dates back to 1855, when Mr Rothkugel from Germany opened an inn in Bain’s Kloof. More Jews settled in the 1890s and, by the early 20th century, the community was large enough to establish a Hebrew Congregation. From 1902, services were held in rented premises until a synagogue was built in 1921 at 14 Jan van Riebeeck Street. By then, the Congregation had also established a cemetery after receiving land from the Governor of the Cape. During the 1940s, a manse, Hebrew school and communal hall were added.
Rabbi Serwator recalls a sign in the shul, next to the President’s box, which read: “Talking during Services is forbidden!”
As in many smaller towns, the community later diminished, and the synagogue was sold in 1982. The congregation then amalgamated with the Paarl Jewish congregation, which remains active today.
The Congregation employed ministers from 1903 to 1978, including Rev Friedgood, Rev A Bruk, Rev Kamionsky, Rev Cantor J Herison, Rev M Rabin and Rev E Holtzman.
Well-known Jewish residents included Bennie and Helen Katzman; Philip Sarembock, who served twice as mayor; Eli Schkolne, the Congregation’s last president; Charlie Kling; Ellie and Judy Geffen; ‘Gielie’ Kropman; Mr Nicholls; David and Ettie Korzuch; and Dr Keith Sarembock, who still practises in Wellington.
Ouma-Granny’s House, established some years ago in a Victorian home in Fountain Street, housed a museum collection belonging to journalist Joyce Hoogenhout-Morse, including items of Jewish interest. Sadly, it closed in 2018 due to theft and inadequate maintenance.
Rabbi Serwator acknowledges the contribution of Mrs Tanya Jellin and Jewish Life in the South African Country Communities, Volume 2 – both provided much of the history of the town.
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