Behrmann, Flora

BEHRMANN, Flora. Housewife and Communal worker. Born Ladismith, Cape, 7th March, 1887, daughter of Solomon and Sarah Gordon. Educated at Ladismith. Riversdale and Oudtshoorn and at the Stellenbosch Conservatoire of Music. At the request of the late Mrs. Annie Landau, wife of the late Chief Rabbi Professor Dr. J. L. Landau, with three of her friends, she launched the Union of Jewish Women in Johannesburg in November, 1931, and was Chairman for five years. Started the first Hebrew Kindergarten in South Africa in 1916. Founder and President of the Jewish Women's Cultural Organisation in 1955. With Lily Sive founded the first Friendship Club in South Africa in 1955. During World War II started the Fireside Cottage in Fordsburg for soldier's children. Life Vice-President of the Houghton Branch of the Women's Zionist League. Author of "My Fifty-odd Years in Johannesburg' and "Culture in the Home" (both accepted by the Africana Museum Library). Under her Chairmanship the project for the Parasitological Laboratory of the Hebrew University was adopted by the Union of Jewish Women of S.A. in 1936. Married Abraham Behrmann in 1906; two sons, two daughters. Member, of the Transvaal Automobile Club. Add.: 21, Mentone Court, Killarney, P.O. Box 257, Johannesburg.