Since the 1960s South African Jews emigrated to North America after South Africa became a republic, and was followed by another wave in the late 1970s, which was precipitated by anti-apartheid rioting and civil unrest.

In Canada, the majority settled in Ontario, with the largest community in Toronto, followed by those in Hamilton, London and Kingston.

The primary religion practiced by the South African Jews is Judaism, a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews and characterized by belief in one transcendent God who has revealed himself to Abraham, Moses, and the Hebrew prophets and by a religious life in accordance with Scriptures and rabbinic traditions.

The majority of South African Jews adhere to Orthodox Judaism with a minority adhering to Reform Judaism