DOCSLIB.ORG

CONVERSION to JUDAISM in SOUTH AFRICA By

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
CONVERSION to JUDAISM in SOUTH AFRICA By CONVERSION TO JUDAISM IN SOUTH AFRICA by RABBI PINCHAS ZEKRY submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF LITERATURE AND PHILOSOPHY in the subject RELIGIOUS STUDIES at the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA PROMOTER: PROF G J A LUBBE DECEMBER 1998 SUMMARY Amidst the decisive events of the 20th century - the Holocaust and the rebirth of the Jewish homeland - which impacted heavily on Jewish attitudes, emerged a broadening of religious doctrines creating diversity within Judaism. Previous insularist tendencies were replaced by revised outlooks on proselytisation, blending with the unique characteristics of South African Jewry. Clearly, local Jewish society and the Rabbinate have placed these updated perceptions high on its agenda. The inevitable mixed reactions have been reviewed in this work, which looks at the long road travelled by the convert from the viewpoint of current motivations, acceptance by the community and post conversion levels of observance. My own theory is a model encompassing the respective components of local proselytism looking at categories of converts, their motives, demands to ·be met and obstacles. To comprehend the contemporary position, a historical survey delved into the issue from its Biblical origins via the influences of centuries, reaching the South African scene. This inquiry investigated the development · of conversion policies drawn from an evolvement of energetic Halakhic debate. These attitudes manifest themselves in archival sources from 1924, of which my analysis is the first of its kind. From these records, together with those of my own community and data available from the Cape Beth Din, the interpretative statistics thus compiled identified characteristics and motivations of applicants and procedural mechanics. This work proceeded a step further. Focus on the Durban model provided an ideal observation point for the post conversion stages. Personal knowledge of the candidates gained from my service to Durban Jewry enabled me to assess their respective adherences and absorption into the community. Furthermore, responses to a questionnaire sent to the local Jewry and interviews revealed attitudes both of Jews by birth and the converts themselves whilst added perceptions were obtained from a questionnaire sent to the Rabbis of South Africa. In the final chapter I submitted proposals and recommendations, some of which are radical. Covering the entire process of conversion this model attempts to address the future of conversions in South Africa as this is expected to remain a pivotal issue of immense momentum. KEY TERMS Jewish Orthodox conversion; South African Jewry; Durban Jewry; Religious transformation; Post conversion dynamics; Development of Jewish proselytisation; Socio-demographic statistics on conversion; Beth Din of Johannesburg; External perception of the convert; Conversion programmes; Theory of conversion; Conversion Model - Ulpan. 296.7140968 ZEl<R I Bl' ~~·: " t 88:.: "1 l- ( J ................... /\,-.JI:~' , J 1\arr·.vq: . --- \\\\\lllliill\I 0001735557 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT In the course of the long road which I have covered in order to have compiled this research, I was fortunate to be blessed with the input and assistance offered by a number of people and organisations. First and foremost, I should like to express my gratitude to Professor G.J.A. Lubbe, of Unisa for his invaluable counsel in guiding me towards the construction of this work. I should also like to thank the Chief Rabbi of South Africa, C.K. Harris and the Rosh Beth Din, Rabbi M.A. Kurtstag, for our long standing friendship as well as their encouragement and ongoing support for this project. My thanks, too, to the dayanim of the Beth Din and the Registrar for Conversions, Rabbi. B. Bender, for their utmost co-operation and for allowing me access to the Beth Din archives as well as supplying information, which has proved vital to this thesis. On the local scene I should like to record my sincere appreciation to two parties, in particular, who have assisted me throughout the course of this work. Rev. Brian Lurie, who has rendered unstinting devotion to me during my years of service to the Durban Jewish community, was always available. His command of the English language has been a great contribution to the compiling of this material. So, too, his first hand knowledge of the local scene and its history. Mrs Denise Wartski who joined the office staff of the Synagogue at the crucial juncture of this project. Her timing proved excellent. I am deeply indebted to her for the long hours she spent applying her typing and editorial skills to this project and the enthusiasm which she displayed at all times. I thank, too, my dedicated secretary of many years, Mrs Val Cohen, for her general input and loyal support and other members of the Synagogue office staff. On a recent visit to Israel I had the pleasure of meeting Professor Allie M. Dubb of Tel Aviv University. For his advice based on the fruits of his expertise I am most grateful. My thanks go to Mrs Sanmarie Hugo, Department of Computer Services, Unisa and to Professor Charles Crathers, Head of Department of Sociology, University of Natal, for assisting me in the production of a statistical analysis. Many thanks, too, to journalist, Ms Benita Levin, who conducted some of the interviews and to all who participated in the fieldwork which I conducted. To the President of the Durban United Hebrew Congregation, Mr Maldwyn Zimmerman, the Chairman, Mr Alex Zingol together with the members of the Synagogue Council, I extend my gratitude for the great interest they have continually shown in this work. Last but not least my thanks to my family - my wife, Dina, and children, Netanel and Ronen for being there for me throughout the course of this undertaking. This work is dedicated to my sons, Netanel and Ronen. TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 : THE LONG ROAD TO CONVERSION PAGES 1. INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 METHODOLOGY 5 1.2 THE LONG ROAD TO CONVERSION 11 1.3 THEORY OF CONVERSION TO JUDAISM IN THE PRESENT CONTEXT 20 1.3.1 Identity of the convert 21 1.3.1.1 Conversion for marriage 21 1.3.1.2 Ideological conversion 22 1.3.1.3 Regularisation of Jewish status 24 1.3.1.4 Minors 25 1.3.2 History of conversion to Judaism 25 1.3.3 Effect of Halakha on convert 27 1.3.3.1 Opposing trends 28 1.3.3.2 The convert and the Beth Din 30 1.3.3.3 Dominant power 30 1.3.3.4 Rituals vis-a-vis Philosophy 31 1.3.4 Socio religious ho/ism 32 1.3.4.1 Total transformation 32 1.3.4.2 Severance with the past 3~ 1.3.4.3 The inter-relationship crisis 34 1.3.4.4 Dilemma of acceptance 35 1.3.5 The landing stage 36 1.3.5.1 Implementation stage 36 1.3.5.2 Support system 36 1.3.5.3 Acquiring a new "milieu" 37 1.4 CONCLUSION 38 1.5 CONVERSION : ROLE MODELS 38 1.5.1 Abraham 39 1.5.2 Ruth 40 1.5.3 A modern Abraham 41 1.6 CHAPTER OUTLINE 42 2 PAGES CHAPTER2 : HISTORY OF CONVERSION 2.1 HISTORY OF CONVERSION 45 2.1.1 The conversion of the Israelites : A historical turning point 45 2.1.2 Conversion en masse 48 2.1.3 The influence of the rise of the Christian Church upon conversion to Judaism 51 2.1.4 The Khazars 5$ 2.1.5 The position during the enlightened era 54 2.1.6 During the re-admission to England 56 2.1.7 New worlds and new trends 58 2.1.8 A Sephardic ban on converts 61 2.2 THE ISRAELI SCENE 62 2.3 THE SOUTH AFRICAN SCENE 64 CHAPTER 3 : CONVERSION - THE HALAKHIC POSITION 3. INTRODUCTION 81 3.1 ATTITUDES TOWARDS CONVERSION -AN EXAMINATION OF CONFLICTING STATEMENTS 83 3.1.1 Response to a non - Jewish interpretation of conversion 89 3.1.2 Arguments for welcoming converts 91 3.1.3 Acceptance/rejection - The differing fundamental viewpoints of Maimonides and Halevi 94 3.1.4 Conclusion 98 3.2 MOTIVES FOR CONVERSION 100 3.3 THE ROLE OF THE BETH DIN 106 3.4 KABBALAT MITZVOT (ACCEPTANCE OF THE COMMANDMENTS) 112 3.5 CONVERSION OF CHILDREN 116 3.6 THE CONVERT AND THE COHEN HS 3.7 ACT OF CONVERSION 120 3.8 CANCELLATION OF CONVERSION 122 3.9 CONCLUSION 123 3 CHAPTER 4: JOHANNESBURG BETH DIN ARCHIVES 4.1 INTRODUCTION 124 4.2 METHODOLOGY 126 4.3 DEVELOPMENT OF BETH DIN POLICY IN JOHANNESBURG 128 4.3.1 Relationship between Ecclesiastical and Lay Committee 128 4.4. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS - CASE STUDY 4.4.1 Composition of sources 139 4.4.2 Quantum of conversion 144 4.4.3 Analysis 148 4.4.3.1 Relation of conversion to population differentials 148 4.4.3.2 Development in the policies of the Beth Din 150 4.4.3.3 Changed Social Attitudes 151 4.4.3.4 Conversion demands by the Beth Din 152 4.5 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE THREE CENTRES 152 4.5.1 Johannesburg 153 4.5.2 Cape Town 153 4.5.3 Durban 154 4.5.4 Comparative Study of conversion by decade between the three centres 156 4.5.5 Higher rate of conversion in small centres 160 4.6 MAJOR SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS 4.6.1 Gender of converts 162 4.6.2 Age of converts 168 4.6.3 Marital Status of converts 170 4.6.4 Length of conversion 173 4.6.5 Analysis of previous religious denominations of converts 177 4.6.6 Previous religion of converts : Levels of adherence 182 4.6.7 Parents' reaction to conversion 184 4.6.8 Education background of converts 187 4.6.9 Occupation of converts 188 4.6.10 Hebrew names chosen by converts 189 4.7 REASONS FOR CONVERSION 192 4.7.1 Reasons for conversion in relation to age of converts 193 4.7.2 Reasons for conversion by marital status of converts 195 4 PAGES 4.8 CONVERSION - PERSONS OF COLOUR 197 4.9 CONVERSION PROGRAMME : THE ROLE OF THE TEACHER 202 4.10 CASES FROM THE BETH DIN'S ARCHIVES 205 4.11 CONCLUSION 228 CHAPTER 5 : DURBAN AS A MODEL 5.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • CHIEF RABBI DR WARREN GOLDSTEIN Office of the Chief Rabbi of South Africa Union of Orthodox Synagogues of South Africa P.O
    1 CHIEF RABBI DR WARREN GOLDSTEIN Office of the Chief Rabbi of South Africa Union of Orthodox Synagogues of South Africa P.O. Box 46559 Orange Grove 2119 Telephone: +27 10 214 2603 E-mail: [email protected] 21 August 2020 Dear Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein ABOUT THE JEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA The TRUE story of The Apartheid Museum® Attached to this submission is a short affidavit titled; First Political Prisoner Post 1994. Said affidavit has since been published on the website www.consciousness.co.za. On the same website, is another fourteen articles and affidavits that add to our effort to educate. Our first trademark: The Apartheid Museum®, was registered in 1990 in Class 41: Education and Entertainment. Website address: www.fraud2001-019108-08.org.za . My book published in 2011 is titled: We look at White people and we think Oh! MY GOD! The TRUE story of two racist White men and The Apartheid Museum. Court records span a period of eighteen years, the longest running trademark case in the history of South Africa, has passed through all three superior courts. WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DAY 26 APRIL 2020, one of my affidavits on the said website reads thus: The conclusion is that nothing, in one hundred and fifty-seven years of South African law, compares to the scale of judicial corruption of statutory law that, in turn, spawns’ gross human rights violations. 2 Chief Rabbi Goldstein, it is pleasing to note that you hold a PhD. in Human Rights and Constitutional Law. This affidavit, with added insights focused on our primary purpose, is a condensed version of all that has been documented over the past two decades.
    [Show full text]
  • The Zamir Chorale of Boston Joshua R
    The Zamir Chorale of Boston Joshua R. Jacobson, Artistic Director Barbara Gaffin, Managing Director Lawrence E. Sandberg, Concert Manager and Merchandise Manager Edwin Swanborn, Accompanist Andrew Mattfeld, Assistant Conductor Devin Lawrence, Assistant to the Conductor Jacob Harris and Melanie Blatt, Conducting Interns Rachel Miller, President Charna Westervelt, Vice President Michael Kronenberg, Librarian Sopranos Betty Bauman* • Melanie Blatt • Jenn Boyle • Vera Broekhuysen • Lisa Doob • Sharon Goldstein • Naomi Gurt Lind • Maayan Harel • Marilyn J. Jaye • Anne Levy • Sharon Shore Rachel Slusky • Julie Kopp Smily • Louise Treitman • Deborah Wollner Altos Anna Adler • Sarah Boling • Jamie Chelel • Johanna Ehrmann • Deborah Melkin* • Rachel Miller • Judy Pike • Jill Sandberg • Nancy Sargon-Zarsky • Rachel Seliber • Elyse Seltzer • Gail Terman • Phyllis Werlin • Charna Westervelt • Phyllis Sogg Wilner Tenors David Burns • Steven Ebstein* • Suzanne Goldman • Jacob Harris • Kevin Martin • Andrew Mattfeld* • Dan Nesson • Leila Joy Rosenthal • Lawrence E. Sandberg • Gilbert Schiffer • Dan Seltzer • Yishai Sered • Andrew Stitcher Basses Peter Bronk • Abba Caspi • Phil Goldman • Michael Krause-Grosman • Michael Kronenberg Devin Lawrence* • Richard Lustig • Michael Miller • James Rosenzweig • Peter Squires • Mark Stepner • Kyler Taustin • Michael Victor • Jordan Lee Wagner • Robert Wright • Richard Yospin *Section Leader Board of Directors 2016–17 Joshua Jacobson, President • Robert Snyder, Chairman • Peter Finn, Clerk • Gilbert Schiffer, Treasurer • Richard Blocker • Bruce Creditor • Bruce Donoff • Barbara Gaffin, Managing Director • Rachel Miller, Chorus President • Lawrence E. Sandberg Program Notes PSALMS What book has ever been set to music more often than the book of Psalms? Jews and Christians have been interpreting these 150 songs (and they were originally songs, not poems) for thousands of years—as Gregorian chant, synagogue Psalmody, catchy Hallel tunes, stately hymns, and musical masterworks.
    [Show full text]
  • Hazzan Randall Levin to Our Family!
    THE VOL. 97 NO. 5 JULY/AUGUST 2018 TAMMUZ/AV/ELUL 5778 HazzanWelcome Randall Levin To Our Family! Mission Statement Temple Beth El is a vibrant and inclusive community of Jews who join together for prayer, education, celebration, mutual support and comfort, tikkun olam and acts of loving kindness. We are guided by Torah and the principles of the Conservative movement. We are committed to our community, the State of Israel, and Jews around the world. Vision Statement Our vision is that Temple Beth El will be an inspiring center of Conservative Judaism in which meaningful experiences and memories take root and grow. Values Statement We are a welcoming and inclusive congregation. We value and respect each congregant and his or her personal journey in Judaism. We foster a sense of connectedness with our community. We value participation in all aspects of synagogue and Jewish life. Our congregation will be here for the entire Temple family now and for future generations. Welcome to our house. WEEKDAY SERVICES Shacharit: Sunday: .......................8:30 am Monday–Friday: ........7:30 am Rosh Hodesh: .............7:15 am Secular Holidays: ......8:30 am Mincha/Ma’ariv: Sunday–Friday: .........6:00 pm 139 Winton Road South Rochester, NY 14610 SHABBAT SERVICES Phone: 585-473-1770 (beginning October 14, 2017 with Bereshit) tberochester.org Pesukei dezimra: .......9:30 am facebook.com/TBEROCH Shacharit: ....................10:00 am @tberochester Torah Service: .............10:30 am Mincha/Ma’ariv: 1½ hrs prior to sunset TISHA B’AV SERVICE TIMES JULY 21 Ma'ariv and Eicha ........................ 9:15 pm JULY 22 Shacharit ......................................... 8:30 am Mincha 1 ........................................
    [Show full text]
  • Tribute to Nelson Mandela Parashat Vayiggash Rabbi Carl M
    A Tribute to Nelson Mandela Parashat Vayiggash Rabbi Carl M. Perkins Temple Aliyah December 6, 2013 This morning we read yet another episode in the liFe of a Fascinating figure in our history: Joseph. On the one hand, Joseph experienced one frightening and humiliating degradation after another: he was thrown into a pit by his brothers and left for dead; he was sold into slavery; he was falsely accused and thrown into prison. On the other hand, seemingly miraculously and swiFtly, Joseph rose in power and was appointed viceroy, second only to Pharaoh, and received the adulation of all of Egypt, with Egyptians shouting his special title, “Avrech,” as he was driven through the streets. Who could ever have imagined it? Certainly not Joseph’s family: they were convinced he was either dead or subjugated. And certainly not the Egyptians, who had contempt For Canaanites like him. IF anyone had ever suggested that he would one day make that transition from degradation and impotence to influence and power, he would have been thought mad. There really was only one person in the world, perhaps, who was conFident that Joseph would ultimately triumph, and that was Joseph himself. For, after all, since his youth Joseph had known that he was destined for greatness. Others may have dismissed his grandiose dreams, but Joseph remained confident that they would one day come true—as indeed they did. The story of Joseph reminds us that even extraordinary, unthinkable degradation and suffering shouldn’t stop one from reaching for greatness. We were reminded of that lesson on Thursday when we learned of the death of the great Nelson Mandela.
    [Show full text]
  • SA-SIG-Newsletter June 2005
    S. A. SIG http://www.jewishgen.org/SAfrica/ Editor: Bubbles Segall [email protected] Southern African Jewish Genealogy Special Interest Group Newsletter Vol. 6, Issue 1 September 2005 In this Issue President’s Message – Saul Issroff 2 Editorial – Bubbles Segall 3 Meeting of the SA-SIG at the Las Vegas 2005 Symposium – Roy Ogus 4 SA-SIG Treasurer’s Report – Mike Getz 6 The Lost and Found Family – Sue and Elliot Axel 7 Plungyan of yesterday and Plunge today – Abel Levitt 10 19,234,000,000,000,000 bytes – Gary Mokotoff 13 Memories of Habonim in Port Elizabeth during the Thirties – Phyllis Sachar 14 Mendele Mocher Sforim – Manfred Schwartz 14 Zadok and Sara Bluma Zilber – Dov Sidelsky 17 © 2005 SA-SIG. All articles are copyright and are not to be copied or reprinted without the permission of the author. The contents of the articles contain the opinions of the authors and do not reflect those of the Editor, or of the members of the SA-SIG Board. The Editor has the right to accept or reject any material submitted, or edit as might be appropriate. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE My grandson's imminent bar mitzvah in New York The Southern Africa Jewish has focussed me on the sorts of life milestone events Genealogy Special Interest Group where we have little or no records from past (SA-SIG) generations. The Southern Africa Jewish Genealogy Special Although we genealogists are adept at getting birth, Interest Group (SA-SIG) was created to provide a marriage, and death records, we seldom see records forum for a free exchange of ideas, research tips, and of a bris milah, a pidyon haben, a bat or bar information of interest to those researching Jewish mitzvah.
    [Show full text]
  • THE HISTORY of the PIETERSBURG [POLOKWANE] JEWISH COMMUNITY by CHARLOTTE WIENER Submitted in Fulfillment of the Requirements
    THE HISTORY OF THE PIETERSBURG [POLOKWANE] JEWISH COMMUNITY by CHARLOTTE WIENER Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS in the subject JUDAICA at the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA SUPERVISOR: MR CEDRIC GINSBERG NOVEMBER 2006 SUMMARY Jews were present in Pietersburg [Polokwane] from the time of its establishment in 1868. They came from Lithuania, England and Germany. They were attracted by the discovery of gold, land and work opportunities. The first Jewish cemetery was established on land granted by President Paul Kruger in 1895. The Zoutpansberg Hebrew Congregation, which included Pietersburg and Louis Trichardt was established around 1897. In 1912, Pietersburg founded its own congregation, the Pietersburg Hebrew Congregation. A Jewish burial society, a benevolent society and the Pietersburg-Zoutpansberg Zionist Society was formed. A communal hall was built in 1921 and a synagogue in 1953. Jews contributed to the development of Pietersburg and held high office. There was little anti-Semitism. From the 1960s, Jews began moving to the cities. The communal hall and minister’s house were sold in 1994 and the synagogue in 2003. Only the Jewish cemetery remains in Pietersburg. 10 key words: 1] Pietersburg [Polokwane] 2] Zoutpansberg 3] Anglo-Boer War 4] Jew 5] Synagogue 6] Cemetery 7] Rabbi 8] Hebrew 9] Zionist 10] Anti-Semitism ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank the following: Mr Cedric Ginsberg, my supervisor, for his invaluable assistance, patience and meticulous corrections The late Mr Wally Levy for his information concerning families and events in the Northern Transvaal. His prodigious memory was extremely helpful to me My husband Dennis and children Janine, Elian and Mandy, for their patience with my obsession to finish this thesis.
    [Show full text]
  • South Africa
    South Africa National Affairs A HE YEAR 2004 marked a decade since the emergence of a de- mocratic South Africa, and the milestone triggered much reflection. Speaking for the Jewish community, Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris noted the nation's major achievements, political stability and a sound economy, al- though there still remained much to be done. Jews, he pointed out, were able to practice their religion freely, and, despite its diminishing size, the community was probably more "Jewishly vibrant" than ever before. The general election, held April 14, saw the consolidation of power by the African National Congress (ANC), led by President Thabo Mbeki, and its allies, the Communist Party (SACP) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). Together, they won 69.69 percent of the national vote and control of all nine provinces. The Democratic Al- liance (DA), led by Tony Leon, won 12.37 percent, and the Inkatha Free- dom Party (IFP), led by Mangosuthu Buthelezi, garnered 6.97 percent, mainly from the KwaZulu-Natal Province. But the coalition's landslide victory was less than a resounding mandate. The number of voters was down, as nearly 7 million people who were registered stayed away from the polls and thus only 38 percent of registered voters chose the ANC. By virtue of heading the DA, the second largest party, Tony Leon, a Jew, was leader of the official opposition. Another Jew, Ronnie Kasrils, was appointed minister of intelligence in the new cabinet. There were two other Jewish members of Parliament, Ruth Rabinowitz (IFP) and Ben Turok (ANC).
    [Show full text]
  • Ad Ed Book Neve Shalom 2020-21.Pub
    NEVE SHALOM Jewish Community Center 250 Grove Avenue Metuchen, NJ 08840 732-548-2238 x 14 NEVE SHALOM 5781 [email protected] h,ps.//www.neveshalom.net/form/ad-ed-fall/spring-57 1.html Neve Shalom and Temple Emanu-El will be sharing many of our Adult Educa5on courses this year with classes taught on 6oom un5l we are able to safely meet together in person. When you register you will receive the appropriate Zoom links. Neve Shalom members should pay our synagogue; Temple Emanu-El members will pay their Temple (both synagogues will be charging the same fees) and students, at no addi$onal charge, can take any or all classes that the two shuls will be o%ering. We encourage you to register early so we can guarantee that each class will have su&cient a'endance to meet. Please contact )azzan Levin )azzan,NeveShalom.net for addi$onal informa$on about these o%erings and any of Neve Shalom-s .dult Educa$on programs and events. Adult Educaon Classes Beyond Disputes Parts I & II Rabbi Eric Rosin Sundays 10 am at Neve Shalom Fall Semester: starts Oct. 25 Spring Semester: To Be Announced This class has been prepared by the faculty of the Jewish Theological Seminary. Each session will examine one of the major philosophical, spiritual, ethical, and cultural discussions that have helped shape Jewish history. The class consists of text study, classroom discussion, and recorded video lectures delivered by J. T. S. professors. Rabbi Rosin is the spiritual leader of Neve Shalom. What is Jewish Music? Hazzan Sheldon Levin Fall Semester: Tuesdays at 11 am: Oct.
    [Show full text]
  • Tree of Life Selects Daniel Libeskind As Its Lead Architect
    EXCERPTED FROM THE PAGES OF May 04, 2021 Tree of Life selects Daniel Libeskind as its lead architect The internationally renowned architect designed the World Trade Master Plan in New York City following 9/11. By Toby Tabachnick Daniel Libeskind, the internationally renowned architect who designed the World Trade Master Plan in New York following 9/11, has been chosen as the lead architect to reimagine the site of the Tree of Life building. Libeskind was selected unanimously by Tree of Life’s board of trustees and steering committee. The renovation of the Tree of Life building is part of the congregation’s REMEMBER. REBUILD. RENEW. campaign to commemorate the events of Oct. 27, 2018, when an antisemitic gunman murdered 11 worshippers at the three congregations housed in the building: Tree of Life, Dor Hadash and New Light. It was the most violent antisemitic attack in U.S. history. “It is with a great sense of photo by Tree of Life urgency and meaning that I “When my parents, survivors of our time and affirm the join the Tree of Life to create of the Holocaust, and I came as democratic values of our country.” a new center in Pittsburgh,” immigrants to America, we felt Libeskind’s previous projects said Libeskind in a prepared an air of freedom as Jews in this include the Jewish Museum in statement. “Our team is country,” he continued. “That Berlin and the National Holocaust committed to creating a powerful is why this project is not simply Monument in Ottawa, Canada. He and memorable space that about ‘Never Again.’ It is a project told The New York Times that he addresses the worst antisemitic that must address the persistence would be visiting the site for the first attack in United States history.
    [Show full text]
  • Director of Congregational Learning & Programming Are You an Innovative, Creative Jewish Educator? Are You Inspired to Share
    Director of Congregational Learning & Programming Are you an innovative, creative Jewish educator? Are you inspired to share your passion for Judaism? Are you looking to make a difference as a part of a dynamic and enthusiastic leadership team of a growing, traditional and inclusive Conservative congregation? Then we want you! Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid (CBINT) seeks a Director of ​ Congregational Learning and Programming (DCLP) who, working closely with our outstanding clergy, Rabbi Joel Alter and Hazzan Jeremy Stein, will direct our religious school while developing and helping to execute programs to cultivate meaningful and joyful participation throughout our multi-generational community. The DCLP will be a critical staff person positioned at the heart of the shul. The DCLP will oversee all aspects of our small religious school, manage our early childhood and youth services, and enhance congregational life beyond the worship services. We currently ​ run a twice-weekly supplementary school educating 26 students from Pre-K to 12th grade. We are open to innovative ideas and would consider a new educational model. The director will develop curriculum, programming, and an annual budget, oversee the inclusion of our special needs students, and supervise the enthusiastic and committed teaching staff, teen ozrim, and ​ ​ part-time office assistant, This professional will support the design and execution of this growing, multi-generational community's extensive offerings, bringing a joyful spiritual-educational vision and cultivating a sense of community. The DCLP will use the synagogue’s mission and vision statements to develop creative, inspirational, and engaging programs. The DCLP will demonstrate a passion for both formal and informal Jewish education and bring a creative energy in working closely with the clergy and professional staff, Board of Directors, school committee, Men’s Club and Sisterhood, and other lay leaders.
    [Show full text]
  • The New Reform Temple of Berlin: Christian Music and Jewish Identity During the Haskalah
    THE NEW REFORM TEMPLE OF BERLIN: CHRISTIAN MUSIC AND JEWISH IDENTITY DURING THE HASKALAH Samuel Teeple A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF MUSIC August 2018 Committee: Arne Spohr, Advisor Eftychia Papanikolaou © 2018 Samuel Teeple All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT Arne Spohr, Advisor During the first decades of the nineteenth century, Israel Jacobson (1768-1828) created a radically new service that drew upon forms of worship most commonly associated with the Protestant faith. After finding inspiration as a student in the ideas of the Haskalah, or Jewish Enlightenment, Jacobson became committed to revitalizing and modernizing Judaism. Musically, Jacobson’s service was characterized by its use of songs modeled after Lutheran chorales that were sung by the congregation, organ accompaniment, choral singing, and the elimination of the traditional music of the synagogue, a custom that had developed over more than a millennium. The music of the service worked in conjunction with Protestant-style sermons, the use of both German and Hebrew, and the church- and salon-like environments in which Jacobson’s services were held. The music, liturgy, and ceremonial of this new mode of worship demonstrated an affinity with German Protestantism and bourgeois cultural values while also maintaining Judaism’s core beliefs and morals. In this thesis, I argue that Jacobson’s musical agenda enabled a new realization of German-Jewish identity among wealthy, acculturated Jews. Drawing upon contemporary reports, letters, musical collections, and similar sources, I place the music of Reform within its wider historical, political, and social context within the well-documented services at the Jacobstempel in Seesen and the New Reform Temple in Berlin.
    [Show full text]
  • Joyous Celebration As Arrival of New Torah Is Welcomed Photo: Ilan Ossendryver Photo
    August 21 2015 / 6 Elul 5775 Volume 19 – Number 31 days to go, south african until the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards 2015. Jewish Report 2 www.sajr.co.za Joyous celebration as arrival of new Torah is welcomed Photo: Ilan Ossendryver Photo: The induction of a new Torah is always a joyous occasion, with jubilation and lots of singing, dancing and clapping. Last Sunday was no exception when more than 500 people, including Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, came out for a day of dedication and celebration as the Unity Torah was inducted by the Shul in Sandton Central community. The final letters were filled in during a formal ceremony at the Waverley home of Meni and Robyn Shani, as the Torah was dedicated to the loving memory of their daughter, Elliet Hodaya, who passed away last year. Traditionally a new Torah is welcomed into a community just as one would welcome a new bride and groom. A party bus, transporting dozens of children and a truck bedecked with a beautifully decorated chuppah, made of hand-woven materials that Elliet had previously selected, formed part of the celebratory procession. An authentic Torah scroll is a mind-boggling masterpiece of labour, love and skill. Containing exactly 304 805 letters, the beautiful 54-portion parchment scroll took months to complete. Pictured in the procession are Oren Shani (far left front) with his mother Robyn behind him and next to her, her husband Meni, holding the Torah scroll. Rabbi Ari Kievman of the shul is in the centre, with Arik Elimelech on the far right.
    [Show full text]