Community

Community services

Among the community services which Beit Emanuel offers are: 

CONVERSION: Progressive synagogues offer the opportunity for those who wish to join the family of Israel to undergo formal conversion. Conversion is a complex issue, involving serious commitments and potential candidates should seek the guidance of a Rabbi before making any decisions. MORE>>

WELFARE: The Care Committee is the pastoral arm of the community. Members visit the sick and bereaved, help the elderly with lifts to functions or medical appointments, provide advice and refer those in need to appropriate sources of financial aid. MORE >>

SISTERHOOD: A group of dedicated women (and men) who assist the synagogue with various activities as well as helping several outreach projects. The Sisterhood cater for special functions, and assist in outreach projects among poor communities, along with sisterhoods from other communities.  MORE >>

MARRIAGE: Beit Emanuel Progressive Synagogue will be delighted to help you with your marriage plans. Our Rabbi, Dr Robert Ash, is a licensed Marriage Officer and can perform both civil and Jewish religious marriages. MORE >>

BEIT DIN: A beit din is a panel of Rabbis, sometimes assisted by knowledgeable individuals nominated by the Jewish community. A Progressive beit din has authority to make binding decisions in matters pertaining to Jewish status, marriage, divorce, adoption and conversion.   MORE>>

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Become a member

Applying for membership   Beit Emanuel welcomes applications for membership from anyone who is Jewish. ‘Jewish’ for the purpose of membership of the synagogue means either (i) that a person was born to a Jewish mother or (ii) has converted to Judaism under the auspices of a Jewish religious authority recognized by the South African …

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Beit Din

The Progressive Beit Din: A panel of Rabbis In South African Progressive Synagogues are autonomous and independent. They work together on matters of common interest and in these areas the congregations are represented by an organization to which each congregation is affiliated: the South African Union for Progressive Judaism (SAUPJ). There is also a body …

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Conversion

Converting to Judaism One may be Jewish by being born Jewish or one may become Jewish by converting through a process determined by the community one wishes to join. Judaism does not claim any religious advantage from being Jewish. ‘Salvation’ does not come through holding a particular religious belief, but by leading a moral life. …

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West facade of the Beit Emanuel synagogue

Facilities for Hire

Beit Emanuel has an extensive campus of buildings. Some of these may be hired for meetings or for social or educational events. Our largest facility is the Synagogue main functions hall. This extensive space includes a stage and two bar/food serving areas. The main hall can seat up to 200 people at tables seating up …

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Marriage

Get married at Beit Emanuel Beit Emanuel Progressive Synagogue will be delighted to help you with your marriage plans. Our Rabbi, Dr Robert Ash, is a licensed Marriage Officer and can perform both civil and Jewish religious marriages. Traditional Jewish law requires that both partners to a marriage be Jewish. No distinction is made between …

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Please Volunteer!

Volunteer Opportunities at Beit Emanuel   Beit Emanuel needs just the right combination of funding and voluntary service in order to achieve its objectives.  Opportunities to volunteer time and skills are almost endless, but we have summarised most of the opportunities in the matrix below.   The emphasis from 2012 onwards will be on working …

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Care Committee

Beit Emanuel Care Committee   The Beit Emanuel Care Committee are among the unsung angels of the congregation. Their task is to work quietly in the background to support the Rabbi in his pastoral work. Says chairperson Judy Hodes: “We visit the sick, the elderly and those in need. We offer an ear and advice; …

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Donations

Ongoing Donation Opportunities   Membership dues don’t go very far when it comes to covering the running expenses of Beit Emanuel.  As a result, we are always looking for sponsors for our Friday night kiddushim, chocolates, Torah Breakfasts and other events and expenses. Your donation or sponsorship, whether large or small, full or partial, recognised …

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Tree of LIfe in foyer of Beit Emanuel

Funerals and Mourning

When Someone Dies A Jewish Guide to Funerals and Mourning Customs Introduction When someone close to us dies it is normal for us to experience heightened emotions and stress. At such a time, we may find ourselves called upon to take charge of the affairs of the deceased person, including making arrangements for the funeral. …

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