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The Idel Schwartz Certificate Collection contains one certificate from the Dorshei Zion Association to Idel Schwartz. This certificate is signed by A M Solomon, the father of Abba Eban.

The Finkelstein Collection of letters includes correspondence between fashion designer Arnold Finkelstein when he was a student and his parents from the early 1950s. Arnold Finkelstein received a bursary to study fashion design in London, England in 1952. This collection is of particular interest to SAJM as it was discovered in a box at Milnerton Flea Market. A treasure such as this is valued greatly by SAJM. The Finkelstein Collection of letters includes correspondence between fashion designer Arnold Finkelstein when he was a student and his parents from the early 1950s. Arnold Finkelstein received a bursary to study fashion design in London, England in 1952. This collection is of particular interest to SAJM as it was discovered in a box at Milnerton Flea Market. A treasure such as this is valued greatly by SAJM. Reading through these letters uncovers insight into the fashion design industry of the 1950s, as well as historic evidence of culture and communication between London and Cape Town.

Arnold Finkelstein is known for being a prolific fashion designer in the 1950s and 1960s. During his bursary in London he wrote many letters to his parents. There are also letters to and from close family friends. Mr Finkelstein begins his letters to his parents by sharing “wonderful news”. He met with Mr Brian Hart of the London fashion industry and was to be staying with Mr Hart and his wife. This news was received very positively by folks back home, and Arnold’s mother immediately thought to ask, “Is Brian Hart Jewish?” Arnold did not yet know the answer but was thrilled nonetheless to be boarding with such an esteemed member of the industry.

Arnold was told by his college principal the course he had taken was very difficult and he would have to work like a bomb. Arnold Finkelstein made a prolific success of his career in Cape Town, and one can only deduce he must have worked hard and successfully during his time in London.
Speaking of bombs, Arnold shared with his parents the Great Synagogue Orthodox of London was bombed during World War Two in the Blitz, and the community would not rebuild it. Arnold also travelled briefly to Paris, France, as well as Copenhagen, Denmark and Goteborg, Sweden. During his time in Copenhagen he experienced anti-Semitism and felt miserable, and so quickly made his way back to London. As a result he almost cancelled his trip to Sweden, but ended up going, due to the demands of his father, and in fact had a wonderful time there.

Many of the letters of correspondence with Arnold’s parents share news of Arnold’s ailing health in London. He repeatedly writes of visits to the doctor, or taking new medication. Other letters relate to money being sent by his parents, or dealings with the bank. Arnold’s parents sent parcels of food as gifts to the Hart family for hosting Arnold, and they were thanked tremendously in more letters from Brian Hart’s wife to the Finkelstein family.

Some of the letters are written between Arnold and his friends in Cape Town. These friends were also in the fashion industry, or they were close acquaintances of the Finkelstein family. These letters also speak of poor health both in London and in Cape Town. Some of the letters share news of relationships and weddings happening in Cape Town, but Arnold does not reveal any news about his relationships in London, other than he had a terrible time one night at a lowdown night club. There is also mention of a girl who Arnold had dinner with one night, and who insisted on paying for herself, although it seems Arnold saw more of her on Television Ballet than a continued relationship. Arnold’s acquaintance Ronnie introduced Arnold to several high profile English actors such as Richard Attenborough, George Formby and Walter Fitzgerald.

Whenever possible research has been conducted to enrich these collections. If you have anything to add please contact us.

The Davidian Collection comprises twenty-two papers from the official school newspaper of King David High School. This Collection of papers date to the 1960's.

The Davidian went to print every month or two, and the articles covered various aspects of school life, including Matriculation results, awards, the Headmaster’s address, sports team photographs, and sports results. Being a predominantly Jewish school, King David High School was, and still is, involved in international Jewish activities. These included inter-school competitions with Herzlia and other schools, Ulpan Hebrew lessons, chess contests in Israel and Ukraine, and Final House Positions for Maccabi, Weizmann and Bar Kochba.

There were moments of tragedy in The Davidian when the newspaper printed obituaries; moments of great pride when awards and results were announced; and The Davidian also told its student, parent and teacher audience when students were being called to join the South African Army.

Whenever possible research has been conducted to enrich the information in these collections, if you would like to add any additional information please contact us.

This collection of letters from General Dealer David Allengensky of Hermanuspetrusfontein. Mr Allengensky was Proprietor of the Royal Hotel. The letters are about his business dealings, and date between 1898 and 1902. There are many letters addressed to Mr Allengensky regarding supply and demand. The collection also includes two wedding photographs and two portrait photographs. David Allengensky’s father was Adel Allengensky, the first Jew in Hermanus. The collection was donated by David’s granddaughter Minette Minitzer.

Mr David Allengensky’s letterhead reads, “D. Allengensky, General Dealer. Hermanuspetrusfontein. Wholesale and Retail, Worcester. Butcher. Private Carts. &c., &c. Proprietor of the Royal Hotel.” The letterhead also includes a printed etching of the Royal Hotel and a large heading which says, “Hermanuspetrusfontein”.
Mr Allengensky’s letters to the military commandant in Caledon suggests his travelling between Hermanus and Cape Town required special military dispensation. This was because his business was running concurrently with the Anglo-Boer War. In one letter, Mr Allengensky writes, “I will hold myself responsible that nothing takes place there contrary to the martial law regulations.”

The letterheads in this collection, which are more clearly legible than the letters themselves, reveal an interesting narrative of trade and communication between Hermanus and Cape Town, as well as Leeds, England. Some of the businesses are wholesalers like Mr Allengensky. Mr Allengensky dealt predominantly with fish and butchery. Mr Allengensky also had dealings with Alex Cameron & Co., sailmakers, from the corner of St George’s and Waterkant Streets. A letter like this suggests Mr Allengensky owned a boat and did his own fishing.

There is also a letter from Cape Times Limited, confirming the pricing of advertisement.

Receipts are also included in the collection. Cape Town Government Railways provided the receipts for transportation of goods from Cape Town to Hermanus.

Mr Allengensky was a goods dealer during the Anglo-Boer War, and required special military dispensation to travel through areas which were under martial law. The letters, each with a uniquely printed letterhead, tell a story of business ventures with dealings at the turn of the century going as steadily as technology and politics would allow.

Whenever possible research has been conducted to enrich collections. If you have anything to add please contact us.

The Taubie Kushlick Collection comprises a number of theatre programmes, photographs and newsclippings that document the theare career of South African actress and producer Taubie Kushlick.

Whenever possible research has been conducted to enrich the information in these collections, if you would like to add any additional information please contact us.

The Stoch Video Collection contains digitised footage. It was donated by Jocelyn Stoch and contains videos of the Stoch family on a number of family occasions, holidays within South Africa, the training of their German Shepard, and the dogs triumph in a competition.

Whenever possible research has been conducted to enrich the information in these collections, if you would like to add any additional information please contact us.

The Stern Video Collection contains digitised footage. It was donated by the Stern Family and contains videos of the Stern Family's travels around South Africa, life at home, and family gatherings.

Whenever possible research has been conducted to enrich the information in these collections, if you would like to add any additional information please contact us.

The Spiro Video Collection contains digitised footage. It was donated by Norman Spiro and contain a single long video showing a Zionist rally in the 1950s, scenes from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv during the same period, as well as a Zionist youth camp in South Africa.

Whenever possible research has been conducted to enrich the information in these collections, if you would like to add any additional information please contact us.

This collection comprises one memorial service booklet for those who died in the Spanish Flu Epidemic. This memorial service was held at the Great Synangogue in Cape Town for Members of the Jewish Community Who died during the Epidemic. Address by Rev A. P. Bender.

South Africa was the fifth hardest afflicted country worldwide during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 -1919 with most deaths occurring during October 1918. Within the South African Jewish community, at least 1 in every 200 persons died from the Influenza. Most were young adults in their early thirties. Many were breadwinners and many children lost a parent. The documents include death certificates and memorabilia which highlight the devastating effect of the pandemic on the community.

Whenever possible research has been conducted to enrich the information in these collections, if you would like to add any additional information please contact us.