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20 HASHALOM December
2016 / January 2017
December
2016 / January 2017
HASHALOM
21
By Michael Greenbaum
Celebrating the Festivals: Succot,
Shmini Atzetret and Simchat Torah
The Great Synagogue’s beautifully adorned Succah was filled to
capacity during Succot, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah when
the DUHC traditionally honours individuals and associated Jewish
organizations for their contributions to the community.
Succot:
On first day Succot, the morning brocha was in honour
of the SAJBD/KwaZulu Natal Council which initiates charitable
projects both in the Jewish community and at other organizations
in KZN. Jeremy Droyman, President of the SAJBD/KwaZulu Natal
Council, spoke on the subject of rise of anti-Semitism throughout
the world. He said South Africa was fortunate to be relatively free
of organized anti-Semitic organizations and movements. However,
he said that isolated incidents have occurred and there is a need
combat it. He said this must not lead to complacency and much
gratitude must go to the efforts of the CSO throughout South
Africa because CSO is a frontline organization for the protection
and security of Jews in South Africa. He then thanked Rabbi Zekry
and the DUHC for honouring the work of the SAJBD/KwaZulu
Natal Council.
On second day Succot, the morning brocha was in honour of
the DUHC Council, Officials and Staff. Rabbi Zekry said that the
Council members are dedicated volunteers who give their time
to do excellent work for the community. He thanked the current
Council Chairman Maurice Sacher and Council members for
their many years of contributing to the success of the DUHC.
Mr. Maurice Sacher thanked Rabbi Zekry whom he said he has
worked with for the past 27 years. He welcomed Rabbi Lebowitz
and his family and thanked them for their positive contributions
to the DUHC. The Chairman thanked Shul staff members Rev.
Lurie, Chazzan Jaron Kalmonowitz, Mike Gittelson and the Choir,
Selma Lurie for her catering throughout the year, and Orli Essers
and Marcia Saul for directing youth activities and services. He
then thanked the Shul office Staff including Val Cohen, who has
completed more than 30 years of service to the DUHC, Rachel
Shalem and bookkeeper Rose Williams. The Chairman extended
his thanks and appreciation to each of his Council members for
their support over the past 2 years which has been difficult with
so much change happening at the Shul. He also thanked Shul
Trustees and the Endowment Trustees and especially thanked
Sidney Lazarus for his outstanding efforts in fundraising for the
“Times” Rosh Hashanah brochure.
Shmini Atzeret:
On Shmini Atzeret day, the Chairman thanked
members of the DUHC’s Chevra Kadisha for their holy work.
Rabbi Zekry honoured the DUHC’s Chevra Kadisha at the morning
brocha at the Izinga Shul at the Umhlanga Jewish Centre.
Simchat Torah:
On Simchat Torah, the visiting Yeshiva Maharsha
students added much ruach and atmosphere in celebrating the
festival with lively singing and dancing in Shul. The visit by Yeshiva
students over Simchat Torah has become a highlight of the Chagim
over the years and the DUHC thanks those who sponsored their
visit to Durban.
On Simchat Torah morning, Rabbi Lebowitz led the Succot youth
quiz and the young ones were rewarded with chocolates for their
excellent knowledge of the festivals and Judaism. The customary
Simchat Torah lunch was then held in the Perling Hall to honour
this year’s Chatan Torah and Chatan Bereshit Max Nathan and Alex
Zingol for their ongoing service and contributions to the DUHC.
Mr. Sacher wished Alex well on his 80th birthday and spoke about
Alex’s contributions and positions as DUHC Chairman and Vice-
Chairman over the past many years. In addition, he said that Alex
attended Shul on a daily basis and is always appealing for many
more congregants to attend the daily weekday services. Mr. Jeff
Isaacs of the Chevra Kadisha Executive Committee praised Max
Nathan for his many years of service as Chairman and President
of the Chevra Kadisha and described him as a generous, kind and
modest person.
The DUHC extends thanks to Selma Lurie and her staff for their
outstanding catering and to all those who organized all festival
events and functions including menus, decorations and set-ups
in the Succah and the Perling Hall on Rosh Hashanah and the
Chagim.
#SPREADINGLIGHT WITH WIZO
Since its inception in 2013, WIZO stands next to The Shabbos Project as a pillar of support for this historic initiative. With pride we
anticipate that our international
#SpreadingLight
Campaign, will go viral to many countries all over the world.
WIZO Durban once again endorsed this inspiring project by participating in the festive UJW Challah Bake and gifting all Jewish
households with Shabbos candles. In addition, as part of our
#SpreadingLight
Campaign on Friday 11 November 2016 WIZO will
host the communal candle lighting at The Great Synagogue, Izinga Shul, Chabad and DPJC.
By
#SpreadingLight
together we will be joining women around the world, lighting their Shabbat candles; giving tzedakah and saying
a special prayer for Israel and the Jewish people around the world.
“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good dead in a weary world.”
William Shakespeare – The Merchant of Venice
Michelle Nathan
DURBAN
DURBAN
Wotsup Wizo
Contact us: 031-337 7070 | wizodbn@djc.co.za WIZO South Africa
< This was indeed a proud moment
and a most deserving honor for Tova
Ben-Dov being bestowed the title of
Honorary Fellow of the Zionist General
Council at the opening evening of the
120th World Zionist Organiazation Vaad
Hapoel meeting for her active role and
contribution to the Zionist Organization
and promoting its ideals.
Tova Ben Dov
Tova Ben Dov
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