Among the guests attending the opening of our beautifully restored Old Shul were guest of honour US Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E. Brigety II, US Consul General Todd Haskell and Fulbright Scholar Professor Simon Rabinovitch. Following Rabbi Osher Feldman’s ceremonial affixing of the mezuzah and a moving rendition of 𝘔𝘢 𝘛𝘰𝘷𝘶 𝘖𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘢 by the Gardens Shul Choir, the evening’s highlights were the inspiring remarks of the Ambassador and a fascinating address by the Professor. The celebration ended with delicious canapés at Café Riteve.

 

The Old Shul, consecrated in 1863, is the oldest existing synagogue in sub-Saharan Africa. The building is architecturally unique, and in 2021 it became the recipient of a U.S. AFCP grant, valued at over R1.2 million.

 

Our sincere thanks go to the U.S. Mission to South Africa for supporting the restoration of the Old Shul.