Welcome

The Queen Street Synagogue - Der Englishe Shul is still in use today.

We will be conducting all synagogue services for the High Holy Days this year

Rosh Hashanah

Yom Kippur

Succot

Simchat Torah

Rabbi Eli Knight will be visiting/conducting all services.

Please join to help us make a Minyan.

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about us.

Oudtshoorn is one of South Africa’s most interesting Jewish historic centres. So vibrant was the Jewish community that the town was named, with some degree of exaggeration, ‘Little Jerusalem’ or ‘Yerushalayim beDerom Afrika’ (Jerusalem of South Africa).

At first religious ceremonies were held in private houses and in the feather market hall of the town council. By 1886, when the number of Jews was about 250, the decision was made, with the encouragement of Rabbi Orenstein of Cape Town, to build a synagogue.

The Jewish population of Oudtshoorn grew with the growth of the Ostrich industry, peaking in 1914 with 600 families.

All Jewish Holidays will be held at the Oudtshoorn Synagogue, morning and evening services. Please join us to make a Minjan, all visitors are welcome!

Oudtshoorn Synagogue History

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Role in Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn, town in the Cape Midlands of the Republic of South Africa. For many years Oudtshoorn was the center of the ostrich-feather industry, and Jewish immigrants played an outstanding part in its development.

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Jewish Arrival

Arriving in the area about 1880, approximately 30 years after the town was founded, Jewish traders mainly from Lithuania mastered the methods of ostrich-farming. Among recognized experts in the industry were men like the Rose brothers, and the eldest, Max, who came from Lithuania in 1890, was known as the “ostrich feather king.”

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First Ceremonies

At first religious ceremonies were held in private houses and in the feather market hall of the town council. By 1886, when the number of Jews was about 250, the decision was made, with the encouragement of Rabbi Orenstein of Cape Town, to build a synagogue.

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Present in Oudtshoorn

By 1955 there were only 150 families left and in 1973 the St. Johns St. Synagogue was closed. The ark and front pews were transferred to the local museum. Today only 17 families remain, five of whom are ostrich farmers, with community life still centred around the Queens St. (now Baron van Reede St.) Synagogue.

Get in Touch

We would love to hear from you!
Here for you

Feel free to contact us about any enquires you might have.

About us

Queen Street Synagogue,
Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

Where to find us

85 Baron Van Reede St, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

Keep in Touch

mwlarrym@mweb.co.za +27 82 491 1415
+27 82 845 5306