Abrahams, Israel

ABRAHAMS, Chief Rabbi Professor Israel. M.A. Born Vilna, Russia, 30th March, 1903, son of Zechariah and Rachel Leah Abrahams. Came to South Africa in August, 1937. Educated at London University, Jews' College, London. Chief Rabbi, Cape Town Hebrew Congregation, since 1937, and of United Council of Hebrew Congregations of the Cape since 1951. Professor of Hebrew University of Cape Town since 1938. Official University. Jerusalem. Was Rabbi of Shepherd's Bush Synagogue, London 1928-32; Great Synagogue, Manchester 1933-37. Served as Mayor's Chaplain. Cape Town, 1945-47, 1951-53, 1961-62, 1965-66. President, Jewish Ecclesiastical Court (Beth Din): President of Israel Maritime League. United Hebrew Schools, Cape Zionist Youth Society, Jewish Youth Centre ("Rosecourt"), Jewish Museum and Historical Society; Hon, President, Cape Town Friends of the Hebrew University: Trustee, Cape Town Jewish Orphanage; Board Member, Community Chest; Fellow, Jews' College: Hollier Scholar, University College. Married Ethel Estelle Levy 4th June, 1930; one daughter. Books: Hagiga (Soncino Talmud): Birth of a Community; Cassuto's Hebrew Works translated into English; Documentary Hypothesis: From Adam to Noah: From Noah to Abraham: Exodus and The Goddess Anath. Brochures: Memorandum on the War, the Peace and the Post-War Problems of South Africa, Total Victory, War and Peace, Remember the Days of Old, Fundamentals of Judaism, Louis Gradner, Customs and Ceremonials (English and Afrikaans). Add: 5 Hof Street, Gardens, Cape Town.