Cyril Harris
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Rabbi Cyril Kitchener Harris, (born Glasgow, Scotland, September 19, 1936 - died Hermanus, Cape Town, South Africa, September 13, 2005), was Chief Rabbi of South Africa from 1987 to 2004.
During his tenure, he was noted for his support of full democracy during South Africa's apartheid years. [1][2][3] He spoke at the induction ceremony of President Nelson Mandela in 1994, and also gave a blessing at Mandela's wedding to Graça Machel in 1998. Mandela frequently referred to Harris as "my rabbi."[2]
He trained at the Jews College, and served suburban congregations in Kenton and Edgware and finally St Johns Wood from 1979. From 1966 to 1971, Harris also served as Senior Jewish Chaplain to the British Armed Forces.[2]
In 2003, he was awarded the Jerusalem Prize for services to the Jewish people.
Following his death, he was buried in Israel.
[edit] References
- ^ Freedland, Michael. "Rabbi Cyril Harris", The Guardian, September 16, 2005.
- ^ a b c staff. "Rabbi Cyril Harris", The Times, September 19, 2005.
- ^ staff. "Cyril K. Harris, 68, Chief Rabbi in South Africa", New York Times, September 15, 2005.
| Preceded by Bernard M. Casper |
Chief Rabbi of South Africa Cyril Harris 1987–2004 |
Succeeded by Warren Goldstein |
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