Activities page
Daphne Gillis writes from Cape Town in 2026 (as a 94-year old):
In Oudtshoorn we had a very active Union of Jewish Women and Zionist Society. Most people belonged to both and attended all the meetings - because that was where our social lives were arranged. The UJW did all the kosher catering as here were no kosher shops.
We were fortunate in that there were three or four older 'coloured' ladies who had worked for Jewish families and were expert cooks. I was the Catering Convenor although I couldn't cook….but I could work out quantities. We catered for Barmitzvahs, weddings, social events, etc. We had our own hall, crockery, chairs, tables, kitchen facilities.
Naturally we also had many lectures, meetings to celebrate various events or to explain our Yomtovim, customs, etc. to the Christian community. We hosted guest speakers….either local or visitors to town.
The Zionist Society worked for Israel…collected regular subs, had fund raising events etc. For some years I was the treasurer. All this was in addition to having a regular morning job as a bookkeeper for a feather merchant…and raising four boys. I was not unique….many others did as much.
It is more than 40 years since we left Oudtshoorn and the community has shrunk to just a very few people. All the records, minute books, etc. are lodged at UCT. There are also full and detailed accounts of various events, people involved, etc.
We have also at various times submitted details of the Gillis family including the account of the wedding of Solomon Gillis which took place in the Dutch Reform Church as there was no Shul at that stage.
