Winelands community
Against the background of a declining Jewish population in South Africa, a few areas of the country are experiencing a revitalisation of the Jewish presence, in particular as new people arrive in the area to settle and establish their homes.
One example of this is the town of Paarl, which was once a significant centre of Jewish life but which has seen a major decline in population numbers in recent times. But now, the tide is turning, and a new cohort of Jews are settling in the area, taking advantage of the wonderful geographic treasures that make up the Cape Winelands region.
And the growing community showed its unity during a recent event organised by the Paarl Shul, under Rabbi Brian and Rebbetzin Chana Opert. As Rabbi Opert comments, “First time in the history…of the Winelands (some might have thought it could never happen), on 4th December, over 80 people got together to spend an evening baking Challah. To place it in perspective, that number is greater than the number of official members of the community!”
According to Tanya Glazer, “Adele de Almeida and I organised the Challah Bake after thinking of how to integrate the community.”
The venue – the Goatshed Restaurant at Fairview – was graciously opened to the community by Charles Back of Fairview farms. “This was a perfect setting for this auspicious occasion,” comments Rabbi Opert, expressing his appreciation to Charles for his generosity.
The event was a gathering of the whole community, people of all ages and cultures, joining in a spirit of unity, gratitude and blessing. It was an evening of connection – bringing about warmth, tradition and togetherness into a space, creating something meaningful. “It is wonderful to know there are people outside of the faith who supported and appreciated this event,” says the Rabbi.
That support came in the form of the people who joined in the event, as well as in the many donations and the time spent by a number of people who helped with the logistics.
Supporters and donors for the event
- Tanya Glazer and Adele De Almeida
- Errol & Greg Stern of Addis
- Bruce Glazer
- Sotheby’s Paarl
- Jared Kahn of Whitehouse
- Louis & Dennis Minitzer
- David Novis
- Belvedere Olive Oil
The spiritual input was ably given by Rebbetzin Chana in her inimitable and charismatic manner. Transforming a bread-baking experience into the spiritual experience of baking Challahs for Shabbos – explaining how each constituent represents a concept, deeper and more meaningful than a mere ingredient.
According to Rabbi Opert, “The Paarl Hebrew Congregation is growing, together with the Winelands Jewish population. We are slowly but methodically transforming our community into a vibrant and welcoming congregation that welcomes all for a Friday night service, a Power Shabbos (held every six weeks or so), or one of our special functions. Chana and I and the entire Paarl Shul committee invite and look forward to sharing many wonderful communal experiences with you…beyond the Boerewors Belt!” ●
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