Elul—a Month of spiritual preparation
by Rabbi Robert A. Jacobs The sixth Hebrew month, Elul, begins this coming Shabbat as the last month of 5778, a little anomaly resulting from the setting of the first day of the seventh month, Tishrei, as Rosh Hashanah. If we follow the Midrashic calendar, then the designation of...
The vulnerability of our own existence
Chaverim, At no other time of the year are we more exposed to the vulnerability of our own existence in this world as we are during in this season of the High Holy Days. It seems that our holy texts paint an image where we are unimportant figures in...
Shabbat Re’eh @ Bet David
This Shabbat at Bet David Join us this week for our Kabbalat Shabbat service on Friday 10 August at 18.00, followed by a L‘chaim sponsored by Benji Joffe And on Saturday 11 August, our Breakfast Study group comes together at 8:45, and our Shacharit services begin at 10:00followed by a Brocha sponsored by...
These I remember …
Chaverim, In our journey of the High Holy Days, our tradition invites us not only to find our inner selves, but also to deepen our conection with those who lived before us and prepared this path for us. Our forebears are many, and their contributions are uncountable. May we...
High Holy Days 2018
Dear congregants and friends, In the next few days you will receive, via email, our information package with all relevant details about this year‘s High Holy Day services and activities. Please check your inbox regularly, and if you haven‘t received the information by the end of next week, please...
Shabbat Eikev @ Bet David
This Shabbat at Bet David Join us this week for our Kabbalat Shabbat service on Friday 03 August at 18.00, followed by a L‘chaim, and on Saturday 04 August, for our Shacharit services at 10:00 followed by a Brocha. A big thank you to all our lay leaders who took services during Rabbi Schell’s...
Avinu Malkeinu
Chaverim, Tisha B‘Av marked a turning point in our preparations towards the High Holy Days. The days of rebuke and warning are replaced by those of comfort and love. God is not only the judge, assessing our short comings, but also the parent, helping us to grow and to...
Shabbat Nachamu @ Bet David
Join us for our BeYachad service this Friday, 27 July @ 18.00 followed by a light (pizza) supper. Music, prayer, and stories! Starting with candle lighting, our Family Shabbat brings families with young children and our congregation together. The service includes the blessing of the July birthday celebrants. On Saturday, 28 July,...
Let there be light
This week, South Africa celebrated Mandela Day in honour of a man who undoubtly was a light for this nation, and also a light to the nations. Our Jewish tradition teaches us that striving for justice and equality is the foundation for tikun olam, but also that we have...
Shabbat Chazon-Devarim @ Bet David
This Shabbat at Bet David Join us for our Kabbalat Shabbat service on Friday, 20 July at 18.00, followed by a L‘chaim sponsored by the Joelson Family in honour of Bruce‘s 81st birthday. To make life easier for you, we will sell the new High Holy Day prayer...