South Africa Jewish communities online
July 27, 2021 by J-Wire News Service
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The SA Jewish Museum and the Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies at the University of Cape Town are to explore on zoom the resources available and consider some of the solutions in use, to recreate South African Jewish communities online.
The project will consider websites, social media platforms such as Facebook groups, Zoom reunions and also virtual cemeteries. Participants will hear from those in the field, about their processes and successes and what they feel still needs to be worked on, so that others may follow in their footsteps.
Both for dwindling and for still vibrant Jewish communities, many enthusiasts and professionals are endeavouring to celebrate and preserve the Jewish footprint online. Time is of the essence while sources can tell the stories firsthand. The recent tragic fire that engulfed UCT’s Jagger Library underlines the importance of securing heritage resources, both physically and digitally. So please join us for this first Community History Online (CHOL) Webinar.
Sessions will be recorded and uploaded on the CHOL playlist of the South African Jewish Museum.
Register in advance for this webinar:
After registering, a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar will be sent.
This free public conference will take place on Zoom over three weekly sessions on 28 July, 4 August and 11 August from 7pm to 8.30pm (Australian Eastern States time).
SESSION 1 Wednesday July 28
7pm to 8.30pm (Australian Eastern States time
A Virtual City & How to Make It
Outlining the processes needed to create an online presence preserving the footprint of a Jewish community, demonstrating the Kimberley KehilaLink site as an example.
Presented by Geraldine Auerbach | MBE | London, UK
Born in Kimberley, Geraldine Auerbach studied art and teaching at Wits and UCT. She taught art in London and has created many platforms for Jewish cultural activity, including the Jewish Music Institute www.jmi.org.uk; Simcha on the Square http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Ideas/Album/Simcha.htm; European Cantors Association www.cantors.eu; International Forum for Jewish Music Studies https://jewishmusic.hcommons.org/.
The Anatomy of a KehilaLink Website & WordPress Blog
How to build, connect & share the memories of your town.
Presented by Eli Rabinowitz | Founder & CEO of the WE ARE HERE! Foundation | Perth, Australia
Eli, an ex-Capetonian now living in Perth, writes and manages 88 KehilaLink websites of Jewish communities in South Africa, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, and others. See for Jewishgen, the world’s largest Jewish genealogical organisation. Eli has written over 800 posts on WordPress, and is the only non-American board member of the IAJGS. Eli is the founder of the international WE ARE HERE! Foundation https://wah.foundation. More here: https://about.me/elirab
What You Should Know About the SAJM Archive
A short introduction to the SAJM digital Archive: communal resources, navigation tools, and family histories for our digital age.
Presented by Leila Bloch | Archivist & Researcher at the SA Jewish Museum | Cape Town, South Africa
Leila Bloch manages the SAJM archive at the South African Jewish Museum, drawing from her experience in heritage studies, oral histories, and life writing.
Moderator: Gavin Morris, Director of the SA Jewish Museum, Cape Town
