Defying the trend of rural towns losing their Jewish populations, Paarl has seen a resurgence of Jewish life in recent years. The local community has welcomed a number of new members to the shul and, with an increase in numbers, there’s more opportunity to host community events and get-togethers.
An event held recently saw the community host the new Consul General of the United States of America, Allison Areias, at a wonderful function held at The Spice Route Winery outside Paarl. Hosted by well-known farmer and agri-tourism entrepreneur, Charles Back, who founded The Spice Route in 1997, the event brought together both Paarl locals and those with family and historical connections to the area.
Bryan Opert, Spiritual Leader of the Paarl Hebrew Congregation, explained that membership of the congregation has grown by 35% over the past year-and-a-half, allowing the Congregation to increase the number of services it can hold, especially over Yom Tovim. While it was often a challenge in previous times to get a minyan together, these days there are more congregants keen to participate.
The increase in numbers is largely attributable to the many out-of-towners who have settled in or near the town in recent years, many of whom have moved into lifestyle estates like Val de Vie. According to Bryan, “Additionally, some of the new residents are people who have not necessarily had a strong association with the Jewish community, but are now keen to make a connection. These include families with one Jewish parent who still have a robust but personal Jewish identity and wish to introduce some elements of Jewish community and culture back into their families, and so they have joined in with our community.”
For this reason, the Congregation has introduced a unique membership category, the Abraham membership, an ‘identity’ membership which allows for these families to join together with the local Jewish community in some way, no matter their Jewish or religious background. “What we appreciate is that they are keen to experience Judaism in some way, and to retain and maintain their Jewish identity. If only more such families would want to express their Jewish identity within the structures of our communities,” Bryan explains.
Long may the Jewish presence in Paarl continue!
Consul General Areias highlighted the significance of South Africa to the efforts of the US Government to alleviate poverty. Her mission, like that of her government, is to promote trade between the two countries, which is why exports from South Africa are so significant. These moves can help to foster much-needed economic development in our country.
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