COMMUNITY NEWS

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

- By Michael Greenbaum

In the week prior to Rosh Hashanah, the daily morning minyan took on an extra special meaning with the addition of the Selichot service which prepared us for the spiritual intensity of self-examination and prayers of atonement over the High Holy Days and Yamim Noraim from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur. Before the regular Shacharit service, the Selichot service began and we read the prayers and poetic piyutim (religious poems) relating to repentance for transgressions and improper behaviour over the past year. At the end of the Shacharit service, the Shofar was blown, Judaism’s wakening call to penitence and teshuvah, reminding us of our responsibility to improve our lives through prayer and good deeds throughout the year.  

The DUHC’s daily Shacharit, Mincha and Maariv weekday services are held in the intimate Minor Shul at the Great Synagogue with many regular congregants who faithfully attend each day. This dedicated core of congregants provides the Durban community with the necessary minyan at most times, especially for the Monday and Thursday morning Torah readings. Most importantly, a regular minyan gives other DUHC members who have a yahrtzeit the opportunity to say Kaddish for loved ones who have passed on.  Morning services are usually led by Rev. Brian Lurie while Rabbi Zekry gives a shiur each morning after the service on the teachings of Maimonides (The Rambam). In the evenings, Rabbi Leibowitz speaks on various religious topics between Mincha and Maariv. The community is grateful to those who regularly attend especially Alex Zingol, Dr. Phil Frankel, Phillip Blumberg, Charlie Hotz, Frank Schneider, Sam Ziegler, Ken Gitlin and Mike Gittelson, all of whom provide the heimische atmosphere and spirit of chavershaft which makes the shul our second home. 

A few years ago, Rabbi Zekry appealed to the community to join the “Minyanaires Club”, encouraging congregants to make a commitment to attend at least one or more weekday services to ensure a daily minyan. Many made this commitment and attendances were outstanding.  As the only Orthodox Synagogue in the city of Durban, it is the duty of the DUHC to provide weekday services. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to make up a minyan due to lack of attendance at both morning and evening services.  As some members have moved from Durban, the need for more weekday “minyanaires” has increased and the DUHC once again appeals to and encourages members to attend weekday services, whether in the morning or evening, and enjoy a peaceful time of prayer and Torah study, a spiritually uplifting way to begin and end the busy workday while at the same time providing a valuable service to the community. 

ROSH HASHANAH MESSAGES

THE THREE PILLARS OF THE HIGH HOLYDAYS

- Rabbi P Zekry

COMMUNITY NEWS

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Special Pesach Shopping Night

The DUHC once again arranged a special evening before Pesach for the community to purchase Pesach products at Pick N’ Pay, Musgrave. Shoppers were greeted by Pick N’ Pay personnel who handed out UOS Pesach guides and special offers. This successful evening saw a large number of the community filling their trolleys with a wide range of Pesach products and delicacies, taking advantage of the exclusive shopping opportunity after regular store hours. In a festive atmosphere, the community crowded the store aisles, making their purchases while enjoying a delicious buffet dinner provided by the DUHC, all of which added to the shopping experience and the excitement of anticipating the festival.

The community thanks Selma Lurie for once again catering and successfully planning and coordinating the evening with the store management to ensure the timely availability and wide variety of Pesach products.

Our Communal Seder

The DUHC held its customary communal Seder on the first night of Pesach. The Perling Hall was filled to capacity with over 200 congregants who enjoyed the evening which was beautifully catered by Selma Lurie and her team with all the traditional Pesach specialties. Each table was provided with the specific requirements of the traditional Seder plate, giving the evening its unique character unlike any other meal of the year. As always, the main focus of the Seder was on the reading of the Haggadah. The joy of reading the Haggadah was accompanied by the congregation’s enthusiastic singing of the familiar Pesach songs. At each stage of the Seder, Rabbi Zekry explained the meaning and symbolism of the Pesach rituals, while our Chazzan Jaron Kalmonowitz led us with new tunes and ways of singing the wonderful songs from the Haggadah, allowing congregants to participate in making it a lively and memorable evening. With excellent food and a rich spiritual experience, the first night communal Seder has become a special way for the congregants and friends of the community to celebrate and remember the unity and freedom of the Children of Israel, appreciating together the religious and social freedoms we enjoy today as a nation.  We now look forward to Shavuot and all congregants are urged to book for the Tikkun L’eil dinner, an enjoyable and enlightening community evening of delicious food, lectures, study and spirituality on first night Shavuot to celebrate the time the Jewish nation received the Torah.

Chol Hamoed Visit by Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein

During Chol Hamoed Pesach, the DUHC was privileged to have Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein as special guest speaker. Rabbi Zekry welcomed Chief Rabbi Goldstein and his son visiting from Israel and thanked him for taking the time to address the DUHC. Chief Rabbi Goldstein’s topic was on appreciating the freedom that Pesach represents and how that freedom extends to South Africa, a free democratic country.  He quoted Soviet-born Israeli politician, human rights activist and author Natan Sharansky who defined freedom as “free speech without fear of retribution or intimidation.” Chief Rabbi Goldstein said he had written a published article in the press calling on the President of South Africa to resign. He said he did this as an exercise of his rights and responsibilities in a free country which can correct itself and make improvements in society especially through free speech.

Chief Rabbi Goldstein said another type of freedom is personal free choice, whether to be moral and good, or immoral and evil, and whether or not to choose to follow the ways of the Torah.  He said Hashem controls everything except how we exercise our freedom in making decisions to do wrong and right. He added that according to the Rambam, the unwanted consequences of a bad choice can be rectified by repentance, a belief in change and an acknowledgement of wrongdoing.

Chief Rabbi Goldstein noted that the Talmud states that the only free person is a person involved in Torah. True freedom exists only when a person lives in accordance with a G-d-given purpose, without guilt and fear. Chief Rabbi Goldstein concluded that the Torah puts our souls in harmony with a path of goodness and purpose and that we must thank Hashem for a free South Africa and for the freedom to live a true Jewish life here in freedom and with purpose.    

COMMUNITY NEWS

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Rabbi Yitzchak and Haya Lebowitz grew up in Israel, in a suburb of Jerusalem called Telzstone. Rabbi Lebowitz received his rabbinical ordination at The Shehebar Sephardic Centre, a yeshiva in the old city of Jerusalem, while the rebbetzin completed her B.sc in computer science. They both joined the Ner Le’elef Shalhevet Program, which is a two year long program for training rabbinical families in communal work in the diaspora. Rabbi Lebowitz has been appointed as the Rav Sheni of The Great Synagogue and will live on the Berea, assisting Rabbi Zekry with general rabbinical duties, as well as teaching in Akiva College.

We wish hatzlacha and much success to the Lebowitz family. 

COMMUNITY NEWS

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

 - By Michael Greenbaum 

Jewish Education: Creating a Fresh Perspective

The objective of Jewish education has been to ensure that knowledge of our rich and vibrant religion and culture, is passed on through the generations by transmitting and teaching the principles of Judaism and Torah in order to live a true and meaningful Jewish way of life. Jewish education for both adults and youth is the most important way for a community to maintain its Jewish identity. Judaism is constantly evolving and we should endeavour to learn and develop knowledge of Torah and Judaism, through regular attendance at Shul, at the shiurim (religious lessons) and lectures by Rabbis and guest speakers. 

Our Rabbis and teachers keep our unique faith alive and fresh by providing ongoing education in new perspectives and concepts through study of the classical texts and modern Rabbinical thought, with practical application and personal ethical development. To achieve the full benefit of this, the individual is obligated to make a personal commitment to increasing knowledge of Judaism in order to continue the ancient tradition and philosophy that Judaism places on the importance of study and education at all stages and in all areas of life.   

Parents especially should observe the mitzvah to provide their children with a Jewish education and send them to a Jewish school where Kodesh (religious) studies in Hebrew, Torah and Talmud are offered. This opportunity is available at the Umhlanga Jewish Day School at Izinga, now called Akiva College, which has begun a new era in Torah education and community building. The school has received much praise since its opening and the enthusiastic teachers at the school have taken Jewish education in the Durban area, to a new level of accessibility and spirituality while still achieving excellence in secular educational requirements. 

In providing ongoing Jewish education, the DUHC is fortunate to offer various shiurim including: on Shabbat morning; the daily weekday Maimonides shiur with Rabbi Zekry after Shacharit; Sunday Chavruta with Rabbi Zekry; and Talmud study. The DUHC also frequently hosts distinguished guest Rabbis and speakers who are leaders in their fields. The shiurim offered by the DUHC are interesting, informal, interactive and educational. While helpful, no prior attendance or specialized knowledge or education is necessary to understand the contents of the shiurim - just the desire to learn and progress personally and spiritually. Our Rabbis, teachers and guest speakers spend much time and effort in preparing their work for each shiur and the community is urged to attend. Where time does not permit personal attendance, there are many resources for Orthodox Jewish education on the Internet to study at one’s own pace and level.  

Participation in ongoing Jewish education will ensure the survival of a vibrant community. It will help us keep our faith and community Yiddishkeit with enduring fresh perspectives on Orthodox Judaism through Jewish education. As the great sage Hillel states in “Pirkei Avot” (Ethics of the Fathers) “Do not say ‘When I free myself of my concerns, I will study,’ for perhaps you will never become free.”

SAVVAS AND SAFTAS’ TEA PARTY

- By Colin Plen

This project where grannies and grandpas of Durban Hebrew Congregation have been providing assistance to the children of Berea Primary School has been going for 16 years. Granny Masha Hack is the longest  active member having been in the project since its inception.

Presently there are 7 Grannies and a Grandpa who attend school at least once a week and listen to the children read. With all the pressures that teachers have, they do not have time to sit and actually listen to their children as the Grandparents do.

This year the staff of Berea School took all the Grandparents to tea. Our photograph shows  Grannies Masha Hack, Irma Raikin, Vanessa Beukes, Evelyn Plen, Anita Jocum, Rhona Drobis and Grandpa Colin Plen. Unfortunately Granny Leslie Levin was unable to be there. Grandpa Colin spoke to the teachers and told them the Grandparents enjoy the task so much that they should have taken the teachers to tea to thank them for the privilege.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

By Michael Greenbaum

The DUHC organized a splendid function to celebrate Chanukah and commemorate the miracles of the Temple oil and the heroic military victory of the outnumbered Maccabeans over the Greeks who sought to destroy Judaism by forced assimilation into Hellenist culture.

On the 8th night of Channukah, over 100 guests attended a delightful communal candle-lighting and dinner evening with musical entertainment. After Maariv, our Chazzan Jaron Kalmonowitz lit the 8th night candles in the Perling Hall before dinner and, along with Rabbi Zekry, led the guests in the appropriate Chanukah prayers and songs. After the candle-lighting, a delicious “Kosher Hot Beef” dinner catered by Selma Lurie was served with fruit and traditional rich doughnuts for dessert. Rabbi Zekry said we should be grateful for modern miracles in our times including the State of Israel and our freedom to practise Judaism. 

  The evening was sponsored by the Shapiro family who were about to leave Durban to live in Cape Town. Debbie Shapiro said that she had attended many Shuls in her life but nothing compared to the magnificence and spirituality of the Great Synagogue, and to the warmth and friendships she had found in the Durban Jewish community.  She thanked everyone for all they had done for her. 

The DUHC and all who attended the evening thank the very generous sponsor and organizers who made this memorable evening possible. While the festival is always celebrated in a joyous atmosphere, Chanukah recalls serious and significant events in Jewish history, remembering the miraculous victories of the past and reminding us to be being thankful for the present miracles and freedoms we experience each day.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

- By  Michael Greenbaum

With great anticipation and excitement, the Durban Jewish community and the DUHC eagerly participated in the third “Shabbos Project: Keeping it Together”, an initiative started by Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein 3 years ago to encourage the South African Jewish community to fully observe the laws and practices of one Shabbat. This first Shabbat Project saw the support of congregations, families and individuals with huge numbers attending shuls. The number of people observing this special Shabbat throughout South Africa exceeded all expectations. After this special Shabbat, Chief Rabbi Goldstein expressed his amazement at the support for the project based on hundreds of reports from South African Jews at all levels of religious observance.  He said that the energy of “The Shabbos Project” has been felt not just on a communal scale across the country, but on a global scale including postings on Facebook, YouTube and emails from Australia, Canada, England and Israel while international journalists and Jewish media wanted information about what happened in South Africa. Subsequently, the “Shabbos Project” concept went worldwide last year with Jews all over the world “keeping it together”. Last year, around one million people in 465 cities and 64 countries participated in Shabbat programs, city-wide pre-Shabbat Challah Bakes and Havdallah Concerts after Shabbat. For many this was the first time in their lives they had observed Shabbat in full. 

The international “Shabbos Project” took place this year on the Shabbat of 23 and 24 October 2015, in more than 550 cities and 65 countries around the world.

The Durban community was no exception and everyone spoke of how they would be observing Shabbat completely for the first time or, at least, improving their Shabbat observance. Throughout South Africa and the World, the project began on the Thursday evening prior to the Shabbat with countrywide challah-baking. In Durban, The Union of Jewish Women hosted the enthusiastic women who learnt the art of challah-making at the Durban Jewish Centre.

Shabbat events began on Friday night with the Shabbat evening service where Rabbi Zekry spoke on the importance and uniqueness of Shabbat, a day of prayer and spirituality and an opportunity to escape technology and everyday activities to spend time with family and friends. He said that Shabbat is every week, and not just once a year. After the service, the Synagogue Women’s Guild provided a delicious Kiddush L’Chaim.

 On Shabbat day, the well-attended morning service was followed a lively lunch with song and food including the traditional Shabbat cholent. During the lunch, Rabbi Zekry, Aubrey Nathan and Bradley Meltz each gave a Dvar Torah on various Shabbat topics including the meaning of Shabbat in our lives and the importance of community unity. The DUHC thanks Selma Lurie for catering the excellent lunch.

In the evening before sunset, congregants gathered again at the Great Synangogue for a lively and lavish festive Seudah Shlishit in the Perling Hall with wonderful food and Shabbat songs. After the Seudah and the conclusion of Shabbat, Maariv was followed by a beautiful “campfire” style Havdallah ceremony in the Perling Hall led by Chazzan Jaron Kalmonowitz to mark the end of a wonderful Shabbat filled with community warmth and chaverschaft. This was followed by a Hot Dog dinner and singing and musical entertainment by Stan Lipshitz with the congregants joining in enthusiastically. 

The DUHC thanks the congregation for their remarkable support and to everyone who organized and participated in this wonderful initiative. We look forward to next year’s event.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

- Michael Greenbaum

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 Council of KwaZulu Natal Jewry (CKNJ) which initiates charitable projects both in the Jewish community and at other organizations in KZN. Rabbi Zekry said that an organization like the CKNJ is like the Four Species of the Lulav which symbolically brings all Jews, practicing or non-practicing, religious and non-religious, together into a united proactive community doing charitable work. Ronnie Herr, President of the CKNJ, spoke on the subject of the rise of anti-Semitism in South Africa and our need to combat it. He then thanked the DUHC for honouring the work of the CKNJ.  

Rabbi Zekry then announced the annual Succot award given each year to deserving recipients for exceptional contributions to the DUHC and the community. The recipients this year were Barry and Ora Gerber for their many years of involvement and service to the congregation and the community. Rabbi Zekry said that the Gerbers were devoted Jews who had taken on the Jewish faith to live a Torah life which they continue to do so to this day and are examples to the community of faith and commitment. He said that Barry attends Shul on a daily basis and regularly with Ora involve themselves in Shul activities and attend all educational shiurim. Ora has been a member of the congregation for the past 38 years, teaching converts, supervising the mikveh activities and serving as a member of the Synagogue Women’s Guild where she is still a member, organizing the Shabbat brachot and special Shul events. She was also a member of WIZO for many years. We wish Ora and Barry Mazaltov for this award with many more years of success and happiness.

On second day Succot, the morning brocha was in honour of the DUHC Council. Rabbi Zekry said that the Council members are dedicated volunteers who give their time to do excellent work for the community. He said that unlike many types of councils, a Shul Council is necessary because it is “a Council for the house of G-d.” He thanked the current Council Chairman Maurice Sacher, past Chairman Sidney Lazarus and all members for their many years of contributing to success of the Council.     

Shmini Atzeret: On Shmini Atzeret day, the congregation honoured the work of the DUHC’s Chevra Kadisha. While praising the work of the Chevra, current Chevra Kadisha Chairman Jeff Isaacs thanked Rabbi Zekry, Rev. Lurie and the members of the Chevra for their holy work and made a special mention of the women of the Chevra Kadisha who perform their work with quiet dignity and low-profile discretion. He also thanked Gary Plen for supervising the Chevra’s daily activities and maintenance of our cemeteries which are always admired by both the local community and visitors. Mr. Isaacs also asked for people to volunteer to join the Chevra Kadisha. 

Simchat Torah: On Simchat Torah, the visiting Yeshiva College students added much ruach and atmosphere in celebrating the festival with lively singing and dancing in Shul. The visit by the Yeshiva College 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.

Rabbi Vegoda led the Succot youth quiz and the young ones were rewarded with chocolates for their excellent knowledge of the festivals and Jewish history. The customary Simchat Torah lunch was then held in the Perling Hall to honour this year’s Chatan Torah Michael Sevel and Chatan Bereshit Darren Smith for their ongoing service and contributions to the DUHC. 

The DUHC extends thanks to Selma Lurie for her 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.

COMMUNITY NEWS

DUHC

The Durban Jewish community was represented by Rabbi Pinchas Zekry, of the Durban United Hebrew Congregation, at the fourth “SinaiIndaba” conference, in front of a packed Minor Hall at the Durban Jewish Club. The community was once again privileged to hear the conference’s dynamic international personalities, who inspired us with their knowledge on Jewish history, faith and Torah education. Opening the conference, Rabbi Zekry welcomed Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein and guest speakers Chief Rabbi, of Israel David Lau and Rabbi Mordechai Becher. He praised Chief Rabbi Goldstein for the success of the SinaiIndaba project. Chief Rabbi Goldstein first thanked the speakers for coming such a long way for the event and then thanked Rabbi Zekry and the community for hosting the conference. 

Chief Rabbi Goldstein then introduced the first-year speaker, Rabbi Mordechai Becher, professor of Jewish History and Thought, from Yeshiva University. Rabbi Becher gave a knowledgeable and entertaining audio-visual presentation, on the discovery of ancient Hebrew documents discovered inside the genizah of the 1000 year old Ben Ezra Synagogue, in Cairo. He explained that the genizah (a synagogue’s storage area to keep worn-out Hebrew-language religious books and papers), was discovered by scholar Solomon Schechter, in 1896, which revealed a treasure of ancient Jewish writings, containing both Jewish Middle-Eastern and North African history, in various languages - including Hebrew, Arabic and Aramaic. It also contained Jewish Biblical, Talmudic religious texts and documents. 

Rabbi Becher said the Cairo Genizah gave a detailed picture of the religious, economic and cultural life of the area, during the 10th to 13th centuries. He displayed, on screen, the rare and ancient fragments, manuscripts, letters, ketubot, sheet music, hechshers and Hagadot as well as documents written in the original handwriting of Maimonides, giving informative insight into the daily life of those times.   

Chief Rabbi David Lau then gave a Torah-based lecture on the subject of “Leadership” where he presented Moshe, the greatest teacher and leader, as an example of a true leader. Rabbi Lau reviewed the life and deeds of Moshe, who he said had reached the highest level of leadership in Egypt and holiness at Sinai, by showing kindness to those who needed help. Rabbi Lau stressed that Moshe “paid attention to his brothers”, highlighting true leadership. He said we must be proud of these values, which we have in common as Jews, and pass these on to the next generation.  

After the worldwide success of the Shabbos Project, Chief Rabbi Goldstein then introduced another new project for South African Jewry, ‘Avot Circles.’ Chief Rabbi Goldstein said we are all connected by Torah and a need for new and constant inspiration. 

He said although “inspiration” is spontaneous, it can be ingrained by the Jewish requirement of “setting aside a specific time to learn Torah”, with the mitzvah of learning Torah at a fixed time, which leads to “inspiration through structure, discipline, loyalty, consistency and commitment.” 

He suggested that the community establish ‘circles of learning’ and study at a fixed time, with family and friends. He said Avot Circles is a unity initiative which encourages the community to join together every week to learn and discuss inspirational mishnaot from Pirkei Avot. He asked that people volunteer as circle leaders at ‘avotcircles.com’. He stressed that the object of the project is not only educational but offered circles of inspiration, learning a common joy, wisdom and a connection to our own people. Rabbi Zekry closed the evening by thanking the speakers and all who made the event possible. Everyone will surely be looking forward to next year’s conference. 

COMMUNITY NEWS

DUHC

- Michael Greenbaum

Shavuot celebrations began with the first night Tikkun L’eil dinner in the Perling Hall after Shabbat in the Great Synagogue which had been beautifully decorated with drawings by the pupils of the Umhlanga Day School. The theme of the evening was “The Timelessness of Torah” and with great communal spirit, families and friends enjoyed the superb dinner catered by Selma Lurie.

Rabbi Zekry introduced the evening’s programme speaking on the meaning and importance of celebrating Shavuot. During the evening, we were privileged to have an international guest speaker, Prof. Michael Ezekowitz, a former Durbanite and world renowned cardiologist who is a pioneering expert in the field of cardiology. His topic was “Recent advances make stroke a potentially preventable event,” a presentation that was both humorous and informative. After the main course, a panel consisting of Rabbi Zekry and Judge Alan Magid discussed the comparison between “Halachah and the S.A. Judicial System”. After dinner, the entertaining Shavuot adult quiz was held and our knowledgeable congregants were rewarded with chocolates.

The traditional study session then began in accordance with the custom of staying up late on Shavuot to study topics and themes of the festival. Rabbi Friedman began with the topic “Interesting contemporary Halachic discussion.” This was followed by a series of shiurim and discussions including “The stick is mightier than the sword” by Jaron Kalmonowitz; “How long should we wait between meat and milk and why” by Aubrey Nathan; “The importance of studying Torah” by Bradley Meltz; and “Path to Sinai” by Orli Shein Essers. Special thanks must be given to those who presented the various items on the programme, to members of CSO who provided security throughout the night and to Rebbitzin Nicki Friedman and Taetim Smith for coordinating the Shul decorations. After the late night session, the weary participants were invigorated by their perseverance and knowledge gained in the course of the night.

On first day Shavuot, the younger children participated in the Bikkurim ceremony and Rabbi Zekry’s popular Shavuot youth quiz. The children then enjoyed themselves at the fun ice cream bar in the Sukkah area. On the second day of Shavuot, we celebrated the end of the Chag with Rabbi Zekry reading the inspirational Megillat Ruth. Rabbi Zekry said that, Hashem, in His kindness, gave us the Torah on Shavuot. Therefore, we read Megillat Ruth on Shavuot because it contains many examples of acts of kindness and compassion as it relates the touching and emotional story of Ruth, the first Jewish convert to accept the Torah as Bnei Yisrael did on Shavuot, and her devotion to Judaism and her mother-in-law, Naomi, teaching us a lesson of the importance of loyalty and love of family and faith.

COMMUNITY NEWS

DUHC

Michael Greenbaum

The past year’s events and achievements were the focus at the recent DUHC Annual General Meeting. The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and called on Rabbi Zekry to deliver the opening address.  Rabbi Zekry said it was good to see such a good attendance at the AGM. He said “Kol Hakavod” to outgoing Chairman Warren Shapiro, saying Warren was the right chairman at the right time for the community. He said he had worked well with the Chairman and thanked him for his dedication as the DUHC Chairman over the difficult past year experienced by the community. He welcomed the incoming Chairman Maurice Sacher. 

Rabbi Zekry informed the congregation that Rabbi Mark Friedman was leaving Durban to return to Johannesburg. He thanked Rabbi Friedman for his contributions to the Umhlanga Jewish Day School and wished him success in his new position in Johannesburg. He then made the community blessing and said “May we go from strength to strength.”

Chairman Warren Shapiro then presented the Council’s Annual Report, reviewing the past year’s significant events including the Special General Meeting in January 2015 which saw 91% of the congregation voting for the sale of the DUHC Silverton Road property. He said that the buyer, Curro Holdings, was still waiting for municipal approvals before the sale would be finalised after which future changes would include converting the Perling Hall into a Shul while the special task team investigates the various possible new sites for relocation. The Chairman made special mention of the DUHC Chazzan Jaron Kalomonowitz and thanked him for his exceptional contribution, abilities and commitment to the Shul as Chazzan over the Yamim Noraim. The Chairman urged members to attend daily services as it was increasingly difficult to obtain minyanim. 

The Chairman thanked Rabbi Zekry for his advice and support over the past year. He wished Rabbi Friedman success in Johannesburg and thanked him for his valuable contributions over the past 4 years to the DUHC and to the Umhlanga Jewish Day School. The Chairman then thanked the Great Synagogue Office staff, the Choir and especially Rev. Bryan Lurie, saying he was an asset to the Shul. The Chairman made special mention of the late Denise Wartski z”l whom he praised for her community commitment and involvement. He especially thanked Maurice Sacher and Sidney Lazarus for their invaluable contributions and commitment to the DUHC’s wellbeing and for again leading the fundraising drive for the Rosh Hashana booklet which raised a significant amount towards the congregation’s finances. 

The Chairman said it had not been an easy decision to step down at this time but he had to do so for personal and professional reasons. He said the DUHC needs a Chairman with the time and ability for the position. The Chairman closed his report by thanking the Executive and Council for its support over the past year. He said it had been an honour for him to serve as Chairman. He finally thanked his wife, Lauren, for her constant support and encouragement.

The Honorary Treasurer Mr. Lawrence Levy then presented the Treasurer’s Report informing the congregation that the financial year had closed with a lower deficit than for the previous year. Mr. Levy noted that expenses are constantly reviewed and he especially mentioned that lack of sponsorships of Shabbat Brachot and Kiddush evenings have increased Synagogue Womens Guild expenses. He urged the community to sponsor and support what the Shul provides for our enjoyment. 

The Chairman opened the floor for general discussion where topics discussed included defining the relationship of the DUHC with the Umhlanga Jewish Centre. Mr. Aubrey Nathan congratulated the Chairman on his work and said that accolades must be given to Rabbi Zekry after his 30 years of service at the DUHC.

The highlight of the evening was the election of the new Council which includes many new young dedicated individuals with foresight, commitment and direction, and the appointment of Maurice Sacher as the new DUHC Chairman. The congregation wishes Maurice Mazal Tov, and thanks him and the Council for their personal dedication while always working in the best interests of the synagogue and the community.

COMMUNITY NEWS

DUHC

Michael Greenbaum

Special Pesach Shopping Night

The DUHC once again arranged a special evening before Pesach for the community to purchase Pesach products at Pick n’ Pay, Musgrave. Shoppers were greeted by Pick n’ Pay personnel who handed out UOS Pesach guides and special offers. This successful evening saw a large number of the community filling their trolleys with a wide range of Pesach products and delicacies, taking advantage of the exclusive shopping opportunity after regular store hours. In a festive atmosphere, the community crowded the store aisles, making their purchases while enjoying a delicious dinner provided by the DUHC, all of which added to the shopping experience and the excitement of anticipating the festival.

The community thanks Selma Lurie and Gary Plen who once again successfully planned and coordinated the evening with the store management to ensure the timely availability and wide variety of Pesach products.

Frankie Melman: Celebrating 50 Years in the Choir

The DUHC dedicated a special Shabbat to celebrate Frankie Melman’s 50 years of outstanding service in the Choir, a record for the DUHC. Frankie’s magnificent opera-quality voice has brought much admiration for the DUHC Choir which is under the expert direction of Michael Gittelson. At the special Shabbat brocha-brunch, the celebration began with Frankie singing his renowned solo from Psalm 24.  In wishing Frankie Mazaltov for his service, Rabbi Zekry  said that many contribute valuable money or time to the community but  Frankie has shared his talent of singing, contributing to the excellence of the Choir which is renowned throughout South Africa for its  high standards and quality. He said he had made the right decision to have Frankie as Chazzan for Kabbalat Shabbat as his special voice adds to the atmosphere of the service. Rabbi Zekry praised Frankie and his sister Debbie Werner for their communal work and honoured Frankie’s parents, Meyer and Judy, of blessed memories, who were both strongly involved in community organisations. For a short time while still at school, Frankie assumed the duties of Shammas, a position held by his grandfather, Max Jubiler, of blessed memory. DUHC Vice President Sidney Lazarus then gave a Menora as a gift to Frankie in appreciation of his long-time service while DUHC President Maurice Sacher presented a certificate of donation to Masada Workshop in Frankie’s name. Representing the Hebrew Order of David, Josh Oshry then thanked Frankie for his contributions and assistance to the H.O.D. Frankie thanked all for this honour and recalled when soon after the Great Synagogue opened, he joined his father who also sang in the Choir. Frankie concluded with a beautiful rendition of “My Yiddishe Mama” in tribute to his parents. As Rabbi Zekry said “Kol Hakavod Frankie, may we continue to enjoy your magnificent voice for many more years.”

Our Communal Seder

The DUHC held its customary communal Seder on the first night of Pesach. The Perling Hall was filled to capacity with over 200 congregants who enjoyed the evening which was beautifully catered by Selma Lurie and her team with all the traditional Pesach specialties. Each table was provided with the requirements of the traditional Seder plate, giving the evening its unique character unlike any other meal of the year.  As always, the main focus of the Seder was on the reading of the Haggadah. The joy of reading the Haggadah was accompanied by the congregation’s enthusiastic singing of the familiar Pesach songs. At each stage of the Seder, Rabbi Zekry and Rabbi Friedman explained the meaning and symbolism of the Pesach rituals, while our Chazzan Jaron Kalmonowitz led us with new tunes and ways of singing the wonderful songs from the Haggadah, allowing congregants to participate in making it a lively and memorable evening. With excellent food and a rich spiritual experience, the first night communal Seder has become a special way for the congregants and friends of the community to celebrate and remember the unity and freedom of the Children of Israel, appreciating together the religious and social freedoms we enjoy today as a nation.  We now look forward to Shavuot and all congregants are urged to book for the Tikkun L’eil dinner, an enjoyable and enlightening community evening of delicious food, lectures, study and spirituality on first night Shavuot to celebrate the time the Jewish nation received the Torah.

COMMUNITY NEWS

DUHC

- Michael Greenbaum

Purim celebrations began this year after the Fast of Esther with the first reading of Megillat Esther, the inspirational story of the heroic deeds of Esther and Mordechai to save the Jews in Persia. At the conclusion of the first lively and noisy reading of the Megillah, the traditional Hamantashen were served in the Perling Hall. 

On Purim day afternoon, both DUHC and Umhlanga Jewish Centre congregants combined to celebrate at the Great Synagogue, exchanging gifts (mishloach manot) and enjoying the “Wild West Purim” party celebration followed by the Purim Seudah meal. As always on Purim, the highlight of the day is the many colourful character costumes with many people dressed in Wild West-themed outfits as well as in traditional Queen Esther and Super Hero costumes. The Purim evening’s programme was led by the Head of Jewish Studies at the Umhlanga Day School, Gilad Friedman, who expertly coordinated the evening’s events which included the amusing and fun mechanical bull which challenged both the children and adults; a dress-up photo booth; and a colourful jumping castle for the youth. After the entertainment, everyone enjoyed the Purim Seudah of Western “Pies and Chips” along with musical entertainment of Wild West songs and cowboy music which added to the Western theme of the evening. 

The DUHC thanks DUHC Chairman Warren Shapiro and Gilad Friedman for arranging and coordinating the combined celebration. As always, much appreciation and thanks is extended to Selma Lurie and her team who provided the delicious and enjoyable dinner.

COMMUNITY NEWS

DUHC

- Michael Greenbaum

The DUHC recently held an historic Special General Meeting to decide on the future sale of the Great Synagogue and the Sharona School property. With financial concerns and difficulties in the continued operating of the Great Synagogue, and the decrease in income due to fewer memberships and the loss of the tenant at the Sharona School property, the Chairman and Executive committee of the DUHC decided that the sale of the Silverton Road property and a relocation or construction of a new Shul on smaller premises is essential if the congregation is to survive. Consequently, the DUHC Chairman and the Executive Committee reviewed the many options for alternative new premises for the Shul and sought out a prospective purchaser for the property. Ultimately an offer was received by an interested buyer. The congregation expresses much gratitude to Chairman, Warren Shapiro, and the DUHC Executive Council Task Team for their outstanding efforts and many hours in finding and working with the prospective buyer of the property, Curro Holdings, conducting negotiations to the maximum benefit and in the best interests of the congregation.

In accordance with the DUHC Constitution, the congregation is required to vote on whether to approve or reject such a sale, and the Chairman subsequently called a Special General Meeting for the congregation to vote on the resolution to sell on 26 January 2015.

The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed over 300 members of the congregation. He then asked Rabbi Zekry to give the opening address. Rabbi Zekry said this meeting was an important event in the chronicle of the DUHC as a very important decision had to be made. He said that over the past 30 years he has been in Durban, he has seen many openings and closings, with places which no longer exist and people who are no longer part of the community. He said he had been involved in the many emotional Shul closures due to demographic reasons and dwindling numbers in Vryheid, Durban North, Pietermaritzburg and the Beach Shul. However, he stressed that we should always make the best of a given situation and plan for the future not necessarily downsize but rightsize and even with our numbers, we can still flourish.

With changes and challenges before them over the past few years, Rabbi Zekry said the congregation must end disputes and conflict, and unite to determine how to move on. Rabbi Zekry then thanked  Chairman Warren Shapiro and the Shul Council for their dedicated work and noted the close relationship between him and the DUHC Council. He then gave the community a blessing for success in their holy endeavours.

The Chairman then said the purpose of the meeting is to approve or reject the sale of the Silverton property to Curro Holdings. In giving his reasons why the property should be sold, the Chairman said he was aware of how difficult this was for everyone who has seen and enjoyed many happy occasions at the Great Synagogue. He said the DUHC originally had 1200 members but because of decreased membership, increased maintenance costs and loss of rental income from the Sharona property, the sale is necessary. In comparing the current and future projected figures, the Chairman emphasised the positive and advantageous effect on the DUHC’s financial future if the sale were approved. In regard to alternative premises, the Chairman said research has been done but no suitable location had been found yet. However, he said the prospective buyer will lease the Perling Hall, Mikveh and Sukkah areas to the DUHC, giving us a guaranteed home for the next 3-4 years. The Chairman then read the formal resolution which called on the community to decide on “selling the premises on which the DUHC is, and formerly Sharona School was, located and the desirability that the DUHC secure smaller premises from which to operate in the future, authorising the DUHC to accept the offer of purchase, and to treat and invest the proceeds of the sale to the best possible advantage and interest of the DUHC.” The meeting adjourned for the vote. Votes were counted with 231 members voting in favour of the sale while 21 rejected the resolution, a majority of 91% in favour of it. The Chairman thanked the community for their foresight and especially thanked the Task Team members, DUHC President Maurice Sacher, Vice Chairman Aubrey Nathan, Vice President Sidney Lazarus, Treasurer Lawrence Levy, and Susan and Charlotte Abro. He also expressed his thanks to the DUHC Council; to Maurice Sacher for his advice; to Rabbi Zekry for his guidance; and to his wife, Lauren for her unfailing support. The DUHC now looks forward to a new exciting and vibrant future with community unity and harmony.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Chaverim Project

Shelli Strous

The annual Chaverim Project tea was held with the teachers and Principal of Berea Primary who are so very grateful for the assistance and love offered by each of our dedicated and unassuming volunteers.

This year we thanked the teachers with gifts from the Durban Holocaust Centre and they in turn presented each volunteer with a potted plant, each one bearing a beautifully worded and individual message of thanks.

This is a very rewarding project which requires the commitment of an hour a week to read with the children and assist the teacher where necessary.

The appreciation expressed by the teachers and the children is indeed overwhelming and we look forward to another year of contributing to the education of future generations.

Our special volunteers are Ruth Tollman, Leslie Levin, Evelyn and Colin Plen, Irma Raikin, Masha Hack and Rhona Drobis.

COMMUNITY NEWS

DUHC

Izinga News

The popularity of the Umhlanga Jewish Centre at Izinga as a

satellite Shul is rapidly growing. It was there that Shemini Atzeret

and Simchat Torah, the concluding festivals of the Yomtov season

were celebrated with joyous splendour with a number of youth

from Yeshiva College making a memorable contribution to the

enthralling atmosphere of the occasion. Graham Kluk and Ronen

Zekry were honoured with Chatan Torah and Chatan Bereshit

Celebrating the Festivals: Succot, Shmini Atzeret 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 DUHC’s Chevra Kadisha. While praising the work of the

Chevra, Rabbi Zekry compared the fragility and impermanence

of life with the fragility and impermanence of the Succah. Current

Chevra Kadisha Chairman Jeff Isaacs thanked Rabbi Zekry, Rev.

Lurie and the members of the Chevra for their holy work and

made a special mention of the women of the Chevra Kadisha who

perform their work with quiet dignity and low-profile discretion.

He remembered his late wife, the much loved and well-respected

Sandra Isaacsz”l, who had given so much to the community as a

long-standing member of the Chevra Kadisha. He also thanked Gary

Plen for supervising the Chevra’s daily activities and maintenance

of our cemeteries which are always admired by both the local

community and visitors.

At the second day Succot brocha, the DUHC honoured the work

of the Council of KwaZulu Natal Jewry (CKNJ) which initiates

charitable and outreach projects both in the Jewish community

and at public institutions and organizations in KZN. Ronnie Herr,

President of the CKNJ, thanked the DUHC for honouring the work

of the CKNJ saying that the CKNJ and its 17 affiliated organizations

are like the Four Species of the Lulav which symbolically brings all

Jews together into a united proactive community.

Shmini Atzeret: For several years it has been customary for

the DUHC to honour esteemed congregants at Succot. As Rabbi

Zekry was visiting Izinga for Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, the

Succot Awards were awarded to a very special husband and wife

team who have recently moved to the area. Evelyn and Allan Cohen

hail from old Durban families who have set an excellent example of

love for the Shul and Yiddishkeit and active communal service.

Allan has worked with the DUHC for almost 20 years as

Administrator of the Shul. His function is all-embracing and with the

inception of the Umhlanga Jewish Centre, he has risen admirably to

the challenge of an extra work-load. He is a qualified electrician with

experience in the furniture and clothing business. There is hardly a

single aspect of running and maintenance of the congregation in

which Allan is not involved and executes in a conscientious and

methodical manner.

Evelyn is equally dedicated to her work in the Union of Jewish

Women. She has also served as an instructor for intending

proselytes. Besides the actual syllabus Evelyn and Allan provide a

congenial social atmosphere for many a convert to our faith, thus

achieving a highly successful programme.

The choice of the Cohen’s for the Succot Awards was most

appropriate and well-deserved. We wish Allan and Evelyn mazaltov

and many more years of success and happiness.

Shmini Atzeret was celebrated at the Great Synagogue with a

“Blini Brocha”, a lavish spread including traditional blinis with

smoked salmon, platters of food and delicious cakes and desserts

“imported” from Johannesburg.

Simchat Torah: On Simchat Torah, the visiting Yeshiva College

students added much ruach in celebrating the festival with lively

singing and dancing in Shul. Rabbi Friedman led the Succot youth

quiz and the young ones were rewarded with chocolates for their

excellent knowledge of the festivals and Jewish history. The visit

by the Yeshiva College 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.

The customary Simchat Torah lunch was then held in the Perling

Hall to honour this year’s Chatan Torah Frank Schneider and Chatan

Bereshit Charlie Hotz for their long-time service and contributions

to the DUHC. Vice President Sidney Lazarus said Frank and Charlie

unfailingly attend every Shul service daily and are the stalwarts of

the daily Minyan. Frank Schneider has given many years of service

to the DUHC and the community in official positions at the former

Durban North and Beach shuls. Charlie Hotz emotionally said this

honour was “better than receiving the Nobel Prize.”

The DUHC extends thanks to Selma Lurie for her outstanding

catering and to Aubrey and Michelle Nathan, and the dynaMix team

members, for organizing all festival events and functions including

menus, decorations and set-ups in the Succah and the Perling Hall.

The DUHC extends thanks to Selma Lurie for her outstanding

catering and to Aubrey and Michelle Nathan, and the dynaMix team

members, for organizing all festival events and functions including

menus, decorations and set-ups in the Succah and the Perling Hall.

COMMUNITY NEWS

ROSH HASHANAH: CREATING A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Michael Greenbaum

The High Holy Days of the month of Tishrei were observed by the DUHC with the traditional communal solemnity and importance on personal self-reflection. The themes of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur were highlighted by the meaningful and thought-provoking sermons by Rabbi Zekry and Rabbi Friedman who reminded congregants of the obligation of the predominant theme of teshuvah, to “return” each day to Judaism, through community participation, shul attendance and Jewish education, all of which contribute to the continuation of the rich and vibrant culture of Judaism in our community. 

The celebrations began with a magnificent first night communal Rosh Hashanah dinner attended by over 200 congregants, family and friends. The DUHC thanks Selma Lurie and her team for providing the outstanding meal with the traditional food of Rosh Hashanah. 

In his opening sermon at the well-attended first night Rosh Hashanah service at the Great Synagogue, Rabbi Zekry quoted startling statistics on the practice of Judaism in Europe in particular where a majority (70%-80%) of Jews would not be observing Rosh Hashanah, and the majority of who even hide the fact that they are Jews. In contrast, he said the majority of South African Jews live openly and proudly as Jews and, like our congregation, would be observing Rosh Hashanah. He said this shows the ongoing dynamic future of Jewish life on South Africa where there has been an increase, rather than a decrease, in Jewish observance, study and living a true Torah lifestyle. Rabbi Zekry said we can be justifiably proud and fortunate that this is happening right here in our community with the expanding Umhlanga Jewish Centre with its beautiful new Shul, communal facilities  and the highly praised Jewish Day School of over 80 pupils. He said we should learn to never be afraid of failure as some of the most successful people started as failures but went on to great achievements, meaning it is never too late to do teshuvah to progress in our spirituality.

At the dinner, Rabbi Zekry said Rosh Hashanah marks the day of the creation of Man (Adam). He said that after Adam’s sin, when Hashem asked the hiding and ashamed Adam “Where are you?”, the question did not mean where he was physically but rather where he was spiritually; similarly we should ask ourselves where are we spiritually on Rosh Hashanah and how to renew our efforts for self-improvement and personal spirituality by attending Shul, shiurim and participating in communal work.      

In his Rosh Hashanah sermon, Rabbi Mark Freidman explained that on first day Rosh Hashanah, Hashem judges us as individuals but on second day Rosh Hashanah, Hashem judges the community. He said that considering the size of the community, there needs to be more active participation and involvement in the community, the Shul and its activities. He said that it is particularly important to ensure that there is a Minyan at daily weekday services as there is only one central Shul in Durban in comparison to the numerous synagogues in Johannesburg. He urged congregants to commit to attending daily services more often and do a mitzvah by making up the daily Minyanim to ensure complete prayer services and giving mourners the opportunity to say Kaddish. 

On Yom Kippur, Rabbi Zekry again emphasized Jewish education and increased shul attendance for both adults and youth as the most important way for an individual and a community to keep a Jewish identity. He noted that in Israel, the highest rates of depression and loneliness were found in the busy cosmopolitan financial center of the largely secular Tel Aviv area while the highest rates of happiness and contentment in life were found in the humble religious community of Bnei Brak, a centre of Torah study and spirituality.  He said this is proof that happiness does not depend on material wealth and that we should appreciate and be happy with what have. He said we are given the opportunity for atonement on one day a year, Yom Kippur, when we say “hayom” (today) many times, meaning that we only have “today”, the present, for teshuvah, to be happy with ourselves, to begin again in faith and Yiddishkeit, with fresh perspectives and commitment to Orthodox Jewish life and traditions in our vibrant community. 

COMMUNITY NEWS

DUHC

- Michael Greenbaum 

Among the many life-cycle community services provided by the Durban United Hebrew Congregation, the DUHC is justifiably proud of its Chevra Kadisha (Holy Society). Founded in 1893, the Chevra Kadisha of the DUHC has devotedly served the Jewish community of Durban for more than a century, performing Judaism’s important mitzvah of Chesed v’Emet (kindness and truth, a true act of kindness). The attribute of Chesed v’Emet is learned from the Torah where Jacob asks his son Joseph to “do kindness and truth with me” on his death by not burying him in Egypt. This then became the term for the mitzvah of ensuring the proper burial of the dead. Of all the benevolent acts that a person can perform for another, this duty has often been described as the only truly selfless act of giving in Judaism as there is no possibility of the recipient repaying the deed. 

Unlike Chevra Kadisha organizations in other South African centres, the DUHC Chevra is composed entirely of dedicated volunteers who function to meet this obligation on behalf of the community, ensuring that each and every member of the community will be cared for at the appropriate time when all are afforded equal consideration and dignity. Chevra members assist and advise the bereaved in all aspects of death, burial and tombstone consecration as well as taking care of processing all the necessary government forms and documentation. A special mention of merit must be made of the women of the Chevra Kadisha who perform their work with quiet dignity and low-profile discretion. 

The DUHC is most grateful to the Chevra Executive Committee, under the current leadership of Chairman Jeff Isaacs, for managing the daily activities of the Chevra and the maintenance of our Redhill and Stellawood cemeteries which are always admired by both the local community and visitors. The Chevra also maintains the historic Brooke Street Cemetery in central Durban where the victims of the Ladysmith Train Disaster were laid to rest in 1899. These peaceful and holy cemeteries are constantly and carefully maintained as a sign of respect to passed loved ones. As a cemetery is holy consecrated ground, this mark of respect is extended to the dress code requirement that men cover their heads and women dress modestly when attending a funeral or unveiling service and when visiting a cemetery. Casual beachwear for men and revealing clothing and trousers for women are discouraged.  

The Chevra is currently working on an ongoing project to restore Stellawood Cemetery while the costs of maintaining the graves at both the Redhill and Stellawood cemeteries are substantial with a full time maintenance staff at both locations. It is a mitzvah, a charitable act, to contribute to the continuity and maintenance of Jewish community facilities such as the DUHC cemeteries. Members are therefore urged to voluntarily give their generous financial and personal support to the Chevra Kadisha to ensure that the Chevra Kadisha has the continued necessary financial resources to perform its holy work.   

It is customary to give charity in memory of those passed on and an option to honour them in this manner includes setting up the names of deceased loved ones on individual memorial plaques in the Great Synagogue. For those congregants whose loved ones’ graves are situated elsewhere, the DUHC has provided the opportunity to set up a permanent memorial stone along the beautiful central palm-lined path at Redhill Cemetery, a way to perform the mitzvah of remembering and honouring one’s closest in both life and death. 

All donations will be used by the Chevra Kadisha for the upkeep and maintenance of our immaculately groomed cemeteries. Your contribution will ensure that this important function in the Jewish community will continue at the admirably high standards achieved by the DUHC Chevra Kadisha in Durban. Congregants are advised that if an Orthodox Jewish person passes on, the Chevra can be contacted day or night. During office hours, the Shul office ((031) 201-5177) can be contacted or the following Chevra members can be contacted anytime day or night:

Jeff Isaacs: 082 822 8855 (Cell), (031) 208-7111 (Work), (031) 208-3416 (Home)

Stan Hart: 082 856 0060 (Cell), (031) 261-6659

For more information on making contributions, setting up a plaque in the Great Synagogue or a memorial stone at Redhill Cemetery, please contact Danielle De Gaye at the Shul office on (031) 201-5177. 

COMMUNITY NEWS

DUHC

- Michael Greenbaum 

Among the many life-cycle community services provided by the Durban United Hebrew Congregation, the DUHC is justifiably proud of its Chevra Kadisha (Holy Society). Founded in 1893, the Chevra Kadisha of the DUHC has devotedly served the Jewish community of Durban for more than a century, performing Judaism’s important mitzvah of Chesed v’Emet (kindness and truth, a true act of kindness). The attribute of Chesed v’Emet is learned from the Torah where Jacob asks his son Joseph to “do kindness and truth with me” on his death by not burying him in Egypt. This then became the term for the mitzvah of ensuring the proper burial of the dead. Of all the benevolent acts that a person can perform for another, this duty has often been described as the only truly selfless act of giving in Judaism as there is no possibility of the recipient repaying the deed. 

Unlike Chevra Kadisha organizations in other South African centres, the DUHC Chevra is composed entirely of dedicated volunteers who function to meet this obligation on behalf of the community, ensuring that each and every member of the community will be cared for at the appropriate time when all are afforded equal consideration and dignity. Chevra members assist and advise the bereaved in all aspects of death, burial and tombstone consecration as well as taking care of processing all the necessary government forms and documentation. A special mention of merit must be made of the women of the Chevra Kadisha who perform their work with quiet dignity and low-profile discretion. 

The DUHC is most grateful to the Chevra Executive Committee, under the current leadership of Chairman Jeff Isaacs, for managing the daily activities of the Chevra and the maintenance of our Redhill and Stellawood cemeteries which are always admired by both the local community and visitors. The Chevra also maintains the historic Brooke Street Cemetery in central Durban where the victims of the Ladysmith Train Disaster were laid to rest in 1899. These peaceful and holy cemeteries are constantly and carefully maintained as a sign of respect to passed loved ones. As a cemetery is holy consecrated ground, this mark of respect is extended to the dress code requirement that men cover their heads and women dress modestly when attending a funeral or unveiling service and when visiting a cemetery. Casual beachwear for men and revealing clothing and trousers for women are discouraged.  

The Chevra is currently working on an ongoing project to restore Stellawood Cemetery while the costs of maintaining the graves at both the Redhill and Stellawood cemeteries are substantial with a full time maintenance staff at both locations. It is a mitzvah, a charitable act, to contribute to the continuity and maintenance of Jewish community facilities such as the DUHC cemeteries. Members are therefore urged to voluntarily give their generous financial and personal support to the Chevra Kadisha to ensure that the Chevra Kadisha has the continued necessary financial resources to perform its holy work.   

It is customary to give charity in memory of those passed on and an option to honour them in this manner includes setting up the names of deceased loved ones on individual memorial plaques in the Great Synagogue. For those congregants whose loved ones’ graves are situated elsewhere, the DUHC has provided the opportunity to set up a permanent memorial stone along the beautiful central palm-lined path at Redhill Cemetery, a way to perform the mitzvah of remembering and honouring one’s closest in both life and death. 

All donations will be used by the Chevra Kadisha for the upkeep and maintenance of our immaculately groomed cemeteries. Your contribution will ensure that this important function in the Jewish community will continue at the admirably high standards achieved by the DUHC Chevra Kadisha in Durban. Congregants are advised that if an Orthodox Jewish person passes on, the Chevra can be contacted day or night. During office hours, the Shul office ((031) 201-5177) can be contacted or the following Chevra members can be contacted anytime day or night:

Jeff Isaacs: 082 822 8855 (Cell), (031) 208-7111 (Work), (031) 208-3416 (Home)

Stan Hart: 082 856 0060 (Cell), (031) 261-6659

For more information on making contributions, setting up a plaque in the Great Synagogue or a memorial stone at Redhill Cemetery, please contact Danielle De Gaye at the Shul office on (031) 201-5177. 

COMMUNITY NEWS

DUHC

- Michael Greenbaum

The Perling Hall: “Extreme Makeover” Evening 

The transformation of the Perling Hall at the Great Synagogue was celebrated with a special Shabbat “Extreme Makeover: Perling Hall Edition” evening with “Blintzes and Bailey’s”. Congregants expressed their admiration for the modern and stylish refurbishment of the newly decorated facility where so many memorable Shul functions and simchas have been enjoyed. The hall has been transformed into an elegant and tasteful room with neutral paint colours, freshly varnished wood features and plush new upholstery on the chairs. As always, this beautiful venue is used weekly on Shabbat for Friday night Kiddush l’chaim, Shabbat brochas and seudah shlishit. Congregants and their families are urged to attend Shabbat services and enjoy the new hall as well to consider using the facility for future simchas and celebrations. The DUHC thanks Dr. Jonathan Beare for his generous sponsorship, and Vice-Chairman Aubrey Nathan and his team for coordinating the renovation.   

Our New Mechitzah

As some members have moved to other centres, it was decided to re-locate the ladies from the upstairs section to the downstairs level of the Great Synagogue for Shabbat services. For this purpose, a new modern Mechitzah has been constructed in the downstairs section. The new Mechitzah has been well-received and has added a more warm and heimische atmosphere to Shul services. Only during the Yom Taivim and the Yamim Noraim will the ladies section upstairs be used. Vice-Chairman Aubrey Nathan said the upgrades to the Perling Hall and the new Mechitzah have been done to enhance the Shul experience and to show that the DUHC is moving forward into the future.  

Hachnasat (Dedication) of a New Sefer Torah

The DUHC celebrated a Hachnasat Sefer Torah (Dedication of a new Sefer Torah) at an unforgettable event attended by nearly 200 people when a beautiful new Sefer Torah was presented by the Nathan family in honour of their parents Max and Lyn ^z”l. 

Prior to the service at the Great Synagogue, Rabbi Zekry, Max Nathan and honoured friends of the Nathan family were invited to each inscribe a letter in the final lines of the new Sefer Torah assisted by the sofer (scribe) from Johannesburg. Rabbi Zekry praised Max for his ethics and integrity and paid tribute to him and his late wife Lyn ^z”l for raising an outstanding Torah-observant family. He said the meaning of the name “Nathan” is related to the Hebrew word “to give” and the family continues the Nathan tradition of giving so much to the community. He commended Max for his many years on the DUHC Chevra Kadisha and thanked the whole family for their continuing contributions to the community. The ceremony began with the appropriate prayers followed by the series of seven Hakafot (circles) around the Bimah with Torah scrolls accompanied by singing, dancing and great rejoicing which is customary on the dedication of a new Sefer Torah.  

To celebrate the day with the congregation, a splendid Seudah Mitzvah lunch was sponsored by the Nathan family. At the Seudah, Aubrey Nathan thanked his father for being an example of a man of humility, honesty and strong ethical standards. Max then thanked all for the honour given to him and he especially mentioned that his late wife, Lyn ^z”l was responsible for encouraging and raising a religious and observant family. The DUHC thanks the Nathan family for this magnificent addition to the Great Synagogue.  

COMMUNITY NEWS

DUHC Annual General Meeting 2014: A New Chairman

Michael Greenbaum

The past year’s events and achievements were the focus at the recent DUHC Annual General Meeting. Rabbi Zekry stated that over the past years, the congregation has seen changes requiring the Congregation to be united and positive about its future. He said “Kol Hakavod” to outgoing Chairman Sidney Lazarus for his dedication as the DUHC Chairman over the most challenging and rewarding four years experienced by the community. He added that Sidney and the Lazarus family had led the community contributing both time and resources. He welcomed the incoming Chairman Warren Shapiro. He then made the community blessing and said “May we go from strength to strength.”

Outgoing Chairman Mr. Sidney Lazarus reported that his past four years as Chairman have been challenging, having worked out of love for the Shul and for the best of the community. The Chairman mentioned the various functions and events held during the year including Yom Tov dinners; the new Friday night Kids Club; Chanukah, Purim and Lag B’omer celebrations; “Friday Night Live” Shabbat evenings; youth luncheons; the communal Pesach Seder; and the Dynamix social club events as well as the vast number of shiurim and activities in our congregation.

With regard to the DUHC financial position, he felt it has again been a difficult year especially with the loss of the tenant at the Sharona school premises, and while every effort is made to control the DUHC’s finances, we continue to incur an annual loss. The Chairman specially mentioned that outstanding debtors are a major issue. He urged members of the community to assist where they can through donations, offerings and sponsorships on Simchas. 

Concerning the future of the Silverton Road property, the Chairman advised that a task team has been set up to evaluate the options and the congregation would be advised accordingly. 

The Chairman then thanked all benefactors for their financial support, including the trustees of the various foundations and trusts. He especially thanked Maurice Sacher for his invaluable fundraising contributions. The Chairman thanked the Council for their support over the past years and concluded by especially thanking his wife Gaynor and his family for their support, advice and encouragement.  

Alex Zingol then presented an Honorary Life Membership to Elisha Puterman for his many years of service to the DUHC as Council Member, Chairman and other official positions including currently conducting the Friday Shabbat services at Beth Shalom. Mr. Puterman then thanked the DUHC for the honour given to him.  

Incoming Chairman Warren Shapiro thanked Mr. Lazarus for all his work in the community, saying he had been privileged to work with him, and had learnt much from him about the duties and demands of the DUHC Chairman. He then thanked all incoming Council members and said that together our visions for the community’s future could be achieved. 

Mr. Shapiro then bade farewell to Alex Zingol as DUHC President. He pointed out that Alex had served as Chairman, President and Vice-President for the past 19 years. Alex has agreed to remain on the Council where his advice and experience will be invaluable.  Mr. Shapiro said Alex has now been appointed as Honorary Gabbai in honour of his long-time service in that capacity. 

In conclusion, Mr. Shapiro asked all to be actively involved, attend Shul, and participate in what is being offered. He acknowledged that although this is a time of change and adaptation, that united we can continue to build a community as an example to all of community survival and reinvigoration.

Shavuot: Tikkun L’eil Evening 

Shavuot celebrations began with the first night Tikkun L’eil dinner in the Perling Hall after the Maariv service in the Great Synagogue, which had been beautifully decorated by the pupils of the Umhlanga Jewish Day School. With great communal spirit, families and friends enjoyed the superb dinner catered by Selma Lurie.

Rabbi Zekry and Rabbi Friedman then spoke on various topics during the dinner followed by the colourful youth presentation arranged by Orli Shein Essers. After dinner, Rabbi Friedman conducted the traditional Shavuot adult quiz, rewarding our knowledgeable congregants with chocolates. 

After dinner, the customary study session began in accordance with the custom of staying up to study topics and themes of Shavuot. Rabbi Zekry began the session with his Talmud shiur, followed by a series of presentations and shiurim. Special thanks must be given to the Rabbis, Bradley Meltz, Ben Sapo and Jaron Kalmonowitz who presented the various items on the programme, and also to members of CSO who provided security throughout the night.

On first day Shavuot, the younger children participated in the Bikkurim ceremony and Rabbi Zekry’s popular Shavuot youth quiz. On the second day of Shavuot, we celebrated the end of the Chag with Rabbi Zekry reading the inspirational Megillat Ruth. Before the reading, Rabbi  said that Hashem, in His kindness, gave us the Torah on Shavuot, and therefore we read Megillat Ruth on Shavuot because it contains many examples of acts of kindness and compassion as it relates the touching and emotional story of Ruth and Naomi, and the lesson it teaches of loyalty and love, of family and faith.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Jewish Education: Creating a Fresh Perspective

Michael Greenbaum

The objective of Jewish education has been to ensure that knowledge of our rich and vibrant religion and culture is passed on through the generations by transmitting and teaching the principles of Judaismand Torah in order to live a true and meaningful Jewish way of life.

Jewish education for both adults and youth is the most important way for a community to maintain its Jewish identity.Judaism is constantly evolving and we should endeavour to learn and develop knowledge of Torah and Judaism through regular attendance at Shul and at the many shiurim (religious lessons) and lectures by special guest speakers.

Our Rabbis and teachers keep our unique faith alive and fresh by providing ongoing education in new perspectives and concepts through study of the classical texts and modern Rabbinical thought with practical application and personal ethical development. To achieve this, the individual is obligated to make a personal commitment to increasing knowledge of Judaism in order to continue the ancient tradition and philosophy that Judaism places on the importance of study and education at all stages and areas in life.

Parents especially should observe the mitzvah to provide their children with a Jewish education with less importance placed on non-Jewish cultural and sport activities as offered by secular institutions. This opportunity is available at the Umhlanga Jewish Day School (UJDS) at Izinga which has begun a new era in Torah education and community building.

The new school has received much praise since its opening and the enthusiastic Rabbis and teachers at the UJD have taken Jewish education to a new level of accessibility and spirituality while still achieving excellence in secular educational requirements. In addition, the Moriah Hebrew Club and Cheder Club held weekly on Sundays at the Young Israel Center provide Jewish education for children from Grades 0-6.

In providing ongoing Jewish education, the DUHC can be justifiably proud and fortunate that the community can attend a shiur on almost any day of the week. On a regular basis, the DUHC offers many shiurim including Shabbat shiurim; the daily weekday Maimonides shiur with Rabbi Zekry after Shacharit; the weekly Tuesday Talmud study group and Sunday Chavrutafor men with Rabbi Zekry; and the popular special ladies shiur with Rabbi Jarrod Garber each Tuesday.

Rabbi Mark Friedman is currently teaching a series of lessons on ethics and personal development using fascinating classic ethical and mystical workssuch as “MesillatYesharim” (Path of Just) by the renowned Rabbi and Kabbalist, Moshe Chaim Luzzatto and “Chovot Ha Levavot” (Duties of the Heart) by Rabbi and philosopher Bahya ben Joseph.

Rabbi Friedman has also started a new Thursday evening shiur on a variety of topics open to everyone. Rabbi Jarrod Garber and Rabbi Ariel Garber from the UJDS also bring their wealth of knowledge by giving shiurim on a regular basis (see below). The DUHC also frequently hosts distinguished guest Rabbis and speakers who are leaders in theirfields.
The TIMETABLE (below left) is a schedule of times and location of the various regular Shiurim:

The shiurim offered by the DUHC are interesting, informal,interactive and educational. While helpful, no prior attendance or specialized knowledge or education is necessary to understand the contents of the shiurim-just the desire to learn and progress personally and spiritually.

Our Rabbis, teachers and guest speakers spend much time and effort in preparing their work for each shiur and the community is urged to attend at least one session per week. Participation in ongoing Jewish education will ensure the survival of a vibrant community and help us maintain our faith and Yiddishkeit with fresh perspectives on Orthodox Jewish life and traditions.
As the great sage Hillel states in “PirkeiAvot” (Ethics of the Fathers) "Do not say ‘When I free myself of my concerns, I will study,’ for perhaps you will never become free”. For more information on the DUHC’s Jewish education program, please contact the Synagogue office.

COMMUNITY NEWS

DURBAN UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION

Michael Greenbaum

Channukah Celebrations
The DUHC organized a splendid function to celebrate Channukah and commemorate the miracles of the Temple oil and the heroic military victory of the outnumbered Maccabeans over the Greeks who sought to destroy Judaism by forced assimilation into its Hellenist culture.

On the 5th night of Channukah, over 100 guests attended a delightful communal candle-lighting and dinner evening with entertainment by illusionist Ilan Smith. After Maariv, Charlie Hotz was given the honour of lighting the Minor Shul’s Channukiah candles. In the Perling Hall before dinner, our Chazzan Jaron Kalmonowitz lit the 5th night candles and along with Rabbi Zekry led the guests in the appropriate Channukah prayers and songs. After the candle-lighting, a delicious “K.F.C (Kosher Fried Chicken)” dinner catered by Selma Lurie was served with traditional rich doughnuts for dessert.

After the candle-lighting and dinner, we were treated to a fun-filled evening with illusionist Ilan Smith who entertained us all with his astonishing abilities which amazed the audience while enthusiastic participants from the audience added much laughter and ruach to the evening.

The DUHC and all who attended the evening thank the very generous sponsor and organizers, including Aubrey and Michelle Nathan, who made this memorable evening possible. While the festival is always celebrated in a joyous atmosphere, Channukah recalls serious and significant events in Jewish history, remembering the miraculous victories of the past and reminding us to be being thankful for the present miracles and freedoms we experience each day.

Memorial Evening For Nelson Mandela

Along with all other Jewish communities of South Africa after the loss of Nelson Mandela, a special memorial evening was held to honour the life and historical accomplishments of this great leader who chose reconciliation and peace instead of revenge and war.

With over 200 members of the Jewish community attending, Rabbi Zekry led the evening’s programme with praise and admiration for Madiba and his achievements. To describe Mandela’s qualities, Rabbi Zekry referred to the Torah Parasha “Vayigash” which we had just read on the previous Shabbat. He said the greatness of Nelson Mandela was his ability to forgive, similar to how Joseph forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery. Rabbi Zekry recalled meeting Nelson Mandela at a civic reception. He said the crowds and atmosphere were filled with anticipation and excitement as they waited for Madiba who entered the hall and greeted the religious leaders individually. Rabbi Zekry likened Mandela’s character of humility with the humble Moshe who also redeemed his people from slavery and indignity.

DUHC Chairman Sidney Lazarus then read the SA Jewish Board of Deputies national message from Mary Kluk, Chairman of the SAJBD,
in which she praised the great attributes of Madiba and expressed the SA Jewish community’s condolences and solidarity with the Mandela family and the people of South Africa. The DUHC choir then sang Psalm 23 followed by the memorial prayer read by Rabbi Zekry. The anthems of SA and Israel concluded this meaningful and emotional commemoration of a unique man of peace.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

dynaMix Shabbat Farbrengen

Michael Greenbaum

The dynaMix social club once again recently hosted an enjoyable farbrengen (a social and spiritual get-together) on Shabbat, entitled “Absolut Farbrengen”. Attended by over 100 people after the morning brocha in the Perling Hall, the farbrengen was an intimate heimische occasion with singing, Israeli food and snacks, and of course, Absolut vodka. There was much ruach in the spirit of enjoying the day with Shabbat songs and words of Torah from Rabbi Friedman who gave the Shabbat shiur.
We thank Aubrey and Michelle Nathan, Bradley and Carryn Meltz, and all dynaMix members for organizing and promoting social communal occasions such as this farbrengen and look forward to many more in the future.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

“The Shabbos Project” at the DUHC

Michael Greenbaum

With great anticipation and excitement, the Durban Jewish community and the DUHC eagerly participated in “The Shabbos Project-Keeping it Together”, an initiative by Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein to encourage the South African Jewish community to fully observe the laws and practices of one Shabbat. While there was much apparent interest in the project before the designated Shabbat, the support of congregations, families and individuals, and the huge numbers attending Shuls and observing this special Shabbat throughout South Africa, exceeded all expectations.
The Durban community was no exception and everyone spoke of how they would be observing Shabbat completely for the first time or, at least, improving their Shabbat observance. Throughout South Africa, the project began on the Thursday evening prior to the Shabbat with countrywide challah-making. In Durban, the Succah at the Great Synagogue was crowded with over 60 enthusiastic ladies who learnt the art of challah-making from Charlotte Thurgood. A scheduled electricity outage threatened to disrupt the challah baking event but when it happened, the whole area was blacked out except for the Shul where the power amazingly stayed on for the women to fulfil the mitzvah of making challah for Shabbat.
Shabbat events began on Friday night with the Shabbat evening service attended by over 250 people.  For the children, Orli-Shein Essers and Shani Cohen organized a programme for the young ones for the duration of Shabbat. After the Maariv service, WIZO sponsored an Oneg Shabbat Dinner. At the dinner, Rabbi Zekry explained the traditional Shabbat evening customs including the Kiddush and the blessing of the children. It was an emotional moment to see at some tables three generations of parents blessing their children. The dinner was followed by an enthralling talk by Dr. Cyril Karabus who told of his traumatic ordeal when he was wrongfully detained in Dubai on criminal charges. After the dinner, an “Eat Drink and be Merry” Tisch was held at the Young Israel Centre from where the sound of Shabbat singing filled the normally quiet neighbourhood!
On Shabbat day, the well-attended morning service was followed by a Brocha-Brunch of delicious food including the traditional Shabbat cholent. During the brunch, Rabbi Zekry and Rabbi Friedman each gave a Dvar Torah on Shabbat related topics while Bradley Meltz spoke on what observing Shabbat personally means to him and his family. Before the afternoon Mincha service in the packed-to-capacity Minor Shul, Rabbi Friedman gave a shiur on “The Basics and FUNdamentals of Shabbat.” This was followed by a lively festive Seudah Shlishit in the Perling Hall with wonderful food and Shabbat songs. After Maariv, Shabbat concluded with a beautiful “campfire” style Havdallah ceremony led by Chazzan Jaron Kalmonowitz to mark the end of a wonderful Shabbat filled with community warmth and chaverschaft.
After this special Shabbat, Chief Rabbi Goldstein expressed his amazement at the support for the project based on hundreds of reports from South African Jews at all levels of religious observance.  He said that the energy of “The Shabbos Project” has been felt not just on a communal scale across the country, but on a global scale including postings on Facebook, YouTube and emails from Australia, Canada, England and Israel while international journalists and Jewish media wanted information about what happened in South Africa. In Israel, Ha'aretz, Israel's oldest daily newspaper, reported that “all indications are that Jewish ethnicity and religiosity are alive, well and strengthening among South African Jews. In a nation of 50 million with strong ethnic consciousness, the Shabbos Project was a demonstration of Jewish cohesion. Virtually the entire Jewish mainstream – secular and religious – was set abuzz by the prospect of observing that Shabbat, collectively and individually.  When an entire community gets excited about Shabbat observance, its cohesion looks likely to remain strong in coming years.”
The DUHC thanks the congregation for their remarkable support and to everyone who organized and participated in this wonderful initiative.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Succot Awards and the Chagim

Michael Greenbaum

The Great Synagogue’s beautifully adorned Succah was filled to capacity during Succot and Shmini Atzeret when the DUHC traditionally honours individuals and associated Jewish organizations for their contributions to the community.

Succot
On first day Succot, Rabbi Zekry announced the annual Succot award given each year to a deserving recipient for exceptional contributions and involvement in the community and the Shul. The recipient this year was Rev. Brian Lurie. This was a double simcha for Rev. Lurie as he was also celebrating his 70th birthday.
At the morning brocha, Rabbi Zekry said that Rev. Lurie had been part of the Great Synagogue and DUHC for the past 35 years. He commended Rev. Lurie for his work at the DUHC and his unfailing willingness to assist in whatever he is asked to do. Rabbi Zekry especially praised Rev.Lurie for his knowledge of Torah and promoting Yiddishkeit in Durban. Rabbi Zekry said that whenever it is necessary for him to be away from the congregation, Rev. Lurie has always ably performed the Rabbi’s functions competently representing the DUHC with the required dignity and intellect. On behalf of the congregation, Rabbi Zekry wished Rev. Lurie happy 70th birthday.
Having performed official functions at the Durban North and Beachfront synagogues, Rev. Lurie joined the Great Synagogue in 1978 as shammas and trainee mashgiach. In 1998, Rabbi Zekry appointed him as a Reverend. In addition to managing the general daily operations of the Synagogue, Rev. Lurie leads the daily prayer services, reads the weekday and Shabbat Torah portions, officiates at weddings and funerals and, as mashgiach, he supervises Kashrut facilities at the DUHC, Pick n’ Pay, Beth Shalom and the Izinga Centre.
Rev. Lurie thanked the DUHC for the award and with humourous anecdotes, recalled the many colorful congregants and memorable days of his past at the DUHC. DUHC Chairman Sidney Lazarus presented the customary award certificate to Rev. Lurie and then to everyone’s delight, he announced that in addition to the award, Rev. Lurie would also receive a trip to Israel!
We wish Rev. Lurie mazaltov for his award, a wonderful trip and a happy 70th birthday with many more years of success and happiness.
At the second day Succot brocha, the DUHC honoured the work of the Council of KwaZulu Natal Jewry (CKNJ) which initiates exceptional charitable and outreach projects both in the Jewish community and at other public institutions, schools and organizations in KZN. Linda Nathan, President of the CKNJ, thanked the DUHC for honouring and acknowledging the work of the CKNJ on Succot saying that the CKNJ and its 17 affiliated organizations are like the Four Species of the Lulav which symbolically brings all Jews together into a united proactive community.

Shmini Atzeret
On Shmini Atzeret day, the morning brocha was sponsored to honour the DUHC’s Chevra Kadisha. This year, Rabbi Zekry dedicated the special brocha in memory of the much loved and well-respected Sandra Isaacs z”l who had given so much to the community as a long-standing member of the Chevra Kadisha along with her husband, current Chevra Kadisha Chairman Jeff Isaacs. On behalf of Jeff, Chevra President Max Nathan read out Jeff’s message in which he thanked Rabbi Zekry and the members of the Chevra for their holy work with a special mention of the women of the Chevra Kadisha. He also thanked Gary Plen for supervising the daily activities of the Chevra and the maintenance of our cemeteries which are always admired by both the local community and visitors.

Simchat Torah
On Simchat Torah, the visiting Yeshiva College students added much ruach in celebrating the festival with lively singing and dancing in Shul. Rabbi Zekry conducted the Succot youth quiz and the young ones were rewarded with chocolates for their excellent knowledge of the festivals and Jewish history. The Yeshiva College students were given the opportunity to conduct services and  were given aliyot and honours over Simchat Torah where they impressed the congregants with their knowledge of Torah. The visit by the Yeshiva College students over Simchat Torah has become the highlight of the chagim and the DUHC thanks the Chairman Sidney Lazarus, Maurice Sacher and the Beare Foundation for sponsoring their visit to Durban.
Thereafter, the customary Simchat Torah lunch was held in the Perling Hall to honour this year’s Chatan Torah Jeff Isaacs and Chatan Bereshit Marcel Nathan for their long-time support and contributions to the DUHC. Chatan Torah Jeff Isaacs said he would dedicate this honour in memory of his wife Sandra z”l and he thanked the community for its support in the days following the loss of his much-loved wife. Chatan Bereshit Marcel Nathan said that serving and participating in community organizations and activities were important to him and Linda as they had lived in Durban all their lives and felt close to the community. We all wish mazaltov to Jeff and Marcel on their honours.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Rabbi Lazer Brody: Making The Next Generation Stronger

Michael Greenbaum

The DUHC was recently privileged to host the vibrant Rabbi Lazer Brody, the multi-talented author, speaker, composer and spiritual guide, who recently gave an inspirational series of shiurim to the Durban community. Rabbi Brody came to Israel from the USA in 1970 after graduating from the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture. A decorated Israeli Defence Force combat veteran of two wars and military missions on both sides of Israel's borders, he survived a near-suicidal mission to Beirut during the Israel-Lebanon conflict of 1982. He said he could no longer ignore the hand of G-d in his life and left his mountaintop farm in Samaria to study Torah in Jerusalem which eventually led to his rabbinical ordination in 1992 after nine years of demanding Talmudic, ethics and legal studies. He spent another two years studying personal and family counselling methods and served as rabbi and spiritual rehabilitation director at an Israeli prison.
Today, Rabbi Brody dedicates his time to Jewish Outreach, giving invaluable advice around the world on personal and spiritual growth based on the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslev. Rabbi Brody writes for the award-winning Lazer Beams weblog and is the English-language editor of Breslev Israel web magazine.  In addition, Rabbi Brody’s has composed a collection of flute melodies entitled Calming Waters. He also hosts the weekly Lazer Beams podcast on Israel National Radio.
Rabbi Brody is most well known as an author of numerous books. His first book “Pi Habe'er”, a contemporary commentary of Torah based on the teachings of Rebbe Nachman was widely acclaimed, and he went on to write "Nafshi Tidom” and his first English book “The Trail to Tranquility”.  Rabbi Brody's newest book, “The Garden of Emuna”, a translation of a book written by his Rabbi and spiritual guide Rabbi Shalom Arush, has become an international best seller.
In Durban, Rabbi Brody gave well-attended men’s and women’s shiurim as well a communal lecture at the Perling Hall where Bradley Meltz introduced Rabbi Brody who spoke on the topic “How to make the next generation stronger”.  With humour and wisdom, Rabbi Brody gave his ideas on how a parent should raise a good Jewish child by cleverly using the six letters of the word “P-A-R-E-N-T”, saying parents should set a Personal example to their children who learn and follow their ways; every child should receive special personal Attention; family members should Respect each other; children should be taught to have Emunah, faith and hope in Hashem;  parents should encourage a child’s Natural abilities and not force their own personal expectations; and finally Rabbi Brody said children will learn from parents who show Thanks and gratitude for each other and for the good things in life.
After this exceptionally informative lecture, Rabbi Brody made his books and CD’s available for sale and he personally signed copies for those who purchased his books. Rabbi Brody then gave a short second session in which he gave the audience a useful practical guide to personal prayer.   
The DUHC thanks Rabbi Brody for including Durban in his busy world-wide speaking schedule and hope to welcome him again to the community in the future. The DUHC also extends thanks to Bradley Meltz for coordinating Rabbi Brody’s visit and to the generous sponsors of the event.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

DUHC Annual General Meeting 2013

Michael Greenbaum

The past year’s events and achievements were the focus of the recent 2013 DUHC AGM where Mr. Sidney Lazarus was appointed for a fourth term as DUHC Chairman and a new Council was elected. Rabbi Zekry opened the meeting with the communal blessing. He then thanked the Chairman for his dedication and hard work as the DUHC Chairman, and the Council for ensuring the continuity of Torah and Yiddishkeit in Durban while improving the Shul’s activities to make it the focus of the community.  
The Chairman then gave the Annual Council Report reviewing the year’s highlights including functions such as Chagim dinners, the successful Friday Night Live Shabbat evenings and the new DynaMix club events and activities which have proven to be very popular social occasions. The Chairman said that the Shul at the Umhlanga Jewish Centre is now open while the Umhlanga Jewish Day School at Izinga now has 60 pupils enrolled. He said it was essential for the Izinga shul to be supported by North Durban residents.
The Chairman said the size of the Great Synagogue is still a challenge and after reviewing the options, he said it would be best for the Shul to remain where it is now located and rather renovate a portion of the Great Synagogue to incorporate commercial office space on the property which would reduce the size of the Shul and generate rental income.  The Chairman said a formal presentation of this project will be made to the community at a Special Meeting in the near future.
In regard to the DUHC finances, the Chairman said that although the DUHC has a deficit, this is a common problem facing most South African shuls, a result of the many increases in property management expenses. He urged all members to support the Shul financially including sponsoring Shabbat brochas and Seudah Shlishit on the occasions of simchas, birthdays, anniversaries and when commemorating a yartzeit.  The Chairman said that the DUHC is upgrading its computer data system, a cost-saving project to ensure that the congregation receives notices and invitations timeously and efficiently.
The Hon. Treasurer Lawrence Levy then presented the Treasurer's Report and analysed the financial statements. Vice-Chairman Mr. Warren Shapiro said that the Council is always “available” and open to addressing the concerns of the community. The Chairman closed the meeting by thanking Rabbi Zekry and all DUHC staff members as well as the Trustees and benefactors of the various foundations and endowment funds for their contributions during a challenging financial year.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Looking Forward to 5774

Michael Greenbaum

The Great Synagogue will be the centre of spiritual and communal life and activity during the upcoming High Holy Days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, followed by the enjoyable festivals of Succot, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. On first night Rosh Hashanah, the traditional communal dinner will be held in the Perling Hall and congregants are urged to book for the dinner as soon as possible as seating is limited for this popular event. Contact the Shul office ((031) 201-5177) to make your booking.
After Yom Kippur, the Great Synagogue’s Succah will be beautifully adorned and as customary, special seated brochas will be held during the chagim of Succot, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah when the DUHC customarily honours individuals and associated Jewish organizations for their contributions to the Durban Jewish community.  
We especially look forward to the first day Succot brocha when Rabbi Zekry will announce the annual Succot awards given each year to deserving recipients for exceptional commitment and contributions to the DUHC and the community. On the second day Succot brocha, the DUHC will honour the Council of KwaZulu-Natal Jewry (CKNJ) while on Shmini Atzeret day, the morning brocha will be sponsored in honour of the DUHC’s Chevra Kadisha.
Simchat Torah is always very lively with much ruach in celebrating the festival with singing and dancing in Shul. On Simchat Torah day, Rabbi Zekry will conduct the Succot youth quiz for the young ones who will be rewarded with chocolates for the correct answers. This will be followed by the long-established Simchat Torah lunch which will be held in the Perling Hall to honour this year’s Chatan Torah and Chatan Bereshit. There is no charge for the Simchat Torah lunch.
Congregants are urged to attend Shul during the festival days and enjoy these special times of the Jewish calendar in an atmosphere of spiritual inspiration and communal chaverschaft.

New Year Messages From ...

Rabbi Pinhas Zekry, Spiritual Leader Durban United Hebrew Congregation

The Season of Cheshbon Nefesh (Self-Evaluation)

When Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai was sick, his students came to visit him.  When he saw them, he started to cry.  His students said to him:  “Lamp of Israel, right-hand pillar, mighty hammer, why are you crying?”  He said to them:  “If I was brought before a king of flesh and blood, who is here today and in the grave tomorrow, if he becomes angry with me, his anger is not eternal, if he imprisons me, it is not eternal imprisonment if he kills me, it is not a permanent death, and I could appease him with words or bribe him with money, even so I would cry.  Now that I am brought before the king of kings, the Holy One, blessed be He, who lives for all eternity, if He becomes angry with me, it is an eternal anger, if He imprisons me, it is eternal imprisonment,  if He kills  me, it is a permanent death, and I cannot appease Him with words or bribe Him with money, and not only that, but I have two roads before me: one to Gan Eden and one to Gehinom, and I do not know on which one they will take me, should I not cry?...
As Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai approached the completion of his pilgrimage in this world, he was engaging in the presence of his students in a process of Cheshbon Nefesh, self-evaluation.  
Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai features brilliantly in the annals of Jewish chronology as the heroic role model from where we can learn as heirs to the goals which he strove tirelessly to implement, namely keeping the Jewish tradition alive from the beginning of our protracted despair and to establish the Synagogue as a replacement for the Temple, which had been destroyed.  Despite his success in his unparalleled achievements, he was still full of doubt on his deathbed.
If this celebrated Tzadik felt the necessity to assess his level of righteousness, how much more so do we need to do so, especially at this time of the year which is most particularly appropriate for self-improvement.
We start at the home asking ourselves whether our home is Jewish, whether it embraces the principles of kashrut and Shabbat and whether we have a library of Jewish literature.  Are our children receiving a Jewish education?   Are we able to guarantee that our child and moreover our grandchild will remain in the Jewish fold.
And then there is the need for self-evaluation in relation to our community.  Do I ask myself what I am entitled to from the community or do I rather ask myself what I can contribute?
Finally there is the issue of our personal link with Eretz Yisrael, bearing in mind that we are the blessed generation that has seen its rebirth and continuity. How do we as individuals play our role in its support?
As we approach this season of Cheshbon Nefesh, we reckon our shortfalls and undertake to improve in a way that our spiritual balance sheet will enhance the year to follow.
I take this opportunity of wishing my dear fellow congregants and community, that they may be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life for a year of health and nachas.
Shana Tovah

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

SinaIndaba 3 In Durban

Michael Greenbaum

The third SinaIndaba conference was hosted this year at the Umhlanga Jewish Centre Development at Izinga. The Durban Jewish community was once again privileged to hear the dynamic international speakers who gave us an inspirational experience with their knowledge on Jewish spirituality, faith and national pride.
Opening the conference in the beautiful Umhlanga Synagogue, Rabbi Zekry welcomed Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein and speakers Rabbi Ozer Glickman and Ambassador Yehuda Avner. With 4,500 people having attended in Johannesburg and 1700 in Cape Town, Rabbi Zekry said that this year’s SinaIndaba conference in South Africa was a huge success.  
He then introduced the first speaker, Rabbi Ozer Glickman, Rosh Yeshiva at Yeshiva University in New York, a brilliant Torah scholar with a highly-regarded professional background in merchant banking and an expert in risk management. He spoke on economic globalization and technology which he explained have created a “universalist culture driven by a neutral and impersonal market” and how this has led to a cultural convergence of different ways of life and societies. As a Jew, he said a global market economy is acceptable but a “common global market society” which is causing assimilation and a loss of human connection to traditional Jewish life and values is not appropriate for Judaism.   
Ambassador Yehuda Avner then gave the audience a fascinating and informative presentation on his experience in his role as advisor and speechwriter to five Israeli Prime Ministers including Levi Eshkol, Golda Meir, Yitzchak Rabin, Menachem Begin and Shimon Peres. Ambassador Avner’s acclaimed book, The Prime Ministers, has sold over 100,000 copies and will soon be made into a film. In recalling his times with the Prime Ministers, he said that they were all always “in search of solutions and bottom line answers, and not academic theories.”  With his emotional memoirs and humourous anecdotes, the Ambassador brought history alive, saying that the future of Israel is unknown but “without a home for the Jews, we enter a dark place.”  
Chief Rabbi Goldstein then thanked the speakers, saying that the SinaIndaba is about the power of words, words of Torah and the power of a community with shared values and purpose. Chief Rabbi Goldstein then mentioned his two current projects including the launch of his new book, The Legacy. Written with co-author Rabbi Berel Wein, the book describes the life teachings of the great Lithuanian Rabbis and their influence on contemporary society. The book highlights how the Rabbis came from Lithuania before the Holocaust and rebuilt their Yeshivot in the USA.  Chief Rabbi Goldstein spoke of these Rabbis as having “heroism which came from a passion for values, ideals and purpose in life.” His second project is to urge all South African Jews to fully observe one Shabbat, the date to be announced soon.   
On behalf of the community, Rabbi Zekry thanked the visiting guests and the organisers of “Sinaindaba” for this unique opportunity. After the conference, Chief Rabbi Goldstein made his book available for sale and personally signed copies of the book. The conference concluded with an informal light dinner catered by Selma Lurie and served in the impressive main function hall of the Shul complex. We now look forward to next year’s conference.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Friday Night Live: “Sushi and Shooters”

Michael Greenbaum

Another “Friday Night Live” event at the Great Synagogue was once again a great success with over 300 people attending the Shabbat evening service. Special guests for the evening were the outstanding Waverley Shul Chazan Elton Krawitz accompanied by the acclaimed Waverley Shul Choir which has received many honours under the leadership of Choir Master and Musical Director Joel Sacher. Our guests created a wonderful festive atmosphere in the Great Synagogue with their strong voices, beautiful harmonies and musical arrangements at both Shabbat Maariv and morning services. After the evening service, the Kiddush L'Chaim featured “Sushi and Shooters” in the Perling Hall which was decorated in a colourful Oriental theme. The main table was lavishly prepared with large platters of colourful Sushi and “Friday-Night-Live Fortune Cookies” enjoyed by all. The DUHC thanks Aubrey and Michelle Nathan for organizing the evening and a very big thank-you to the evening’s generous anonymous sponsors who made this Friday Night Live a memorable event.
With special guests, delicious food and a special youth entertainment program, the concept of “Friday Night Live” has proven very popular at congregations in South Africa and abroad, encouraging members to attend services to share the spiritual and social communal warmth of the Shabbat experience. There is no charge for the event which is generously subsidised by individual sponsors.  The DUHC looks forward to seeing everyone joining in at many more "Friday Night Live" evenings to come.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Shavuot: Tikkun Leil Dinner

Michael Greenbaum

First night Shavuot began with over 100 guests attending the Tikkun Leil dinner at the Great Synagogue’s Perling Hall. The theme of the evening was “Eat, Pray, Love” and accordingly, after the festival Maariv service prayers in Shul, families and friends gathered together for the evening’s events with great communal spirit enjoying the superb dinner catered by Selma Lurie who served the traditional rich foods of Shavuot.
The programme for the night began with the opening welcome address by Rabbi Zekry. With a series of speakers during the dinner, Rabbi Zekry started with “Stories of Converts” followed by Rabbi Friedman’s presentation of “The Importance of Torah”. In keeping with the theme of acts of loving kindness for the evening, Dr. Issy Fisher then spoke on “Megillat Ruth” which is read on Shavuot, giving us a meaningful insight into the characters and message of love and devotion in the Megillah.
After dinner, Rabbi Friedman and Orli-Shein Essers conducted the traditional Shavuot adult quiz and our knowledgeable congregants were suitably rewarded with chocolates as prizes.
After dinner, the study session began in accordance with the custom of staying up as late as possible to study topics and themes relating to the festival. Rabbi Zekry began the session with an informative Talmud Daf shiur. As the night progressed with a series of presentations and shiurim, the enthusiastic participants experienced the unique atmosphere and spirit of Shavuot in anticipation of marking the day the Torah was given to the Jewish nation. Special thanks must be given to Rabbi Friedman, Aubrey Nathan, Bradley Meltz, and Itai Mizrachi who presented the various items on the programme, and also to the members of the CSO who provided security throughout  the night.
On first day Shavuot, the younger children participated in the Bikkurim ceremony and in Rabbi Zekry’s popular Shavuot youth quiz.  This was followed by a delicious ice-cream bar for the kids.  On the second day of Shavuot, we celebrated the end of the Chag with Rabbi Zekry reading the inspirational Megillat Ruth. Before the reading, Rabbi Zekry said that, Hashem, in His kindness, gave us the Torah, and so we read Megillat Ruth on Shavuot because it contains many examples of acts of love and kindness as it relates the poignant story of Ruth and Naomi, and the lesson it teaches us of loyalty to family and faith, and compassion for others.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

dynaMix Lag B’Omer Evening

Michael Greenbaum

The dynaMIX social group, headed by Aubrey Nathan along with Michael Sevel, Itai and Joanne Mizrachi, and Bradley and Carryn Meltz, hosted a fun-filled "Flaming Hot" Lag B'Omer evening with a huge bonfire and activities for all. Orli-Shein Essers organized special games for the children while the adults were treated to an impressive bonfire, enjoying delicious braai burgers accompanied by Israeli music organized by DJ Itai. The highlight was at the end of the evening when Bradley Meltz lit a "flaming hot" Lag B’Omer sign which filled the night with light and fire.
After this memorable evening, the DUHC now looks forward to many more successful events with dynaMIX which Aubrey Nathan said has created an opportunity for Jewish people to meet and socialise with each other in the community.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Penina Taylor: Missionary Impossible

Michael Greenbaum

The DUHC was recently privileged to have Penina Taylor as a guest speaker.  In welcoming Penina, Rabbi Mark Friedman said the community was very fortunate to have the opportunity to hear her speak about her unique spiritual journey to Torah Judaism. He said that Penina is in great demand worldwide as a speaker whose unique experience has saved Jewish lives spiritually. In the past 10 years, Penina has shared her life story in the US, Israel and South Africa, inspiring Jews to become more observant.  The large audience in the Perling Hall was riveted by her astonishing 17-year spiritual journey from Secular Judaism, through Christianity and Messianic Judaism to Orthodox Torah Judaism.
In her talk entitled “Missionary: Impossible”, Penina told how she was raised in a secular Jewish home. In her search for spirituality, a high-school friend said “find a relationship with G-d” and persuaded Penina, along with her parents, to become Christian. Penina then attended a Christian bible college; was certified as an evangelist and a Billy Graham Crusade counsellor; and converted thousands of people to Christianity. After leaving college, Penina married Paul Taylor and both continued work in lay church leadership positions. But Penina described herself as having “a Jewish soul at war with Christian beliefs.”  Her family then became Messianic Jews (Penina prefers the term “Hebrew Christians”) and started a Messianic congregation. The family adopted Jewish rituals and dress while still believing in Christianity.  During this time, Penina began reading about Orthodox Judaism and adopted the concept of "Torah Observant Messianic Judaism."
After moving to a religious Jewish neighbourhood in Baltimore, while still practicing as Messianic Jews, the family attended an Orthodox synagogue. Before her son’s barmitzvah, Penina disclosed her Christian beliefs to her Rabbi. He then introduced her to Mark Powers, Director of Jews for Judaism, and together they studied the biblical texts in Hebrew from a Jewish point-of-view.  This convinced Penina and her family to reject all forms of Christian belief, including Messianic Judaism, and they adopted Orthodox Torah Judaism, eventually all going on aliyah to Israel where today they live a Torah-observant life.
In concluding, Penina noted that as a Christian, she was required to read the entire Hebrew Bible, the Tanach, each year, saying that there are consequently many Christians who are more knowledgeable of the Hebrew Bible than many Jews. She challenged the audience to make reading the entire Tanach one of their many spiritual goals as they “find joy and enthusiasm in Judaism.”
Rabbi Zekry then thanked Penina for her exceptional presentation and encouraging message. He also thanked Rabbi Friedman for his extensive efforts in arranging for Penina to come to Durban to tell her inspirational story to the community.  

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Our Communal Seder

Michael Greenbaum

The DUHC held its customary communal Seder on the first night of Pesach. The Perling Hall was filled to capacity with over 200 congregants who enjoyed the evening which was beautifully catered by Selma Lurie and her team with all the traditional Pesach specialties. Each table was provided with the specific requirements of the traditional Seder plate, giving the evening its unique character unlike any other meal of the year.  As always, the main focus of the Seder was the reading of the Haggadah. The joy of reading the Haggadah was accompanied by the congregation’s enthusiastic singing of the familiar Pesach songs. At each stage of the Seder, Rabbi Zekry and Rabbi Friedman explained the meaning and symbolism of the Pesach rituals, while our Chazzan Jaron Kalmonowitz led us with new tunes and ways of singing the wonderful Pesach songs from the Haggadah, allowing congregants to participate in making it a lively and memorable evening. With excellent food and a rich spiritual experience, the first night communal Seder has become a special way for the congregants and friends of the community to celebrate and remember the unity and freedom gained by the Children of Israel from the time of the Exodus to Mt. Sinai, and together appreciate the religious and social freedoms we enjoy today as a nation.  

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Pesach: Celebrating Freedom

Michael Greenbaum

Special Pesach Shopping Night

The DUHC once again arranged a special evening before Pesach for the community to purchase Pesach products at Pick N’ Pay, Musgrave. Shoppers were greeted by Pick N’ Pay personnel who handed out UOS Pesach guides. This successful evening saw a large number of the community filling their trolleys with a wide range of Pesach products and delicacies, taking advantage of the exclusive shopping opportunity after regular store hours. In a festive atmosphere, the community crowded the store aisles, making their purchases while enjoying delicious food provided by the DUHC and gourmet cappuccino and coffee drinks expertly prepared by Itai Mizrachi, all of which added to the shopping experience and the excitement of anticipating the festival.    
The community thanks Chairman Sidney Lazarus and Selma Lurie who planned and coordinated the evening with the store management to ensure the timely availability and wide variety of Pesach products.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Purim Celebrations

Michael Greenbaum

Purim began this year on Motzei Shabbat at Maariv with the first reading by Rev. Brian Lurie of Megillat Esther, the inspirational story of the heroic deeds of Esther and Mordechai to save the Jews in Persia. While the festival is celebrated in a joyous atmosphere, it recalls a serious occasion in Jewish history, the survival of the Jews from genocide. At the conclusion of the first lively and noisy reading of the Megillah, the traditional mon, chocolate and apple Hamantashen were served in the Perling Hall.

On Purim day, the Megillah was read for the second time. In the late afternoon, families and friends gathered at the Great Synagogue to exchange gifts (mishloach manot) and enjoy the “Masked Magical Purim” celebration followed by the Purim Seudah meal. With many wearing colourful masks, over 190 congregants and children celebrated the festival. As always on Purim, the focus was on the imaginative costumes with the kids and adults dressed as Queen Esthers, princesses, comic-book characters and many other amusing dress combinations. The inter-active Purim kids programme entertained the children with loads of fun activities. This began with a quiz for the kids by Rabbi Jarrod Garber followed by mask making and a “Slam-Dunk Hamantaschen Away” ballgame. After the children’s activities, everyone enjoyed the Purim Seudah and the humourous magic show with eager participants from the audience providing much laughter and ruach to the evening.

Rabbi Zekry thanked those who arranged the evening, especially Michelle Nathan for her all her original ideas and contributions to communal events throughout the year. We also thank Selma Lurie and her team who provided the delicious Burger Dinner in the Perling Hall for the Seudah.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Beth Shalom and Masada Visit Izinga

Michael Greenbaum

GreenbaumThe Izinga Centre recently dedicated an exclusive day to host members of Beth Shalom and Jewel House for a delightful afternoon tea occasion. Since many members of Beth Shalom and Jewel House had not yet had the chance to see the Izinga development, this special day gave the visitors the opportunity to see the exciting future of Yiddishkeit and Jewish life in Durban including the beautiful new Shul and the much-acclaimed Umhlanga Jewish Day School.

Rabbi Zekry welcomed the guests and thanked the Hebrew Order of David for providing transportation, and Allan Cohen for his assistance in organising the event. He described the facilities including the Shul, the library and the UJD School which he said is the "jewel of the development." He said that the Umhlanga Jewish Centre is a result and continuation of what the previous generations have done in building a thriving Jewish community in Durban over the past century.

He then introduced Mr. Robert Sussman, head of Judaic Studies at the new school, and Executive Director of the Durban community Kollel which has been established in Izinga. Mr. Sussman described the activities of the Kollel and the school's educational objective, a Torah education with the emphasis on learning from the original Hebrew texts. This was followed by a short video of satisfied parents describing their children's positive experiences and remarkable progression in Kodesh studies.

Rabbi Zekry and Mr. Sussman then took groups of visitors on a tour of the centre and the school's facilities while others admired the modern style of the Shul interior with its colourful stained-glass windows depicting the six days of Creation and the beautiful mosaic pillars representing the Seven Species. Everyone was especially impressed by the advanced facilities available at the School. Barbara Daniels of Beth Shalom said "the setting and the views are so beautiful." Masadnik Cedric Braude said he was very especially impressed because this was "the first time I have been to Izinga since I was last here for the foundation stone ceremony."

After the tour of the centre, a delicious afternoon tea was provided by Selma Lurie while music was provided by our Kollel members. On behalf of the guests, Dr. Sheldon Levin thanked Rabbi Zekry and the Kollel members for a memorable day and for welcoming them to the Centre. He expressed his admiration for all that has been accomplished at Izinga and wished Rabbi Zekry and everyone involved much mazal and success for the future. Rabbi Zekry then led the Mincha service in the Shul.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Michael Greenbaum

Chanukah Celebrations
On the 5th night of Chanukah, over 100 guests attended a delightful communal candle-lighting evening entitled “Candlelighting & Comedy”. Our Chazzan Jaron Kalmonowitz had the honour of lighting the 5th night candles and along with Rabbi Zekry led the guests in the appropriate Chanukah prayers and songs. After the candle-lighting, we were treated to a laughterfilled evening of comedy by Durban-born comedic talent and TV personality Carvin H. Goldstone who entertained us with his unique brand of humour. Selma Lurie provided the traditional latkes and doughnuts. The DUHC and all who attended the evening thank Sidney & Gaynor Lazarus and family who sponsored the celebration.

Adult Jewish Programme Chanukah Party
The AJP/New Innings Chanukah party featuring Colin Penn’s “Liberace the Legend” was exceptionally well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Many thanks to Shelli Strous for organizing this get-together.

Shabbat Events
In the weeks just before celebrating Chanukah, congregants at the DUHC enjoyed special Shabbat events including a Friday Night Live evening and an enjoyable farbrengen, both of which have become regular features on the calendar.

Friday Night Live
The recent “Friday Night Live” event at the Great Synagogue was once again a great success with over 200 people attending the Shabbat evening service. The congregation enjoyed the chazzanut of our special guests for the evening, Chazzan Asher Parshani and his family from Israel, who created a wonderful atmosphere in the Shul at both the Shabbat evening and morning services. After the evening service, the Kiddush L'Chaim featured “'Latkes and Liqueurs” in the Perling Hall while our younger members joined Rabbi Friedman and Dan Burke for a pre-Chanukah Youth Service and activities in the Minor Shul. The DUHC extends thanks to Michelle Nathan for organizing the evening, to Selma Lurie for preparing the food, and to the evening’s sponsors for providing the community with a memorable evening.

DynaMix Shabbat Farbrengen
The DynaMix social club recently hosted an enjoyable farbrengen (a social and spiritual get-together) on Shabbat, entitled “Shabbat for Dummies”. Attended by over 100 peop le after the morning brocha, the farbrengen was a heimische occasion with singing, delicious lamb cholent, a fun educational quiz and much ruach in the spirit of enjoying Shabbat. We thank Aubrey and Michelle Nathan, Bradley and Carryn Meltz, Michael Sevel, Itai Mizrachi and all DynaMix members for organizing and promoting social communal occasions such as this farbrengen. We now look forward to more Shabbat functions and urge all congregants to attend Shabbat services and support these special events.

Cheder
Dan & Amy Burke are conducting Cheder. Classes which resumed on Monday 21 January 2013 at Moriah from 15.45 to 16.30. Mondays Grades 1 and 2 and Wednesdays Grades 3 and 4. For further info contact Dan on 0723841007 or Amy on 0845105262.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Celebrate in Izinga

Michael Greenbaum

Situated in the beautiful green rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal, the Umhlanga Jewish Development in Izinga is now becoming a thriving centre of Jewish life with the opening of the splendid function facilities attached to the new Izinga Shul. The community has already enjoyed the many simchas and events which have been celebrated over the past year including weddings, bar- and bat-mitzvahs as well as communal events such as the opening of the highly-acclaimed and successful Umhlanga Jewish Day School and hosting the SinaIndaba.

All who have attended the memorable functions at Izinga have been impressed by the new facility which is attached to the Shul. The main banquet hall and its magnificent patio area have a spectacular view overlooking the countryside. The venue is supported by a state-of-the-art kitchen which can be used by approved kosher caterers for simchas, banquets and corporate events while the main banquet hall decor and set-up can be customised and personalised according to the event and individual taste.

Congregants are urged to consider using the outstanding Izinga facility to celebrate simchas and special occasions as well as the residential and educational opportunities there while also promoting the development to friends and family in other Jewish communities in South Africa and abroad.

Check out our website for all news and event updates!

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Succot Awards and the Chagim

Michael Greenbaum

The Great Synagogue’s beautifully adorned Succah was filled to capacity during Succot when the DUHC traditionally honours individuals and associated Jewish organizations for their contributions to the community.

Succot

On first day Succot, Rabbi Zekry announced the annual Succot awards given each year to deserving recipients for exceptional contributions and dedicated involvement in the community and the Shul. The two recipients this year were Denise Wartski and Michael Gittelson.

At the morning bracha, Rabbi Zekry said that both Denise and Michael had been part of the DUHC for fourteen years. He commended Denise for her work in the Shul office and especially praised her thorough and meticulous work in editing and compiling his Doctoral Thesis. She has earned the respect of the community for performing her duties in the busy Shul office in a most capable and friendly manner, including her preparation of the weekly Good Shabbos News and the annual Social Services booklet.

Her admirable voluntary work over many years includes serving as Chairlady of the Friends of Bnei Akiva and Chairlady of the Union of Jewish Women while she is currently Convener at Durban Jewish Social Services; a member of the Synagogue Women’s Guild and a guide at the Durban Holocaust Centre. Denise thanked the DUHC for her award and dedicated it to her late husband, Lionel Wartski, of blessed memory. She said a highlight of her Shul career was the exciting day she obtained and prepared the graduation gown for Rabbi Zekry’s Doctoral graduation. We wish her Mazaltov and many more years of success and happiness.

The next award was given to Michael Gittelson for his many years as the shul’s dedicated Choirmaster. Rabbi Zekry said that the shul choir has the reputation of being among the best in South Africa, due to the many hours of practice spent by Michael and the committed members of his choir who have reached a level of excellence which is admired by both the local community and visitors alike. Rabbi Zekry also praised Michael for his frequent and regular attendance at daily Shul services.

Michael thanked the DUHC for the award, saying it is an honour and privilege to conduct the choir. He said that as Judaism emphasizes continuing study and education, his

personal life as an observant Jew has developed through increased study and attendance at shiurim “to the point where I am able and very fortunate to learn everyday and be surrounded by people who constantly encourage me to learn.”

At the second day Succot brocha, the DUHC honoured the work of the Council of KwaZulu Natal Jewry (CKNJ) which includes exceptional charitable and outreach projects both in the Jewish community and at other public institutions, schools andorganizations in KZN. Linda Nathan, President of the CKNJ, thanked the DUHC for acknowledging the work of the CKNJ on Succot saying that the CKNJ and its 25 affiliated organizations are like the Four Species of the Lulav which symbolically brings all Jews together into a united proactive community.

Farewell to the Thurgood Family

On Shabbat Chol Hamoed Succot, the DUHC and Durban Hebrew Schools Association co-sponsored the morning brocha to say farewell to Rabbi Sam Thurgood, Aviva and Shalva who are relocating to Cape Town. Rabbi Zekry thanked Rabbi Thurgood for his role as head of the Judaica Department at Eden College and educationist for Jewish pupils. He especially noted Rabbi Thurgood’s love of teaching and his eagerness and ability to give outstanding shiurim and sermons at any time. We wish the Thurgood family hatzlacha, happiness and success in their new home.

Shmini Atzeret

On Shmini Atzeret day, the morning brocha was sponsored to honour the DUHC’s Chevra Kadisha. Rabbi Zekry said that the Chevra Kadisha has maintained the most excellent standards in South Africa in performing the holy work of the organization. Chairman Jeff Isaacs thanked the DUHC for honouring the Chevra and also thanked Gary Plen for supervising the daily activities of the Chevra and the maintenance of our cemeteries.

Simchat Torah

On Simchat Torah, the visiting Yeshiva College students added much ruach in celebrating the festival with lively singing and dancing in Shul. Rabbi Zekry conducted the Succot youth quiz and the young ones were rewarded with chocolates for their excellent knowledge of the festivals and Jewish history. Thereafter, the customary Simchat Torah lunch was held in the Perling Hall to honour this year’s Chatan Torah, Basil Ostilly and Chatan Bereshit, Harold Levenstein for their long-time support and contributions to the DUHC. At the same occasion, we also celebrated Rabbi Zekry’s 60th birthday with the children singing and presenting him with a beautiful birthday cake. We all wish him Mazaltov on this milestone day.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Contributing to the Future of the DUHC

After observing the solemn and introspective days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur followed by celebrating the joyful festival days of Sukkot, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah at the Great Synagogue, it is appropriate to reflect on how one can contribute to maintaining the excellent reputation of the DUHC for its commitment to Judaism and Jewish life in Durban. Members of the DUHC can be considered truly fortunate to live in a community which is always described by visitors as being so warm and welcoming. Our guests from near and far especially comment on the beauty and holy atmosphere of the Great Synagogue while being impressed with the enjoyable functions and communal facilities provided by the DUHC.

As Jews, our members are privileged to have this beautiful centre not only as a place of worship and spirituality, but also as a place that enables us to celebrate the memorable life-cycle events such as the many brit milahs, bar- and batmitzvahs, marriages, simchas and special milestone birthdays and anniversaries celebrated over the past 50 years. The community has wonderful memories of these special occasions including splendid dinners, banquets and brachas in the Perling Hall, many catered by Selma Lurie and the Synagogue Women’s Guild (SWG). The SWG performs an important and vital function for the congregation in its role of catering for various Shul functions including the Shabbat morning Kiddush/Bracha, Shabbat afternoon Seudah Shlishit and on special occasions such as the Pesach Seder, first-night Rosha Hashanah dinner, the Tikkun Leil dinner on Shavuot and festive meals on Purim and Chanukah.

None of this would be possible without the financial support and commitment of members in sponsoring these events. The cost of providing these services and operating the Great Synagogue has increased over the years while financial support from memberships has not increased accordingly. The result is that many of these memorable functions are subsidized through the generosity of benefactors and donors who have ensured that we have what is necessary to live and enjoy a full and meaningful Jewish life in Durban. It is for this reason that a sponsorship of a Kiddush, Bracha or Seudah Shlishit is important and especially appropriate on the occasion of a simcha, yahrzeit or special milestone anniversary and birthday – Your sponsorship will greatly assist the SWG in providing high standards of service while ensuring it is financially sound.

Similarly, the DUHC Chevra Kadisha faces financial challenges - the Chevra Kadisha is currently working on an important project involving the restoration of Stellawood cemetery while the ongoing costs of maintaining the graves of loved ones at the Redhill and Stellawood cemeteries are substantial. It would be fitting to contribute to the Chevra Kadisha either directly or by setting up the names of deceased loved ones either on a memorial board in the Shul or on a commemorative curb stone at Redhill Cemetery for those buried at other cemeteries.

It is a mitzvah, a charitable act, to contribute to the building and continued operation of a synagogue. Members are therefore urged to voluntarily increase their generous financial and personal support of the DUHC through direct donations, sponsorships and the special appeals on Yom Tov and Yizkor days. Your contribution will ensure that Judaism and Jewish life will continue at the admirably high standards achieved by the DUHC in Durban.

Michael Greenbaum

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Looking Forward

The Great Synagogue will be the centre of spiritual and communal life and activity during the upcoming High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, followed by the joyful festivals of Succot, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. On first night Rosh Hashanah, the traditional communal dinner will be held in the Perling Hall. Congregants are urged to book for the dinner as soon as possible as seating is limited for this popular event. Contact the Shul office ((031) 201-5177) to make your booking.

After Yom Kippur, the Great Synagogue’s Succah will be beautifully adorned and as customary, special seated brachas will be held during the chagim of Succot, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah when the DUHC traditionally honours individuals and associated Jewish organizations for their contributions to the Durban Jewish community.

We especially look forward to the first day Succot bracha when Rabbi Zekry will announce the annual Succot awards given each year to deserving recipients for exceptional commitment to the DUHC and the community. On the second day Succot bracha, the DUHC will honour the Council of KwaZulu-Natal Jewry while on Shmini Atzeret day, the morning bracha will be sponsored in honour of the DUHC’s Chevra Kadisha. 

Simchat Torah is always very lively with much ruach in celebrating the day with singing and dancing in Shul. Rabbi Zekry will conduct the Succot youth quiz for the young ones who will be rewarded with chocolates for the correct answers. This will be followed by the Simchat Torah lunch which will be held in the Perling Hall to honour this year’s Chatan Torah and Chatan Bereshit. There is no charge for the Simchat Torah lunch.

Congregants are urged to attend Shul during the festival days and enjoy these special times of the Jewish calendar in an atmosphere of spiritual inspiration and communal chaverschaft.

Michael Greenbaum

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

New Year Messages From Rabbi Pinhas Zekry (Spiritual Leader)

“NEW YEAR … NEW DREAMS”

We are approaching the season of Chesbon Nefesh (taking stock of oneself). This most receptive time-zone for Teshuvah (repentance, self-betterment) commences with the month of Elul, intensifying at Rosh Hashana as it ushers in the 10 days leading up to Yom Kippur. Teshuvah is an ongoing process but this oncoming period can be likened to a campaign to look into one’s life, to sum up the year and seriously contemplate where self-improvement is required. Inasmuch as this holds good for the individual, so ought we to take stock on a communal level. In that sense, I am pleased to say that this past year has been an optimistic turning point for the Jewish community of Durban.

Baruch Hashem. Durban has chosen the latter option. 5772 has been the launching of a major historical development - the new Jewish centre at Izinga, injecting a new lease of life to our local community. Since our first Mincha service on the Izinga site which then consisted of wild grass, and now, the building activity has produced amazing results. Besides the up-to-date edifice which houses both an auditorium and a state-of-the-art Shul, there have been two highly successful projects. One is the Umhlanga Jewish Day School which has been praised by all for its outstanding education and its qualitative potential for Yiddishkeit. The other is the Izinga Kollel and the integration with our community of five families to run the Kollel and to teach Hebrew/Jewish Studies at the school. Their integration into our community has been gratifying. They are working harmoniously with the congregation and deliver regular shiurim, enjoying immense popularity. The Izinga Shul designed to match the size of the community with its congenial congregational facilities, addresses the migration to the North of the Umgeni. We are presently engaged in facilitating residential dwellings for those congregants who want to live close to the school and Shul. At the same time we are committed to the many congregants in the proximity of the Great Synagogue for the continuity of the present place of worship and facilities for many years to come.

With Hashem’s help, may we continue to face the future positively with our vision of the Durban Jewish community as a vibrant and innovative entity.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Exquisite new shul in Umhlanga

The shul at the Umhlanga Jewish Community Centre is now complete. Regular services will commence when the Kollel members move to the location. The exquisite facility is set to become a sought-after venue for smachot and communal functions like Sinaindaba II, which was also held at the centre.

The essence of the shul’s décor combines Judaism’s rich history with cutting edge design.

With capacity to seat 350 people, the atmosphere is airy and welcoming. Light wood and stone with accents of metal create clean lines and functional access to the pews, while recessed downlights in the ceiling unobtrusively support the natural light flowing into the space.

The feel is contemporary, whilst tradition is embraced in artistic touches like the large stained glass windows depicting the six days of creation. The seven sacred species of Israel are represented in mosaic columns which support the shul ceiling as the fruits have sustained the Jewish people throughout our history.

The Aron Kodesh, set in replica Jerusalem stone, naturally forms the centerpiece and focal point of the shul. Those following this story will remember the ceremony in February last year during which the foundation stone was literally built by members of the community. Today that foundation stone lies at the base of the Aron Kodesh.

The new shul forms part of a unique development encompassing all aspects of Jewish life, including a Jewish Day School, a Kollel with residential facilities, a library and auditorium, a mikvah and state of the art milk and meat function facilities.

Umhlanga Jewish Day School, which opened in January, is running smoothly with 44 children from Grades 000-5. Kollel Otzar Chaim, staffed by five dynamic young families who moved to Durban to fulfill this dream, has initiated a vibrant schedule of individual and group learning programmes for members of the community, in addition to their personal Torah studies and teaching commitments at the school.

The development is part of the vision of Rabbi Dr Pinchas Zekry who, along with his team of committed and munificent donors (chiefly Dr Jonathan Beare), has brought this dream to fruition.

The shul and community centre are located mere minutes from Umhlanga’s gorgeous beaches, 2km from Gateway Theatre of Shopping, and a short 15-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport. Just 20 minutes from the bustling Central Business District, this spiritual oasis is also connected with the heart of commercial life in Durban.

To follow this exciting journey, read the What’s Nu @ Umhlanga, their weekly blog on www.durbanshul.co.za/Blog.aspx

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Shabbat Events at the Great Synagogue

Communal get-togethers, social clubs and prominent guest speakers to Durban have recently been regular features on Shabbat at the Great Synagogue.

Friday Night Live

The recent “Friday Night Live” event at the Great Synagogue was once again a great success with over 200 people attending the Shabbat service. Special guest for the evening was our much-loved Chazan Betzalel Racovsky from Israel who created a wonderful festive atmosphere in the Great Synagogue. After the evening service, the Kiddush L'Chaim featured “Bailey’s and Blintzes” in the Perling Hall. The DUHC extends thanks to Michelle Nathan for organizing the evening, to Selma Lurie for preparing the food, and to the evening’s sponsors, Sidney Lazarus and family and Aubrey Nathan and family, for providing the community with a memorable evening.

Guest Speakers

The congregation has enjoyed the recent special guest speakers who have given such exceptional lectures after the Shabbat brochas. Dr. Shalva Weil, lecturer at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and President for the Society of the Study of Ethiopian Jewry, gave an outstanding lecture on the roots of Ethiopian Jews.

On the following Shabbat, we were privileged to listen to Ambassador Ido Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in New York, and a member of Israel’s Foreign Service since 1991. Appointed in 2006 as senior advisor to Israel’s Foreign Minister and Vice-Prime Minister for media and public affairs, Ambassador Aharoni served as a Policy Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem prior to his appointment in New York. He also served in the Israel Defence Force during the first Lebanon war.

Ambassador Aharoni addressed the congregation on international perceptions of Israel and politics in the Middle East, urging all Diaspora Jews to promote and “market” Israel in a positive and informed way. After this remarkable presentation, Chairman Sidney Lazarus thanked Ambassador Aharoni for giving us the opportunity to hear his fascinating analysis of Israel and international politics.

DynaMix Shabbat Farbrengen

The DynaMix social club recently hosted an enjoyable farbrengen (a social and spiritual get-together) on Shabbat, inviting the congregation to have “Chicken Soup for the Jewish Soul: Some Spiritual Nourishment to Kindle the Soul”. After the morning brocha, the congregation joined the Farbrengan in the Sukkah area where the congregation enjoyed chicken soup, Shabbat songs and excellent shiurim from Rabbi Zekry, Rabbi Thurgood, and Kollel members, Mark Friedman, Ariel Garber and Dan Burke. We thank Aubrey and Michelle Nathan, Bradley and Carryn Meltz, Michael Sevel, Itai Mizrachi and all DynaMix members for organizing and promoting social communal occasions such as the farbrengen which has become a new regular feature on Shabbat.

We now look forward to more Shabbat guests and functions and urge all congregants to attend Shabbat services and support these special events.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

SINAINDABA 2 Opens In Durban

The DUHC was well-represented at the second “SinaIndaba” conference hosted this year at the Izinga Umhlanga Jewish Development. The Durban Jewish community was once again privileged to be first in South Africa to hear the conference’s dynamic international Jewish personalities who gave us an inspirational experience with their knowledge on Jewish spirituality, faith and family happiness. Opening the conference in the beautiful new Umhlanga Synagogue in Izinga, Rabbi Zekry welcomed Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein and speakers Lori Palatnik and Professor William Kolbrener. Chief Rabbi Goldstein thanked Rabbi Zekry and opened the evening with his interesting presentation on the important role of the Torah in both our spiritual and practical daily lives.

Author and motivational speaker Lori Palatnik then gave a humourous yet instructive and informative talk on adapting traditional Jewish practices and lifestyles to a modern world followed by Professor William Kolbrener’s intellectually-stimulating presentation entitled “Faith and Fundamentalism: Is Torah Open-Minded?”. Currently a professor of English Literature at Bar Ilan University in Israel, Professor Kolbrener has an MA from Oxford University and a PhD from Columbia University.

On behalf of the community, Rabbi Zekry thanked the visiting guest speakers and the organisers of “Sinaindaba” for this unique opportunity. The Conference concluded with dinner catered by Selma Lurie and served in the impressive new function hall of the Shul complex. We look forward to next year’s conference.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Celebrating Shavuot and Lag B’Omer

Lag B’Omer

The newly formed independent social group, dynaMIX, headed by Aubrey Nathan along with Michael Sevel, Itai Mizrachi, Bradley and Carryn Meltz, and Michelle Nathan, hosted a fun-filled Lag B'Omer night with a huge bonfire and activities for all. Orli-Shein Essers organized an exciting bow-and arrow competition for the children while the adults were treated to an impressive fire-torch display by Doron Epstein. Itai Mizrachi and his team made delicious braai burgers while Bradley Meltz toasted marshmallows on the fire. Musical entertainment was provided by the band “Vintage” featuring our Kollel members Rabbi Garber, Ariel Garber, Dan Burke and accompanied by Doron Epstein. After a memorable evening, the DUHC now looks forward to many more events with dynaMIX which Aubrey Nathan said has created a new opportunity for Jewish people to meet and socialise with each other in the community.

Shavuot

First night Shavuot began with over 110 guests attending the Tikkun Leil dinner at the Perling Hall. With great communal spirit and general informality, families and friends enjoyed the evening’s events and superb dinner catered by Selma Lurie who served the traditional rich foods of Shavuot.

The programme for the night began with the opening welcome address by Rabbi Zekry. During the evening, Rabbi Zekry, Rabbi Thurgood and the Kollel members spoke on the evening’s main topic “The Future of our People.”

After dinner, Rabbi Thurgood conducted the traditional Shavuot adult quiz and our knowledgeable congregants were suitably rewarded with chocolates as prizes.

The all-night study session began in accordance with the custom of staying up throughout first night Shavuot to study topics and themes relating to the festival. Rabbi Zekry began the session with an informative Talmud shiur and the night progressed with a series of presentations and shiurim, the enthusiastic participants experienced the unique atmosphere and spirit of Shavuot in anticipation of marking the day the Torah was given to the Jewish nation. Special thanks must be given to Rabbi Thurgood, Robert Sussman, Mark Friedman, Ariel Garber, Jaron Kalmanowitz and Daniel Sapo who presented the various items on the programme, and also to the members of the CSO who provided security throughout the night.

On first day Shavuot, the younger children participated in the Bikkurim ceremony and in Rabbi Zekry’s popular Shavuot youth quiz. On the second day of Shavuot, we celebrated the end of the Chag with Rabbi Zekry reading the inspirational Megillat Ruth. Before the reading, Rabbi Zekry said that, Hashem, in His kindness, gave us the Torah, and so we read Megillat Ruth on Shavuot because it contains many examples of acts of kindness as it relates the poignant story of Ruth and Naomi, and the lesson it teaches us of loyalty to family and faith, and compassion for others.

Durban United Hebrew Congregation

Pesach Celebrations

Special Pesach Shopping Night

The DUHC once again arranged a special evening before Pesach for the community to purchase Pesach products at Pick N’ Pay, Musgrave. This successful evening saw a large number of the community taking advantage of the exclusive shopping opportunity after regular store hours. The community thanks Chairman Sidney Lazarus and Selma Lurie who planned and coordinated the evening with the store management to ensure the timely availability and variety of Pesach products. In a festive atmosphere, the community made their purchases while enjoying delicious food and refreshments prepared by Selma which added to the shopping experience and the excitement of anticipating the festival.

Our Communal Seder

The DUHC held its traditional communal Seder on the first night of Pesach. The Perling Hall was filled to capacity with over 200 congregants who enjoyed the evening which was catered by Selma Lurie and her team. Each table was provided with the specific requirements of the traditional Seder plate giving it a unique character unlike any other meal of the year. As always, the main focus of the Seder was the reading of the Haggadah. The joy of reading the Haggadah was accompanied by the congregation’s enthusiastic singing of the familiar Pesach songs. At each stage of the Seder, Rabbi Zekry and Rabbi Thurgood explained the meaning and symbolism of the Pesach rituals, while our Chazzan Jaron Kalmonowitz led us with new tunes and ways of singing the wonderful Pesach songs from the Haggadah, allowing congregants to participate in making it a lively and memorable evening.

Exciting New Educational Resource: Shiurim Anywhere, Anytime

A priority of the DUHC and Rabbi Zekry has always been to encourage ongoing Jewish education since the pursuit of knowledge through study and education has always been central to the preservation of Orthodox Jewish life, culture and community through the ages. The community is fortunate that one can attend a shiur or study session almost every day of the week at various times given by Rabbi Zekry, Rabbi Thurgood, Dr. Issy Fisher and our Kollel scholars, providing a broad Jewish educational program which continues Judaism’s tradition of study and seeking knowledge.

While Judaism has always emphasized that studying with a partner or in a group is always preferable, many individuals cannot always attend the regular shiurim. Consequently, the DUHC has acquired an exciting new educational tool: a computer programme which contains over 300,000 shiurim, recently installed in the Tzion Study Centre. With shiurim available in English, Hebrew and French, and covering a vast array of topics from Torah and Talmud to Kabbalah, Jewish philosophy and personal development, this extraordinary new learning tool will now allow the many people who cannot always attend scheduled shiurim access to the knowledge of some of the world’s most respected Rabbis and Torah scholars. The shiurim may be downloaded at the Tzion study through a USB connection to play on the various digital media such as MP3 players, iPod, CD etc. and even on your cellphone. Now you can listen to a shiur and learn anywhere, anytime!

Kol Hakavod to Itzik Sapo who organized and set up this amazing system and we thank him for providing this important innovation which will advance Jewish education in the community. Please visit the Tzion Study Centre or contact the Shul office for more information on how to take advantage of this new and convenient opportunity to increase your Jewish education.