South Africa

According to the 2001 census there are 75,000 Jews in South Africa.

Although the Jewish community peaked in the 1970s, about 70,000 mostly nominally Orthodox, remain in South Africa. Despite low intermarriage rates, approximately 1,800 Jews leave the country for economic reasons every year, mainly to Israel, Australia, Canada and the United States.

The Jewish community in South Africa is currently the largest in Africa, and, although shrinking due to emigration, it remains one of the most nominally Orthodox communities in the world. The South African Jewish Community is widely reputed to be among the most vibrant diaspora communities in terms of Jewish communal and religious life. Although the numbers have reduced over the last three decades, the community continues to thrive.

Levels of anti-semitism in South Africa are among the lowest in the world. The current Chief Rabbi, Dr, Warren Goldstein (2008), has been widely credited for initiating a "Bill of Responsibilities" which the government has incorporated in the national school curriculum. The Chief Rabbi has also pushed for community run projects to combat crime in the country. The community has become more observant and in Johannesburg, the largest center of Jewish life, with 66 000 Jews, there is a high number and density of Kosher restaurants and religious centers.