Jubuntu: Giving and Belonging in the Jewish Diaspora of Cape Town

This study explores the relationship between giving, belonging, and Jewishness in South Africa, examining how charitable interactions reflect and reproduce inequalities. It identifies three dimensions: belonging, diaspora, and charitable giving, which are interconnected, reinforced, or contradictory. Volunteering or charitable giving connects individuals to a group while expressing belonging to the Jewish collective as a diaspora community.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 434 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate relationship between giving, belonging, and Jewishness in South Africa. It explores the multifaceted dynamics that shape charitable interactions, revealing them as both manifestations of and responses to inequalities. By examining the interplay of factors such as class, race, economics, and post-apartheid politics, the study sheds light on the underlying structures that influence these interactions.

However, it is important to recognize that individual agency plays a crucial role in reproducing inequalities and navigating the complexities of charitable encounters. Within the context of the Jewish community in South Africa, this analysis highlights the interconnectedness of organizations, practices, and concepts related to charitable giving. The author identifies three dimensions that interrelate and sometimes conflict: belonging, diaspora, and charitable giving.

Belonging encompasses shared values and practices that connect individuals or collectives to the Jewish collective, both locally and as a diaspora community. It establishes connections between individuals or groups and the broader triadic relationship between local diaspora groups, host societies, and homelands, as well as other local communities of the same diaspora.

Diaspora, on the other hand, refers to the broader context of Jewish individuals or communities dispersed across the world. It signifies the connection between individuals or collectives and their ancestral roots, cultural heritage, and the global Jewish community. Charitable giving, as a manifestation of belonging and diaspora, serves as a means to express and strengthen these connections, while also contributing to the well-being of local communities and beyond.

The study emphasizes the complex interplay between these dimensions, highlighting both the reinforcing and contradictory aspects of their relationship. It explores how charitable giving can serve as a tool for social change, promoting inclusivity and equality, while also perpetuating existing inequalities. It raises important questions about the role of individuals, organizations, and societal structures in shaping charitable giving and its impact on individuals and communities.

In conclusion, this study provides a deep understanding of the nexus between giving, belonging, and Jewishness in South Africa. It sheds light on the multifaceted dynamics that shape charitable interactions and highlights the importance of individual agency in navigating these complexities. By examining the interconnectedness of organizations, practices, and concepts related to charitable giving, the study contributes to our understanding of the broader social and cultural landscape of South Africa.

Weight: 597g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783662668863
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023