The wedding of the Reverend Abraham Levy
(a graduate of Jews College) to
Fanny Morris, daughter of Elizabeth Sandeman, Durban 1907
(Collection of Ann Sarzin).
Specific information about individuals or communities may often
be obtained from the South African Jewish Board of Deputies. The
Board controls cultural, educational, religious and social activities.
They will arrange for publication of a family query in the Jewish
press at no charge.
Synagogue records can provide a wealth of information.
Synagogues and communal records include:
- These will generally give the full names and surnames of
both parties, their ages, occupations, marriage authorisation
certificates and the names of witnesses, and Rabbi. Marriage
authorisation certificates and copy Ketubot (marriage
certificates) and GETs (religious divorce documents) [Hebrew
- Synagogue Minute Books:
- These can have very varied genealogical information; a
Many communities have ceased to exist and their records can be found in the Board of
Deputies Library or the Kaplan Centre, Cape Town.
Orthodox : The Office of the Chief Rabbi is not very helpful.
However they do answer written requests for copies of marriage
and divorce certificates. (United Hebrew Congregation) There is
also a strong Lubavich movement and smaller Sephardi and Masorti
congregations. There are 48 Orthodox Religious groups listed in
Reform communities keep separate records. Reform in South Africa
is similar to Conservative in Great Britain. (United Progressive
Jewish Congregation of Johannesburg). Many Jews remain with a
strong identity but outside the religious net. Intermarriage is
very common, but emigration is the main limiting factor to