An unorthodox dispute

Who Determines the Future of Jewish Life?

In 2001, a high stakes clash unfolded in South African Jewry. In one corner stood the charismatic and respected Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris representing the Union of Orthodox Synagogues (UOS). In the other corner stood Mendel—at age 65, no longer the fiery reformer shaking up institutions but a venerable leader—fighting to protect and preserve a community much reduced in size.

The Chief Rabbi, armed with a favourable Beth Din ruling, claimed that communal assets of defunct shuls belonged to the UOS. Mendel, drawing on decades of leadership and a deep understanding of the complexities of Jewish communal life, firmly opposed this view. He argued that a body representing Orthodox interests exclusively could not legitimately claim authority over resources tied to a broader, multi-faceted community.

An Inclusive Community

What appeared to be a straightforward money matter masked a deeper conflict—a profound clash of ideologies regarding the identity and governance of South African Jewry.

The increasing rigidity of Orthodox stances alarmed Mendel as it posed a threat to the communal harmony he pursued throughout his career.

His fax reflects an appreciation of the particular role of the Board of Deputies as an organisation that represented all Jews, no matter their religious affiliations, but also a broad view of community. Mendel bristled at the idea of the UOS—an organisation he believed contributed little to rural Jewish life—claiming resources when the Board had poured millions into these communities.

Despite his personal faith Mendel staunchly resisted what he regarded as the encroachment of Orthodox interests into communal governance. For him, the Board of Deputies remained the backbone of South African Jewry, the sole legitimate steward of communal property, and the arbiter of its distribution.