Kimberley, South Africa

Rev Harris Isaacs

Rev Harris Isaacs served the community for 33 years between (1890-1927)

The Kimberley Jewish community enjoyed a very long ‘reign’ of minister, Rev Harris Isaacs. He came from London in 1890 and served the congregation with unflagging zeal and devotion for a total of 33 years, (with a 3-year gap in Johannesburg from 1894-7).  A great scholar and brilliant orator, he took a deep interest in in Kimberley affairs, within the Jewish Community and beyond. These were turbulent times and he gave yeoman service to the town during the siege of Kimberley 1899-1900 and during the first world war – and the terrible flu epidemic of 1918 – which affected many in the community.

He was involved in education in the city on the School Board. He was in charge and oversaw the building of the Memorial Road synagogue and bridged the transition from the previous corrugated iron building to the consecration of the spectacular new building, built on land donated by De Beers. (Many of the Gabboyim were Directors of De Beers Consolidated Mines or very closely involved with the company, David Harris, Barney Barnato, Gustave Bonas amongst them).

The picture below of the Memorial Road Synagogue (opened in 1902) was probably taken during Rev Harris Isaacs’ term of office in the mid-20s. you can gauge the date, by the size of the palm trees, which are quite small and the fact, that the perimeter wall and railings are in place.