Confirmation Class Temple Israel Circa 1950s.
The South African Jewish Museum, Hatfield Street, Gardens, has launched an exhibition entitled Groundbreakers: A History of Progressive Judaism in South Africa.
The exhibition is a comprehensive history of South Africa’s progressive movement, examining its impact on the South African Jewish community.
It is based on research published in a new book, Mavericks Inside the Tent, by Irwin Manoim, a former newspaper editor who is now associated with the Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies at UCT.
Museum director Gavin Morris says: “We show that this minority movement had a larger impact than is generally appreciated. It played a pioneering role in several areas, such as the first batmitzvahs, Jewish outreach into South African communities, interfaith initiatives, gender equality and welcoming the LGBTQI+ community as members.”
The exhibition also includes archive film as well as specifically produced new film and will run until the end of March, before moving to Johannesburg.
Email info@sajewishmuseum.co.za or call 021 465 1546 or visit www.sajewishmuseum.co.za