Durban Kollel

The Kollel is back to a new term

Rabbi Jarrod Garber

The Chagim were celebrated with much joy with services at Izinga over Rosh Hashonah with guest Chazan Michael Wingrin doing the davening  and Shofar blowing and services conducted by  Rabbi Jarrod Garber and Rabbi Ariel Garber. Gabbai Graham Kluk kept things well on track ensuring that the aliyot,services and all other aspects of the Shul ran smoothly. Sukkot brochas were shared in our sukkah on the deck and the dancing at Simchat Torah was the culmination of a very special season. After Simchat Torah, we hosted the Yeshivah College Students, who came for davening and a shiur by Rabbi Jarrod Garber on the  "Laws of making a blessing over seeing the ocean." After this the kids had a great time on the beach.
There is a new shiur available: Advanced Practical Halachah with Rabbi Jarrod Garber on Monday evenings given at Izinga. Please contact for details. Besides for the many shiurim on offer, the Rabbonim are available and eager to study with the community, so if you have not yet contacted them with a request for a lesson on a Torah topic, DO SO!
Currently available shiurim are:
Advanced Jewish Law, Halachah - Rabbi Ariel Garber, Sundays 6pm at the Izinga Beit Midrash
Advanced Gemorah Shiur - Rabbi Ariel Garber Thursdays 7pm (Please call for venue)
The weekly Halachah expounded. Shabbat morning after the Brocha on alternate weeks. Izinga Shul.
Assorted topics Rabbi Mark Friedman Sundays 8.45 am D.U.H.C.
Teen shiur and Q and A. Rabbi Mark Friedman Sundays 7.30 pm  Friedman residence Durban
Path of the Just Shiur (Messilat Yesharim). Rabbi Mark Friedman Wednesdays 8 pm Friedman residence Durban.
Parshah Shiur. Rabbi Mark Friedman. Shabbat morning on alternate weeks. D.U.H.C.
Ladies Parshah and Halachah Shiur - Rabbi Jarrod Garber Tuesdays 7.30 pm Durban (Please contact for venue)
Path of the Righteous Shiur - Rabbi Jarrod Garber 5.40 pm Friday afternoon before shul. Izinga Shul
The weekly Halachah expounded. Rabbi Jarrod Garber. Shabbat morning after the Brocha on alternate weeks. Izinga Shul.

Durban Kollel

Kollel News

Rabbi Jarrod Garber

The Rabbonim of Kollel Otzer Chayim were recently privileged to  participate in the Annual Rabbinical Conference.
It was a truly uplifting experience and it was inspiring to see the quality of leadership and their care for the South African Jewish community.
A major focus of the conference was the Chief Rabbi's "Keeping it Together" Shabbos initiative which involves the entire South African community keeping one Shabbos according to its Torah laws. A date has finally been set for this amazing project, and it will be on the 11 / 12 October 2013
For more information please visit:
http://www.theshabbosproject.org/
There was a special shiur held in preparation for the high Holy Days in order that we might enter this important time better prepared. Topics included some laws of the Shofar blowing, "Why is davening so long?", amongst others. Although entitled "High Holidays for Dummies" the questions asked were in fact very challenging and deep.
Besides the many shiurim on offer, the Rabbonim are available and eager to study with the community. If you have not yet contacted them with a request for a lesson on a Torah topic, DO SO!
Currently available shiurim are:
Advanced Jewish Law, Halachah: Rabbi Ariel Garber, Sundays
6 pm at the Izinga Beit Midrash
Advanced Gemorah Shiur: Rabbi Ariel Garber Thursdays 7pm (Please call for venue)
The weekly Halachah expounded: Shabbos morning after the Brocha on alternate weeks. Izinga Shul.
Assorted topics Rabbi Mark Friedman Sundays 8.45am D.U.H.C.
Teen shiur and Q and A: Rabbi Mark Friedman Sundays 7.30 pm  Friedman residence Durban
Path of the Just Shiur (Messilat Yesharim): Rabbi Mark Friedman Wednesdays 8 pm Friedman residence Durban.
Parshah Shiur: Rabbi Mark Friedman. Shabbat morning on alternate weeks. D.U.H.C.
Ladies Parshah and Halachah Shiur: Rabbi Jarrod Tuesdays 7.30 pm Durban (Please contact for venue)
Path of the Righteous Shiur: Rabbi Jarrod  5.40 pm Friday afternoon before shul. Izinga Shul
The weekly Halachah expounded: Rabbi Jarrod. Shabbos morning after the Brocha on alternate weeks. Izinga Shul.

Durban Kollel

The Kollel is back in full swing

Rabbi Jarrod Garber

We are thrilled to report back on our recent surfer’s minyan. This time the minyan was a Mincha Ma’ariv with a shiur and movie. Although of course all Surfer’s minyanim are open to the whole community, this format allowed the event to be open to a larger segment.
The movie was “Chasing Maverick’s” a major Hollywood production starring Gerard Butler. The film is about big-wave surfing, but is also poignant in the life lessons which it delivers. The shiur followed this theme, and was about big-wave events and life lessons as discussed by our Rabbis in the Talmud. Notably, the “Legends” of Rabbah Bar Bar Chanah. Popcorn, chips, hot dogs and cold drinks were served and a big thank you must go to Sorah and Ronit Garber for preparing them and setting them out so effectively. The movie was screened at our very own “Cinema”, on our big screen in the Izinga Jewish Centre Auditorium.
The Kollel also participated in the recent Rabbinical Conference.  A more detailed report of which should follow, in the next issue.
Please remember that the Kollel Rabbis are available for personal study sessions. Please also remember that the Izinga shul is operational and that we would love  you to join us on Shabbos evening (6pm) and Shabbos morning (8.45am)

Durban Kollel

Rabbi Jarrod Garber

The Kollel is back to a new term.
Currently available shiurim are:
Advanced Jewish Law, Halachah:
Rabbi Ariel Garber, Sundays 6 pm at the Izinga Beit Midrash
Advanced Gemorah Shiur:
Rabbi Ariel Garber, Thursdays 7pm (Please call for venue)
The weekly Halachah expounded:
Shabbat morning after the Brocha on alternate weeks. Izinga Shul.
Assorted topics:
Rabbi Mark Friedman Sundays 8.45 am D.U.H.C.
Teen shiur and Q and A.:
Rabbi Mark Friedman, Sundays 7.30 pm  Friedman residence Durban  (Tel 083 6002233)
Path of the Just Shiur (Messilat Yesharim):
Rabbi Mark Friedman, Wednesdays 8 pm Friedman residence Durban.
Parshah Shiur:
Rabbi Mark Friedman  Shabbat morning on alternate weeks. D.U.H.C.
Ladies Parshah and Halachah Shiur:
Rabbi Jarrod Garber, Tuesdays 7.30 pm Durban (Please contact 083 3101323for venue)
Path of the Righteous Shiur:
Rabbi Jarrod Garber,  5.40 pm Friday afternoon before shul. Izinga Shul
The weekly Halachah expounded:
Rabbi Jarrod Garber, Shabbat morning after the Brocha on alternate weeks. Izinga Shul.
The Rabbonim also give a number of private study sessions (Chavrutot)  and members of the community are encouraged to contact them directly in order to arrange study sessions based on their own interests.
We are also excited to announce the return of the Surfer's Minyan. (Watch this space.)

Durban Kollel

Robert Sussman, Executive Director

Durban Kollel

Robert Sussman, Executive Director

This month saw a visit to the Umhlanga Jewish Centre (UJC) by the residents of Jewel House along with workers from Masada. Everyone was treated to a delicious braai and enjoyed exploring the campus, especially those people who had never visited the UJC on prior occasions.  
The shul at the UJC continues to grow, as more and more visitors come to see the beautiful and inspiring atmosphere that visitors just can’t stop talking about – and then wind up coming back again and again because they so enjoy being here. We’ve also started to get regular visits from people who happen to be on holiday or doing business in the surrounding area and word is really beginning to spread about the South Africa Jewish communities’ newest crown jewel. We’re looking forward to hosting our very first shul dinner in honour of Shavuot – but more about that in the next issue.
As always, the Kollel continues to offer interesting shiurim every week – please contact us for further details.

Durban Kollel

Robert Sussman, Executive Director

Mazel Tov to Rabbi Ariel and Ronit Garber (and all of their extended family) on the birth of a son, Elisha – and the first bris at the UJC!  In the early 1950s, the Jewish Cultural Reconstruction, Inc., distributed to Jewish communities around the world some of the ceremonial silver and other religious artefacts looted by the Nazis, yemach shemom v’zichrom (may their names be blotted out), from European synagogues and homes. In South Africa, these objects became the property of the SAJBD, the central representative institution of the South African Jewish community, who holds them in trust with the intent to see that they be used by shuls who lack such objects. The CKNJ, who are an affiliate of and are represented on the SAJBD, kindly loaned the shul at the Umhlanga Jewish Centre the silver ornaments – breastplates and rimonim – that adorn our Sifrei Torah. As a thank you to the CKNJ for the loan of these objects, the UJC hosted a special Shabbat lunch on 6 April in honour of the CKNJ Executive, who were represented by:  Marcel and Linda Nathan (President CKNJ);  Ronnie (Vice president CKNJ) and Frances Herr; Mary (Chairman SAJBD) and Graham Kluk; Roseanne Rosen - Executive Office Administrator CKNJ; and Marge Shantall - CSO. Also in attendance were Rabbi and Rebbetzin Zekry and special guest, Rebbetzin Goldfein visiting from Johannesburg. A big thank you to Selma Lurie and her staff for the delicious lunch that was served. The UJC looks forward to hosting other Jewish organizations in the future! On motzei Shabbos, a special melava malka was held in honour of Rebbetzin Goldfein.

Durban Kollel

Robert Sussman, Executive Director

We bid a fond farewell to Dan and Amy Burke, founding members of the Durban Kollel who unfortunately needed to return to Johannesburg! We thank them for all that they have accomplished here in Durban/Umhlanga and wish them hatzlacha raba (great success) in all of their future endeavours.

The shul at the Umhlanga Jewish Centre (UJC) has opened for Shabbat services! Rabbi Zekry was on hand for this special opening of the Shul, leading the congregation in song, offering words of Torah and paying tribute to some of the many people who have played significant roles in making this project a reality - especially Dr Jonathan Beare.  We invite everyone to join us each week for Shabbat services. And, when you do come, be sure to pay special attention to the silver adorning the Torah Scrolls, as this is the first time that these items have been used since they were looted by the Nazis from synagogues across Europe. The CKNJ, to whom the SABJD entrusted the portion of silver allocated to KZN after it was distributed by the German government in 2000, have graciously loaned the UJC these pieces for use in our shul. On the 6th of April – please SAVE THE DATE – a special Shabbat service will be held to celebrate the fact that these silver articles are once again back in a shul and being used as they were originally intended!

Rabbi Mark Friedman has initiated a new Kollel chesed project for the students at UJDS, involving regular visits to Beth Shalom, where the children will be handing out goody parcels and socialising with the residents. The project is based on a successful and well established volunteer program for school going children in Johannesburg.

Although the formal Purim party was at the DUHC, the party started several hours earlier at the home of Rabbi Jarrod and Sorah Garber, who hosted an informal get together.

Durban Kollel

Robert Sussman, Executive Director

The Kollel was privileged to hear a special shiur from Rabbi Aryeh Weiss, who visited Durban along with former Durbanite Neville (Gershon) Schneider on behalf of their organization Panim el Panim (http://www.afpelp.org), which seeks to promote Jewish unity and Jewish identity and to deepen the connection between the people of Israel and the land of Israel.

Kollel members also participated in tree plantings in honour of Tu BShevat, addressing the attendees at these events: Rabbi Jarrod Garber represented the Kollel at the JNF Eco-Centre in Hammersdale, and Robert Sussman represented the Kollel at Beth Shalom.

The Kollel also hosted, along with Rabbi Zekry, a visit to the new Umhlanga Jewish Campus from residents of Beth Shalom, Eden Crescent, and Jewel House (as well as workers from Masada). Everyone enjoyed touring the campus, watching the UJDS Parent Testimonial Video, and listening to live music provided by Rabbi Jarrod Garber, Rabbi Ariel Garber, and Dan Burke. Big thank yous go out to Allan Cohen, Selma Lurie and her staff, and Glen Sol and the Hebrew Order of David members for helping to make the event such a success. Please remember that the Kollel offers shiurim every week contact us for further details.

Durban Kollel

Inauguration of Rabbi Sam Thurgood

Richard and Charlotte Thurgood

It was with joy and pride that we accepted the invitation to attend our son's inauguration as a community Rabbi in Sea Point Cape Town.

We were fortunate to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Members of the community of the 'Arthurs Road' shul as it is fondly referred to by many.

The Chairman, executive and members of the Shul committee as well as congregants, family and friends were enthralled by Chief Rabbi Goldstein who made it a wonderful occasion which was enhanced by the Beit Midrash.

Morasha's very own childrens' choir. It was an emotional moment when Chief Rabbi Goldstein ceremoniously put our son's tallis over his shoulders after delivering a meaningful sermon.

We thank the entire Morasha community for the welcome they have afforded Rabbi Sam, Aviva and, of course, our granddaughter Shalva. Richard and Charlotte Thurgood.

Durban Kollel

Robert Sussman, Executive Director

It was a very special month for the Kollel – with not one, but two of the Kollel members receiving semicha (Rabbinic ordination). Mazel Tov to Rabbi Mark Friedman and to Rabbi Ariel Garber and their families! The Kollel, along with the entire Durban community, was very fortunate to have Rabbi Danny Saksenberg, his wife Leah, and their children visit us for the weekend of Shabbat Shuva. In addition to the shiurim that Rabbi Danny gave to the Kollel members, he also gave the sermon on Shabbat evening at the DUHC, as well as the shiur after the bracha on Shabbat day. Rabbi Danny and his family thoroughly enjoyed their stay and were very impressed with the Durban community!

We had a great turnout for our Taste of Talmud 2 (the Kollel learning program geared towards the entire community).

Following shacharis, more than 30 men and women spent 45 minutes learning a bit of Talmud with the Kollel husbands. Each of the five Kollel husbands, along with Rabbi Danny, who was visiting that weekend, took a small group and taught them a portion from the same page of Talmud, with the attendees following along “inside” using copies of the Talmud page. After filling
everyone’s heads with a little Torah, participants proceeded to fill their bellies with a scrumptious breakfast prepared by the Kollel wives.

Yasher koach to all of the participants and to all of the Kollel members! We look forward to serving up “another helping” of Talmud in the near future! As always, we invite all of those who attended A Taste of Talmud, as well as those who were unable to be there, to take advantage of our on-going shiurim (see schedule below). The Kollel’s Simchat Beit HaShoeva (traditional Sukkah celebration) featuring music by Vintage is sure to be a great success – we look forward to sharing photos with you in next month’s issue!

Durban Kollel

Robert Sussman, Executive Director

The Kollel is on the move…..literally! Rabbi Jarrod and Sorah Garber and family, and Rabbi Ariel and Ronit Garber have moved into the new Kollel houses at the Umhlanga Jewish Centre in Izinga. And by the time you read this, they’ll have been joined by the Sussman family as well. Dan and Amy Burke will also be moving into the Young Israel Centre. Everyone is excited to be starting the next phase of the Umhlanga project and look forward to getting the shul started on the campus.

During the past month, Noa Sussman addressed a group at Beth Shalom on the topic of Chesed, and Amy Burke discussed reflexology at the Adult Jewish Programme. The Kollel also hosted a hugely successful Simchat Beit HaShoeva (traditional Succot celebration) at the DUHC. Thanks to Dan Burke (and some very generous donors), a group of 24 students and madrichim from Yeshiva College in Johannesburg visited Durban for Simchat Torah, Shemini Atzeret, and for part of Chol Hamoed. The energy and enthusiasm that the boys added was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone with whom they came into contact.

If you have any questions, please let me know. All the best, Robert

Durban Kollel

Robert Sussman, Executive Director

It was a very special month for the Kollel – with not one, but two of the Kollel members receiving semicha (Rabbinic ordination). Mazel Tov to Rabbi Mark Friedman and to Rabbi Ariel Garber and their families! The Kollel, along with the entire Durban community, was very fortunate to have Rabbi Danny Saksenberg, his wife Leah, and their children visit us for the weekend of Shabbat Shuva. In addition to the shiurim that Rabbi Danny gave to the Kollel members, he also gave the sermon on Shabbat evening at the DUHC, as well as the shiur after the bracha on Shabbat day. Rabbi Danny and his family thoroughly enjoyed their stay and were very impressed with the Durban community!

We had a great turnout for our Taste of Talmud 2 (the Kollel learning program geared towards the entire community).

Following shacharis, more than 30 men and women spent 45 minutes learning a bit of Talmud with the Kollel husbands. Each of the five Kollel husbands, along with Rabbi Danny, who was visiting that weekend, took a small group and taught them a portion from the same page of Talmud, with the attendees following along “inside” using copies of the Talmud page. After filling everyone’s heads with a little Torah, participants proceeded to fill their bellies with a scrumptious breakfast prepared by the Kollel wives.

Yasher koach to all of the participants and to all of the Kollel members! We look forward to serving up “another helping” of Talmud in the near future! As always, we invite all of those who attended A Taste of Talmud, as well as those who were unable to be there, to take advantage of our on-going shiurim (see schedule below). The Kollel’s Simchat Beit HaShoeva (traditional Sukkah celebration) featuring music by Vintage is sure to be a great success – we look forward to sharing photos with you in next month’s issue!

Umhlanga Beit Medrash Otzar Chaim

(aka Durban Kollel)

The Kollel men and women have been busy teaching at UJDS, studying in our Beit Medrash, giving shiurim around town, as well as learning privately (one-on-one and in small groups) with members of the community. We’ve even added a new weekly shiur for young couples in Umhlanga! If anyone is interested in joining one of the Kollel’s on-going study sessions (see schedule below), please contact us!

If you like to bike, skateboard, run, jog, do yoga, or surf, then be sure to contact the Kollel for more details on when and where the next Surfers Minyan will take place. This popular get together takes place at dawn on the beachfront.

Following the success of our first Taste of Talmud, the Kollel is looking forward to serving up a “second helping” of Talmud at Taste of Talmud 2, which is scheduled for Sunday morning, the 23rd of September.

On the recent public holiday (National Women’s Day), the Kollel was privileged to have a visit from Rabbi Yecheskel Weinfeld, who resides in Eretz Yisrael. Rabbi Weinfeld is the Rav of Ramat Eshkol and the Rosh Kollel of Kollel Lev Avrohom. Rabbi Weinfeld delivered a special shiur to the Kollel in the auditorium at the Izinga Campus. Rabbi Weinfeld’s shiurim on the parsha and chagim can be found at: http://rabbiysweinfeld.weebly.com/index.html

Robert Sussman, Executive Director

Umhlanga Beit Medrash Otzar Chaim

(aka Durban Kollel)

It’s hard to believe that the new year is nearly here. Along with the entire Durban community, the Kollel bids a fond farewell to Isaac Ansell Forsyth, who recently returned to his native Scotland following seven months of volunteering with Durban street children and the Jabulani Project (www.jabulaniproject.co.uk). During Isaac’s stay, we had the privilege of meeting his mother Jane, an international expert on sleep (www.sleepscotland.org) who very kindly addressed UJDS parents, as well as his brother, Robbie. We hope that Isaac will return soon for a visit!

On Tisha B’av morning, Kollel members joined Rabbi Zekry and Rabbi Thurgood in giving shiurim after shacharit. Rabbi Zekry has also started giving the Kollel a series of shiurim on practical Rabbinic topics (e.g., bris milah, checking a sefer Torah, etc.).

As usual, the Kollel men and women have been busy teaching at UJDS, studying in our Beit Medrash, giving shiurim around town, as well as learning privately (one-on-one and in small groups) with members of the community. If anyone is interested in joining one of the Kollel’s on-going study sessions (see schedule below), please contact us!

Just after the Yomim Noraim and Sukkot, the Kollel families hope to begin moving out to the first stage of the nearly completed Kollel housing in Izinga (see pics below!) – and the next chapter in the history of the Durban community will begin! On behalf of all of the Kollel families, as well as my wife, Noa, and our children, I wish the entire Durban community a sweet and happy new year. May it be for us, and for the entire nation of Israel, a year filled with peace, good health, prosperity, blessing, success, and every good thing. May Hashem bless all of our efforts and may we as individuals and as a community go from strength to strength.

Robert Sussman, Executive Director

Umhlanga Beit Medrash Otzar Chaim

(aka Durban Kollel)

It was an exciting month for the Kollel! As usual, Amy Burke has been busy teaching children in The Cheder. Her husband, Dan Burke, Kollel Member and professional musician, addressed the Adult Education Program on the topic of Music Therapy, with an interactive presentation in which the audience members played instruments that Dan provided to them.

The Kollel was very fortunate to have Rabbi Danny Saksenberg visit us for the weekend. In addition to the two shiurim that Rabbi Danny gave to the Kollel members, he also gave a shiur on Shabbos evening, another after the bracha on Shabbos day, and the Chavrusa Shiur on Sunday night. Rabbi Danny thoroughly enjoyed his stay and was amazed by the Durban community!

A Taste of Talmud, the first Kollel learning program addressed at the entire community, was a smashing success. Following shacharis – and for some, also a surf/swim at the beach - more than 30 men and women spent 45 minutes on Father’s Day learning a bit of Talmud with the Kollel husbands. Each of the five Kollel husbands, along with Rabbi Danny, who was visiting that weekend, took a small group and taught them a portion from the same page of Talmud, with the attendees following along “inside” using copies of the Talmud page. After filling everyone’s heads with a little Torah, participants proceeded to fill their bellies with a scrumptious breakfast prepared by the Kollel wives. Yasher koach to all of the participants and all of the Kollel members! We look forward to serving up a “second helping” of Talmud in the near future! As always, we invite all of those who attended A Taste of Talmud, as well as those who were unable to be there, to take advantage of our on-going shiurim (see schedule below).

Umhlanga Beit Medrash Otzar Chaim

(aka Durban Kollel)

The Kollel Beit Midrash recently moved from our temporary home in a vacant UJDS classroom to the newly completed Library/Beit Midrash in the shul complex on the Izinga Campus. The Kollel was happy to share our new premises with parents and children from UJDS for the first shacharis minyan on the Izinga Campus, as well as the Generation Sinai learning program. Kollel members had a great time participating in the recent Lag B’omer event from dynaMIX. Members played, sang, and offered words of Torah at the gathering. Mrs. Noa Sussman was the guest speaker at a recent meeting of the Chaya Aviv branch of Durban WIZO. Kollel members had a great time participating in the delicious Shavuot Dinner (thank you Selma Lurie!) and Tikkun Leil that took place at the DUHC. Several of the members spoke during the dinner and several assisted with giving shiurim throughout the all night learning program. With tremendous thanks to Gary Plen and Solly Berkowitz, several of the Kollel families (along with Rabbi Zekry and his family) joined the residents of Beth Shalom for lunch on the second day of Shavuot.

As always, there are a variety of on-going learning opportunities available with the Kollel husbands and wives – either join an existing shiur or chavrusa or contact us (083 275 3320) to start something new!

UMHLANGA BEIT MEDRASH OTZAR CHAIM

(aka Durban Kollel)

Just before Pesach, Kollel members addressed the Adult Jewish Program at DUHC and gave a special shiur on preparing for the Pesach seder, both of which were well attended and received.

Following the school holidays, Rabbi Meir Posen, an internationally renowned expert on mikvaot (Jewish ritual baths) and z’manim (issues related to time and Jewish law), visited the Izinga campus to inspect the mikvah. While at the campus, Rabbi Posen met with Rabbi Zekry and the Kollel, delivered a shiur on some of the laws involved in mikvaot, and shared stories about some of the more exotic locales that he has visited (such as Vietnam) to consult on mikvah construction.

Kollel members recently hosted Durban’s first Surfer’s Minyan, which began with a gathering at Durban North Beach just after sunrise, where some surfed, some swam, some walked, and some just waited for breakfast. From the beach, the attendees headed to the auditorium at the Holocaust Centre, where they davened. Afterwards, they enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast at the one and only Circle Café, along with a shiur by Rabbi Jarrod Garber discussing the life-saving “surfing” exploits of some of the Rabbis in the Talmud who found themselves adrift on planks of wood at sea following the sinking of the ships on which they had been traveling.

Kollel members participated in the recent Yom Ha’atzmaut function as well as in the Lag B’Omer event organized by dynaMIX and the Shavuot dinner/learning program at DUHC. As always, there are numerous weekly shiurim and study opportunities (see schedule pictured) and of course, Shabbos hospitality. For more details, please call 0832753320.