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NEW ZEALAND

Jewish Community

A Jewish community has been present in New Zealand since the beginning of the 20th century, however, the New Zealand community of 5,000 Jews remains a tiny minority even amongst the tiny population of New Zealand. The community is made up of immigrants who came as British settlers in the 19th century, descendants of European refugees from the 30's and 40's after World War II, families who emigrated in the 50's from Britain; and more recent arrivals from South Africa, Israel and the former Soviet Union.

Jews have generally assimilated into the general New Zealand society and are situated throughout the islands, however, most of New Zealand Jews lives in Auckland. Jews are said to "pop up" in small towns where you would least expect to find them. There are a number of synagogues in Auckland and Wellington for both Orthodox and Liberal Progressive congregations, and Christchurch has one congregation catering for all Jews. These congregations provide Sunday school for Jewish children wishing to learn Hebrew and Judaism and Bar and Batmitzvah classes. There are also Jewish civic centers in Auckland and Wellington. Some of the Jewish organizations active in Auckland include B'nei Brit, Zionist Society, United Israel Appeal, Council of Jewish Women, WIZO, Hillel/Jewish Students, B'nei Akiva, Habonim, Maccabi and the Chevra Kadisha. Auckland also has a Jewish retirement home known as Shalom Court.

Kadimah Jewish day school (the only Jewish day school) is also situated in Auckland and is affiliated with the New Zealand Independent Schools Association.
More information: http://www.kadimah.co.nz.

More information on the New Zealand Jewish community:
www.haruth.com/JewsNewZealand.html
http://www.aji.org.nz

NEW ZEALAND