It is certainly not Jerusalem and New York but according to a recent article in the SA Jewish Report, the two major South African cities can take their place among some of the world’s vibrant kosher centers.
There are approximately 70,000 Jews in South Africa, and the paper reported, “Its members are fortunate to choose from an impressive selection of kosher products available at all local supermarkets.”
By comparison, Britain has approximately 300,000 Jews. London Beth Din Rabbi Eli Schoeman explained that there is a difficulty in securing products for those living outside the typically Jewish areas. “Meat and dairy products are difficult to come by and people have to make different arrangements for how they get these delivered to their area.”
Toronto, with 270 000 Jews, is a significant kosher market. In a price comparison of a whole kosher chicken across the continents, Jewish Report ascertained that kosher chicken comes out cheapest in Johannesburg as opposed to Britain, Toronto, and Melbourne.
Turning to kosher restaurants, the paper notes, “South Africa has a good selection of kosher restaurants, some of which have even become a favorite of overseas visitors who return to foreign shores raving about.”
