

New
Zealanders of Jewish descent ― both secular and religiously observant ― have
played vital roles in all aspects of our society throughout its history and
successive waves of immigration have added to the diverse tapestry of New
Zealand Jewry and its impacts here.
Most
having come from the large European cities, they brought a cosmopolitan
sensibility that has helped to shape this country’s music, art and
architecture, and added intellectual rigor and commitment to its medical and
scientific communities. Whatever the endeavour Jewish people have excelled in,
it has also been underpinned with a deep sense of community and social
responsibility. Auckland alone has had six Jewish mayors.
Together
their contributions here are an immensely important part of our history. It is
a history that, up until now, has remained pretty much untold and unrecognised.
Heading up a team of experts, each writing on their own
subject, co-editors Dr Leonard Bell and Dr Diana Morrow’s fascinating and
significant new book, Jewish Lives in New Zealand, is a compelling look
at the immense impact Jewish people have had here since the 1840s, when just 20
citizens were registered as being Jewish. Today, the total number is probably
more than 20,000. While this number may seem relatively small, their footprints
have been disproportionately profound.
“Reading through the book, it’s
hard not to be taken by the fact that Jews collectively have generally punched
well above their weight and have been high achievers in whatever activity
they’re involved in”, says Leonard Bell.
“The
book is full of life. In fact, it’s a book to Life. Fundamental to Jewish
thinking is that life is fragile. You only get one chance at it, so get on with
it. The book is a testament to this ethos.
“I
hope the book is full of surprises for people and helps draw together strands
and connects the dots.
“The
links and connections that emerge of the multiple involvements of people with
Jewish descent both individually and cumulatively, cutting across the
generations, is really intriguing, especially in music and the visual arts ― in
ways that may not be immediately obvious.
“Something
that runs deep through Jewish history is the primary emphasis placed on
education and high culture ― regarded as prime values of being human. Jews
believe that scholarship, learning and the arts are just as important as any
other aspect of life. They are not things that are elitist or to be enjoyed
exclusively by the affluent.
“ Above
all,” Bell continues, “we get a sense from the book that, by and large, Jewish
culture here is one of religious, ideological and cultural tolerance, and that
it is this that enabled both the early immigrants and the future generations to
be embraced by, and flourish in, this ‘New World’ in the South Pacific.”
In a
recent Radio New Zealand interview, Peter Gluckman spoke fondly of how his
grandmother would make him learn and recite a Shakespearean sonnet before going
out to kick a ball around a rugby field.
About
the editors:
Professor
Leonard Bell lectures in art history at the University of Auckland. He is the
author of several books, including a very fine account of the photography of
Marti Friedlander.
Dr Diana Morrow is a
professional historian and the co-author of two earlier books for Random House: Urban Village and A Fine Prospect.
This is a fascinating book
which is prolifically illustrated with drawings and photographs, a small
selection of which appears below.
Made possible with the warm support from Gerrard and Marti
Friedlander and the Friedlander Trust, Jewish Lives in New Zealand slots
another important piece into the jigsaw of our history.
Note:Publication date 2 March.
Note:Publication date 2 March.
Marti Friedlander’s self-portrait, Paris, 1972
Friedensreich Hundertwasser
Jonathan Besser, Marti Friedlander photo 2004
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