JOHN SIMON (1931-2015)
(Vol. 70, No. 2, Rosh Hashanah 2015)
On 3 August, South African Jewry was deprived of a distinguished Jewish leader and one of its finest Judaic scholars with the passing in Cape Town of John Simon. By profession an attorney, Simon went on to pursue a parallel career, essentially in a lay capacity, in the field of academic Jewish studies. He obtained an M.A. in Jewish Civilization from the University of Cape Town, and went to speak and write extensively on various aspects of Cape Jewish history, with a particular interest in the early Cape rabbinate and Zionism. He was also a frequent contributor to law journals. In addition to lecturing at the Department of Hebrew and Jewish Studies at UCT, he spoke on numerous Jewish communal platforms, particularly in his capacity as Chairman of Cape Town’s Jacob Gitlin Library.
Simon was a stalwart supporter and over many years an active member of the Jewish Affairs editorial board. The many substantial articles in published in the journal were noted for their erudition, intellectual rigour and sound judgment. Whether as a speaker or writer, he always had the ability to communicate the enthusiasm he felt for his subject to his audience.
In 1989, Simon assumed the chairmanship of the Jacob Gitlin Library, which under his guidance became renowned for its versatility and range of activities. To quote from his CV: “John Simon instituted the Annual Jacob Gitlin Memorial lectures, delivered by Rabbis, Academics and Scholars, which became the highlight of the annual Library functions. He also initiated the regular monthly or bi-monthly lectures and Discussion Forum, which drew a general, enlightened public. With these he stimulated debate about contemporary issues of Jewish interest. His erudite and humorous introductions as Chairman of these meetings, and his inimitable style and charisma have left an indelible and skilful guidance”.
Among the communal leadership positions he held, Simon served as Chairman of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies, Cape Council (1975–1977), as Chairman of the IUA Cape (1971–1975) and as National President of B’nai Brith (1971–1975).
Simon was married to Shirley Gillis, who predeceased him by two weeks. They are survived by their three sons, Mark, Jeremy and Trevor.
David Saks, Editor
