Intermarriage Between Jews and Non-jews in South Africa Rising

Intermarriage between Jews and non-Jews in South Africa is on the increase “to an appreciable degree,” the Federation of Synagogues of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State declared in its annual report here today. The report has been readied for submission to the third national Conference of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations, to be convened here next month.

According to the report, intermarriage in South Africa “is assuming disquieting proportions.” The report also noted that there is a shortage in this country of rabbis and other Jewish religious functionaries, and urged expansion of training for such posts by local Jewish institutions. Still another section of the report criticized Reform Judaism, declaring that the Reform movement is “the negation of everything Orthodox Jews stand for,” and stating there can be no rapprochement between Jewish Orthodoxy and Reform Judaism.

In regard to general South African affairs, the report pledged support to the Government. Stating that “our country is beset by innumerable problems, and has become the target of violent attacks from the outside,” the Federation pledged “unwavering loyalty” to South Africa. The Federation recorded its gratitude to the Government “for ever-ready assistance and cooperation from its many departments.”