The week that was
Last Friday’s Shabbat Evening Service was another of our load shedding specials. For some reason the scheduled load shedding didn’t happen, instead of which our Internet connectivity was down. Heigh-ho. Anyway, a lovely service in our sadly under-utilised Slome Auditorium, followed by a sponsored Brocha in the Gallery/Boardroom/Atrium.
Although I haven’t received a report-back, I understand that the Temple Youth sleepover was a success.
Our first combined Progressive Judaism Gauteng ITJ class for 2023 was to have been held in the Gillis Boardroom on Wednesday. A four-hour stint of load shedding forced a change of plans, however, and the orientation session and class were held at Bet David instead.
Looking ahead
Happening this Shabbat/weekend
Rabbi Saar has taken a leave of absence until Sunday the 29th. Prof Merle Williams has kindly agreed to lead our Kabbalat Shabbat service this Friday. Other services will be led by various members of our lay reader group. Those arrangements will be communicated in due course.
We do have load shedding scheduled for late Friday afternoon, but we trust that the power outage will end on time. The service will therefore be held in the main Shul, and we hope to be able to be present on Zoom.
The issues around load shedding and network availability have meant that we will probably not be able have Rory Rootenberg’s participation for much longer, following +/- 6 years with the Beit Emanuel Choir. It’s Rory’s birthday this week, so this would probably be a good time to wish him and thank him for his contribution over the years, even if this is not a final farewell.
The Kabbalat Shabbat service will be followed by a Brocha in the Janks Hall. Please remember to feed the donation box at your table, to help us cover our horrendous catering costs. We also encourage all members and friends to download and install the Snapscan App as an alternative to cash donations. The Snapscan QR Code will also be available at each table to facilitate this handy payment mechanism.
Saturday’s Shabbat morning service in the Gillis Boardroom will be led by our lay readers, and will be followed by a potluck Brocha in the Atrium. Please note that we won’t be streaming to Zoom this Saturday morning.
A reminder that our first Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle will be held on Sunday, 22 January, 18h00 in the Brasch Youth Lounge.
Further ahead
The Benny Stalson Hebrew School (BSHS) religion school classes will open on Monday, 23 January at 16h00. This will be a joint introductory session for learners and parents.
Netzer Shnat 2023: A letter of thanks from the Challens and Davids families
Dear Friends,
A very special word of thanks to all who gave financial support for Shirlane these past few months. Many members of the Gauteng Progressive Community, the SAUPJ Gauteng and Beit Emanuel.
She departs for Israel on Sunday night, to commence this phenomenal leadership program.
It means a great deal to us as a family, to witness the generosity displayed towards her.
Thank you, Rabbi Sa’ar and Dr Paul Davis for your unwavering support.
Should anyone still wish to donate to this appeal, please do so freely, as there is still a sizeable shortfall.
Join with us as we celebrate this milestone in her life, as well as in the life of our community.
Shabbat shalom and much love,
The Challens and Davids Families
JKIDS/YOUTH PROGRAMMES
We’ll have our first Jkids Club session for 2023 next Friday (the 27th). We’re planning to get our hands dirty by planting some beautiful pot-plants for Tu B’Shvat.
