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February 2026 Community Events

Community OrganisationEventDateFor more info and RSVP

Union of Orthodox Synagogues 		Women’s Weekly Lunchtime Halachah ShiurMondays, 13h00-14h00RSVP: admin@uoscape.co.za

Mensch		Network Friends & Family Tu B’shvat lunchSun 1 February, 10h00RSVP admin@mensch.org.za
Constantia Jewish Community CentreTu B’shvat 5786 Tree Planting Mon 2 February, 10h00RSVP: Call 076 208 0899
Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide CentreFilm: The Shadow of the DayTues 3 February, 18h00admin@holocaust.org.za
Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide CentreWebinar – Book review: Looted by Peter EliotThurs 5 February, 19h00admin@holocaust.org.za
SA Jewish MuseumWolf Kibel Lippy Lipshitz, Palm Studios – Exhibition WalkaboutsTues 10 Feb at 10h00; Tues 17 Feb at 10h00; Tues 24 Feb at 10h00natacha@sajewishmuseum.co.za
ORT JET Cape TownWebinar with Tessa Plen (info to follow)Weds 11 February,
12h00 – 13h30		jet@ortsacape.org.za
SA Jewish MuseumYiddish ConcertSun 15 February, 18h30https://www.sajewishmuseum.co.za/guyschonsyiddishsongs
Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide CentreFilm: Rescuing MemoryThurs 19 February, 17h00admin@holocaust.org.za
Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide CentreWebinar: I Never Said Goodbye – Helene JoffeTues 24 February, 19h00admin@holocaust.org.za
ORT JET Cape TownBusiness Breakfast Club with Anton Chait and Gary Gold (details to follow)Weds 25 February,
09h00 – 11h00		jet@ortsacape.org.za
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Herzlia High School matric class of 2025: fast facts, quick stats

100% BACHELOR’S PASS

90 CANDIDATES WROTE NSC EXAMS

346 INDIVIDUAL SUBJECT DISTINCTIONS

3.84 DISTINCTIONS ON AVERAGE PER CANDIDATE, INCLUDING FS MATHS FS MATHS ELECTIVE & FS ENGLISH

> 80% AVERAGES ACHIEVED IN THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS: ACCOUNTING, DANCE, DRAMATIC ARTS, ECONOMICS, HISTORY, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, MUSIC, TOURISM AND VISUAL ART

United Herzlia Schools http://www.herzlia.com

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When Networking = “Ask your dad!”

Sarah Abraham

Finding a job in your twenties is tough.

Finding a job when you’re Jewish? Slightly less tough – especially if your dad happens to be the boss!

Comedian Sarah Abraham unpacks the comedy (and chaos!) of Jewish nepotism in this laugh-out-loud audio clip, ahead of her upcoming show at the Baxter’s Masambe Theatre on 6 and 7 February 2026.

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CATS the Musical at Artscape: a night of magical entertainment  

Cape Town audiences are privileged to see the return to our stage of CATS – one of the most iconic and beloved musicals in theatre history – after 25 years since it was first performed here. Although it’s now more than 40 years since the musical was first performed, it shows no signs of losing its popularity – evidenced by the capacity audiences at each show at the Artscape this December.

Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, CATS first premiered in London’s West End in 1981 and went on to play nearly 9 000 performances, breaking records and redefining musical theatre. Since its debut, the show has been staged in over 54 countries, translated into 23 languages, and seen by more than 77 million people around the world. Its enduring appeal lies in the magical fusion of music, poetry, dance, and storytelling. At its core, CATS invites audiences into the mysterious world of the Jellicle Cats, who gather for their annual Jellicle Ball to decide which one among them will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn.

The show runs in Cape Town until 11 January 2026, and then opens in Johannesburg later that month.  

Bursting with energy, CATS features Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated score, including the unforgettable ballad Memory, along with breathtaking choreography, dazzling costumes and an extraordinary, oversized junkyard set.

The South African season showcases a stellar, local cast, not at all short of world-class talent.  The dancing and acrobatics are truly impressive, and the quality of the voices in this production is wonderful, with familiar scores such as Memory, and Macavity: The Mystery Cat placed in the context of the tale, beautifully supported by the wonderful musical score originally developed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. While Elaine Page may have immortalised Memory, the rendition of this beautiful piece by local performer Cindy Ann Abrahams will long be remembered by the Cape Town audience, which gave her a standing ovation for her singing.

Jewish dancer and actress Tannah Levick – whom we wrote about in our December/January edition – takes on the role of Rumpleteazer, in which she showcases her talent as a dancer, an actress, and a singer. Serving as an understudy for a number of other roles, she has taken on a huge task as a performer. A relative newcomer to professional performance, Tannah is clearly a performer with a bright future.

It is certainly encouraging to experience a quality show of this sort in Cape Town. Highlighting the talent we have locally, coupled with world-class directors, choreographers, set designers, and musicians, this production can hold its head high. As one former Capetonian now living in London, a regular theatre-goer, commented, “This production is as good, if not better, than anything I’ve seen in London.”

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Sydney terror attack, 14 December 2025

Cape SAJBD

Statement by the Cape SAJBD and CSO Cape Town

We are outraged and heartbroken by the horrific terror attack that took place yesterday at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, where the Jewish community, celebrating the festival of Chanukah, was brutally targeted and murdered.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Australian Jewish community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who were murdered, and we pray for the full and speedy recovery of all those who were injured.

In light of these tragic events, we wish to reassure our community that the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies and CSO Cape Town remain ever vigilant. Our security posture is on high alert, and we continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to protect our community, all Jewish events, and our way of life.

We therefore encourage the community to continue attending the various Chanukah-related events taking place over the coming days, knowing that the safety and well-being of the Jewish community remain our highest priority.

We will continue to stand firm against those who hate us and seek to cause us harm.

Wishing you and your families a Chanukah Sameach.

Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies | http://www.capesajbd.org | Instagram | Facebook

CSO CAPE TOWN | EMERGENCY NUMBER: 086 18 911 18 | http://www.csocape.org.za

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A farewell tribute to Heather Blumenthal

The SAZF Cape Council bids a heartfelt farewell to our Executive Director, Heather Blumenthal, as she and her husband prepare to make Aliyah and begin their next chapter in Netanya. While we will miss her profoundly, there is something beautifully fitting about seeing Heather return to the Jewish homeland – a journey she herself has inspired in so many community members. It feels like a full-circle moment for someone whose life’s work has been defined by love of Israel and devotion to the Jewish community.

Heather stepped into the role of Executive Director at a difficult time in the history of the SAZF CC. Our organisation had weathered a turbulent period, and needed to be rebuilt. With characteristic grace, professionalism, and deep community understanding, she helped to stabilise, re-energise, and reposition the Fed. She restored confidence not through force, but through presence: calm, capable, respected, and impossible not to like.

Just as the newly elected ManCom began its term, 7 October, 2023 changed the trajectory. Overnight, the entire landscape shifted. Heather, along with Chairman David Cohen, led the Council through those first chaotic months – and more than two years of war, missing hostages, despair and fragile hope – with clarity and compassion, ensuring that the Cape Town Jewish community had credible information and support at a time when the world felt unrecognisable to the Jewish people.

Her leadership during this period, despite rising antisemitism, aggressive protests, and the relentless pressures facing our community, has consistently helped deliver record-breaking attendance at SAZF Cape Council events, a testament not only to communal engagement, but to her charisma, credibility, and innate ability to bring people together. In moments that called for courage, she was courageous. In moments that required diplomacy, she was diplomatic. Always a guardian; always a leader.

Heather, we thank you for your hours of unwavering dedication to the Fed. May this next chapter for you and Ian be filled with fulfilment, purpose, and peace in Netanya.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה בְּבֹאֶךָ וּבָרוּךְ אַתָּה בְּצֵאתֶךָ
Baruch Atah B’voecha, U’varuch Atah B’tzetecha
Blessed shall you be in your coming, and blessed shall you be in your going.

Read Welcome Joshua Schewitz – SAZF Cape Council

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Obituary: Professor Dan Stein z”l

Picture source: UCT News website

With contributions by JUDGE DENIS DAVIS and PROFESSOR MARK COTTON

The Cape Jewish Chronicle informs the Cape Town Jewish Community with sadness of the untimely passing of UCT academic, Professor Dan Stein, following a brief illness. Described as “one of South Africa’s most distinguished scholars”, Professor Stein, 63, was professor and chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health.  

He graduated in medicine from UCT’s medical school and then made the principled decision to leave South Africa to avoid compulsory military conscription. He trained in psychiatry at Columbia University, New York, then undertook a fellowship in psychiatric research at Mount Sinai School, New York. With the ending of apartheid, he returned to South Africa in1992 where he joined Stellenbosch University (SU) as an associate professor and then a full professor from 2002 through 2014. While at SU, he obtained doctorates in Clinical Neuroscience and Philosophy. In the enabling environment of SU’s department of Psychiatry with its focus on the biological basis of psychiatry, Professor Stein began his remarkable career that shaped his lifelong commitment to integrating neuroscience, clinical practice, community responsibility and philosophy in the study of mental disorders.

He became Departmental chair at UCT in 2015 where he established a superb and multifaceted department and an Institute of Neurosciences.  

In remembering Professor Stein, Judge Denis Davis commented, “The passing of Dan Stein is a devastating loss for intellectual life in this country. Few, if any, academics in this country of his generation have made such a profound contribution to knowledge in his chosen fields which were complex and varied   But more than that he was a true mensch,  a great mentor and an inspiration to those like me fortunate to know him.”

According to UCT News, “He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of scholarship, leadership, mentorship and humanity. He mentored and supported colleagues in Africa to integrate African manifestations of psychiatric conditions into global research. He elevated UCT, SU and South African science on the global stage, built institutions that will serve future generations, and dedicated his life to improving the lives of people living with mental illness.”

Dan Stein leaves behind his wife, Professor Heather Zar, three children (Gabriella, Josh and Sarah), and a grandson, Raffah, as well as numerous academics and students in South Africa and globally, who feel his loss deeply.

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Standing together

“History tells us of the many times Jews have suffered at the hands of haters. But October 7 was the first pogrom against the Jews in our lifetimes. The world’s response has been absolutely shocking.”

These stark words from Advocate Eduard Fagan set the tone at the Celebration of Friendship, hosted by Cape Town’s Jewish community on 8 December.

Lighting a candle alongside his colleague, Elsa van Huysteen, Fagan spoke of the deep bonds between the Jewish and Christian communities. “The only moral response to what we are witnessing across the world,” he said, “is solidarity with the Jewish people.” His message reflected the unwavering support many local Christian leaders have shown since the October 7 attacks.

The annual event, organised by the South African Zionist Federation Cape Council (SAZFCC),in collaboration with the Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies and the South African Friends of Israel (SAFI), honours Capetonians who have made a conscious moral choice to stand up for what they believe is right. These are individuals and church communities who openly support Israel, seeing it as central to their faith and values. Among those recognised were prominent public figures, including MPs Glynnis Breytenbach, Steve Swart, Katherine Christie and Anthea Gordon.

SAZF Cape Council Executive Director Heather Blumenthal paid tribute to the visible acts of solidarity shown in the aftermath of October 7. “Your willingness to stand with us in a country where antisemitism and anti-Zionism are present at an official level helps us feel that we are not alone,” she said. “Your support for Israel is not theoretical – it is real and lived.”

Special guest Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein described the gathering as an “alliance of good people in South Africa”. He thanked Christian friends of Israel for standing firm on shared values. “While we gather here as friends of Israel, we are also friends of values,” he said. “The values of the Bible are the values South Africans want for their children.”

Rabbi Goldstein contrasted these principles with the stance of the South African government, which he said has eroded public trust by prioritising its position against Israel over the pressing challenges facing South Africans.

The moving candle-lighting ceremony saw representatives from various organisations and churches highlighting themes of unity, remembrance of the hostages, the pursuit of peace, hope, and compassion for all victims of terror.

The evening concluded on a joyful note, with Israeli dancing, song, and the strengthening of friendships – a powerful reminder that, even in difficult times, solidarity and shared values continue to shine.

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Welcome Joshua Schewitz – SAZF Cape Council

Joshua Schewitz holds an honours degree in Politics and Philosophy from the University of Johannesburg. During his university years, he was deeply involved in student and community leadership, volunteering with SAUJS and serving in a range of roles both on campus and within the National Committee of SAUJS, where he ultimately held the position of National Director until 2011. He further contributed to the community as Chairperson of the Zionist Youth Council and as a member of WUJS. Joshua also worked as an intelligence analyst for the CSO and in private security during his time in South Africa.

In 2012, Joshua made Aliyah, initially settling in Jerusalem before moving to Yavne, where he has lived for the past decade. Since then, he has continued his intelligence work with private security companies in both Israel and South Africa. He currently assists the intelligence department at Archangel Protection Services in South Africa, focusing on training, development, and operational enhancement. In addition to his security background, Joshua has professional experience in high-tech sales. He is married to Daphna Diamant Schewitz, and they have four children together.

Joshua is an active writer whose work has been published in multiple outlets, primarily on issues relating to Israel and South Africa. His writing expanded significantly after the October 7th attack, driven by his strong commitment to defending Israel and articulating its position with clarity and conviction. A devoted Zionist, he is known for his proactive advocacy, willingness to take risks, and unwavering determination to confront threats to Israel and the Jewish people.

In 2024, Joshua co-founded the Middle East Africa Research Institute with Benji Shulman, an initiative created in response to the notable absence of academically rigorous, analysis concerning Africa and the Middle East in South Africa and the wider African region.

Joshua joins the SAZF CC team in February 2026.

SA Zionist Federation – Cape Council – Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Dec 2025/Jan 2026

Here is your December 2025/January 2026 Digital Edition. Click here for PDF view.

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