From Joburg to La Jolla: The South African Jewish Community

Featuring Colin Schachat

June 10 @ 6:00pm | Congregation Adat Yeshurun

Southern California has the largest population of South African Jews in America. This program features a full-course catered kosher meal of South African Jewish specialties and a special performance by South African born Chazzan and Baritone Singer, Colin Schachat.

Colin Schachat’s unique voice and rare artistic versatility has enabled him to perform and record a broad popular repertoire including singing in Yiddish, Italian, and Spanish, Cantorial music, Opera, and musical theatre. Colin performs with the world’s leading orchestras, cantors, and iconic singers. He has performed at Buckingham Palace with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, alongside legendary tenor Jose Carreras, and in Italy and Israel with Andrea Bocelli. He has also performed with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra South Africa, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra, and many more.

Accompanying on piano will be Raymond Goldstein.

Historical introduction by Brian Marcus

Sponsored by
South African Jewish American Community SAJAC and Congregation Adat Yeshurun

Event Team :
Todd Salovey, Karen Wolmer, Stacey Katz, Carol Kaplan, Shelley Sass, Brian Marcus, Davina Turobinor, Yael Aires, Marina Sragovicz and Diane Schachat

About the Jewish South African Community by Karen Wolmer

“Tonight’s presentation on the Jews of South Africa explores the unique history and character of South African Jewry, tracing its journey from early immigration waves in the late19th and early 20th centuries to its development into a tightly knit and influential community. It highlights where Jewish immigrants settled, the livelihoods they built from peddlers and small merchants, to farmers, professionals, and leaders in business and civics; and the strong communal institutions they established. The program also examines the impact of apartheid on Jewish identity, the community’s deep-rooted Zionism, and the significant emigration in recent decades. Finally, it showcases notable South African Jews who have made global and local contributions and reflects on personal and contemporary connections, illustrating a community marked by resilience, unity, and lasting global impact.“

From Joburg to La Jolla, South African Dinner Menu

Appetizers

Mini mushroom/potato pies

Cocktail boerewors 

Coleslaw 

Main Course

Bobotie

Yellow Turmeric Rice

Veggie coconut curry 

Banana / chutney / coconut ( sambals ) 

Papadams, Crackers

Dessert

Malva Pudding and Custard

Frozen Lemon Meringue

Pavlova with fruit

Frozen Chocolate mousse

Biscotti

Fresh fruit