Keynote speaker Justice Albie Sachs brought greetings from a fictional society he invented for the purpose, called the Society for the Evolution of Culture under Religious Law [SECULAR]. Religion is important, the avowedly secular justice said, as part of his chosen life struggle to follow morality on his life path: "At its core, are values from the sacred text."
The evening's programme included the new advocacy centre's mission statement: "SACRED aims to provide a progressive Jewish voice on relevant social, moral, ethical and religious issues in South Africa: to counteract religious discrimination in all its forms; to advance freedom of religion and to promote fundamental rights and freedoms through advocacy, activism, scholarly contributions to public discourse and public interest litigation."
SACRED's birth is a follow-up to Israel; Religious Action Committee (IRAC) Director Anat Hoffman's 2009 visit to South Africa. Hofmann brought her vision and personal commitment to combating discrimination and legal inequities within Israeli Jewish communities in a form that encouraged Rabbi Robert Jacobs of Bet David, Sandton, to propose creating a parallel organization for South Africa with its unique constitutional protections and highly structured Jewish community.
A steering group was set up in November 2009. This benefitted greatly in August 2010 when Rabbi Gilad Kariv, executive director of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) and former Associate Director of IRAC, inspired further work, the writing of a founding document and extended discussions of the role, purpose and format of a South African Centre for Religious Equality and Diversity, SACRED.
Jewish life in South Africa greatly benefits from the 1994 Constitution, which guarantees equal rights and religious freedom. Jewish society seems to lag behind that grand and progressive vision. Ours is one of a handful of countries with a recognized Chief Rabbi, where the majority affiliation is Orthodox but growing numbers of disaffected and non-practicing Jews are faced with increasing intransigence in matters of Jewish communal life. SACRED's focus is on full rights and recognition for all Jews.
The same is true for women, and for sexual minorities: South Africa has registered same-sex marriages since November 2006, a first in Africa. The legacy of apartheid leaves many vulnerable, and offers the invitation to progressive Jews to participate with a unique voice in the on-going process of building a democratic, inclusive, diverse and non-racial society in South Africa.
The SAUPJ is the parent body of SACRED, but the vision is expansive and offers its attention to any person who brings a matter before us. "We intend to add an independent, liberal and progressive viewpoint for the Jewish community to issues that arise in South Africa, whether legislative, in the courts or in the court of public opinion" said Rabbi Jacobs, who is currently the acting chairman. Other board members are Jacob Hurwitz, Monica Solomon, Prof David Bilchitz, Reeva Forman, Lynton Travis, Wendy Ovens and Steve Lurie.
As a preliminary fact-finding step, a registry of complaints about discrimination is now available. This allows individuals faced with denial of service or unequal treatment, to list their complaints in a confidential way. SACRED will use these cases to learn of patterns of discrimination and to help develop a programme of action, response and activity.
SACRED can be contacted at sacredsa@gmail.com, at 011-646-7903, or at PO Box 1190 Houghton 2041. Volunteers and donations are welcome.
