Launch of book marks 100-year history
The launch of the book about the Jewish community marked the 100-year anniversary of their exciting religious life.
The book called The Great Park Synagogues was launched in Rabbi Harris Community Centre in Houghton.
Authored by David Saks, the book captures the of history of the Jewish in Johannesburg since 1887.
Saks is a historian, a writer and the associate director of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies.
The launch was also attended by the spiritual leader of the Great Park Shul, Rabbi Dovid Hazdan and the publisher, Geoff Wald.
Saks said, “When Geoff came in the beginning of last year to ask me to write the book I was completely thrilled.”
He said it took him three months to complete the book. “The book that Geoff had conceived had to be celebratory, something that has to be treasured,” added Saks.
Part of the book unravels the story of the Jewish in the early 1800 in Johannesburg; how the congregation was split into two and eventually reconciled.
Hazdan commended Geoff, saying “he took up the difficult task that required a lot of nerves”.
He said, “May this ( the book) gives us confidence to plough ourselves into the future with positivity and strength.”
Only a thousand copies have been printed and the proceeds of the book would be donated to charity.
