The Klerksdorp Jewish Community 'alive and active'

Marlene Waks of Klerksdorp (143km from Johannesburg) tells MyShtetl.co.za that the town has a 20 family-strong Jewish community.

The community is still very active and celebrates every Chag, for which the catering is done by a group of dedicated women.

Food is prepared in the Shul kitchen so it is strictly kosher.

"We usually have a communal first night Rosh Hashanah and breaking of the Fast," says Marlene. "We also have a communal seder for Pesach. We have between 70 - 90 people."

While the community do not have a resident Rabbi, every evening the men hold a minyan. And they celebrate Rosh Chodesh with a shnaps.

"Unfortunately we are not able to have the Saturday morning service every week," says Marlene, but they try to have it once a month. "We run a film club where we show a movie at the Shul hall. Meals are prepared for all the chagim and it's usually very well attended.