A symbol of equality
It is hoped the museum will stand on par with other Jewish symbolic archives and become an eternal symbol of Judaism and equality in the East Rand.
An intimate gathering of guests enjoyed a glimpse into the history of the Brakpan Synagogue during an event held on October 3.
The event, which was attended by visitors from the Orange Grove Hebrew Congregation (9th Street Shul), Limmud SA and South African Jewish Board of Deputies was held to celebrate the establishment of the Brakpan Shul
Museum and to raise awareness of the humanitarian work carried out by The Harvest Project. The NPO is run by Yakima Waner and Jessie Nkosi, her partner within the organisation.
The synagogue, situated along Kingsway Avenue, is also home to The Harvest Centre for Judaism and equality.
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Blessings Eco Preparatory School is also situated on the grounds and caters to children who would usually not go to school due to their status and domestic situation.
The Harvest Project enters complex environments, such as the Plastic City informal settlement, where children are at risk of abuse, violence, racism, xenophobia, health risks and inequality.
The organisation runs multiple projects within the settlement and Brakpan, including feeding schemes and an animal rescue centre.
Visitors were taken on a tour of the grounds and classrooms, as well as the museum, which consists of treasures of history in different forms.
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The present exhibition is of items found in the synagogue, in storage and from donated items from all over the world.
There is literature, religious items, important apparel, items in memory of the community and items from people who put the community and town on the map for their skills in the arts, education and business.
There are also photographic archives and historic art pieces. It is hoped the museum will stand on par with other Jewish symbolic archives and become an eternal symbol of Judaism and equality in the East Rand.
Following the tour, guests received a first-hand look at life in Plastic City through the partial screening of Yakima’s international award-winning documentary The Harvest, which explores the lives of the people who call the informal settlement home and aims to share their stories and the benefit they are providing for the planet through recycling.
History of the Brakpan Synagogue
In 1931, the United Hebrew Institute of Brakpan commissioned HW Spicer to design a synagogue.
The appealing and solid basilica design in red brick symbolised the tradition and faith of the congregation.
The synagogue was extended in 1955.
The building provided sanctuary to children during xenophobic riots in 2019. Today, the synagogue is a museum commemorating the Jewish presence in the East Rand.
It also serves as an equality centre assisting the whole community. It has been awarded a blue plaque by the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation.
The Waner brothers
Records show there were two occasions, one in 1996 and another in 2001, where it was suggested that the synagogue be shut down due to a lack of congregants in town.
When the time came to select new management, Ernest Waner was considered to be the next president as he was still present in the town and very capable. Ernest looked to his brother Jeffrey for support and he became the co-president.
Jeffrey foresaw the concern of reducing attendance and suggested picking up people from the Sandringham Gardens Old Age Home, which cares for the Jewish aged in Johannesburg, for a weekly outing.
This took place for 15 years. The brothers took this duty on in memory of their family and ancestors.
Their vision kept the Shul alive for 20 years. The brothers also looked after the Jewish section of the local cemetery, making sure it was protected, clean, respected and not vandalised, which has happened at other Jewish cemeteries that have no living community left.
In 2019, The Harvest Project was denied rights to place Blessings Eco Preparatory School in the Plastic City community and Jeffrey and Ernest signed an agreement, which allowed for the school to place the container on the Shul grounds in memory of the Holocaust children who were denied education due to their identity.
The Shul was still hosting services until February 2020 just before lockdown.
Jeffrey died the same year.
Today, The Harvest Project looks after the Shul heritage and the Jewish cemetery in memory and celebration of the Waner brothers for their remarkable work and loving hearts.
