By PNINA JANTJIES, lay leader, Temple Israel Progressive Synagogue, Cape Town
Christian Kaiyatsa (15) was calledto the Torah at Temple Israel Greenpoint, Cape Town, on 22 November 2025 (Kislev 2/5786).
Christian’s parents, Fred and Sphe Kaiyatsa, originally from Malawi, completed the Progressive Synagogue’s Jews by Choice (JBC) course in February 2025.
What made this Bar Mitzvah occasion especially meaningful is that Christian is deaf. Currently a Grade 8 student at the Dominican School for the Deaf in Wynberg, Christian has two younger brothers.
The synagogue was filled to capacity: a huge contingent of friends; family and fellow congregants joined him for the celebration. As I sat under the blue art canopy in the sanctuary, I knew I was a witness to something special. The goodwill and spirit were contagious.
Officiating Rabbi, Malcolm Matitiani, had prepared Christian over a number of months for this day. Assisted by two sign language interpreters, the Bar Mitzvah boy delivered a thought-provoking Dvar Torah on Toldot, the Torah portion of the week. His timely reflections on family dynamics (of parent-and-child, and of siblings) were insightful and mature. It warmed the heart, too, that a larger than usual number of congregants were called up to participate in the service itself.
In his Thank You speech, Fred Kaiyatsa, Christian’s father, expressed his appreciation, ’Dear family, thank you for an incredible Bar Mitzvah celebration. Your support meant so much to us. We are grateful for your involvement.’
Indeed, this day was a beautiful celebration of what this community strives for: kindness, inclusivity, and love of one’s neighbour. May we share and remember more days such as these. We need them.
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