Gear Up!

Dear Friend,

Of all Israel’s marvels, the Iron Dome has to rank up there in the top tier of high-tech ‘miracles’. On our Marais Road Shul Israel Tour almost 4 years ago, we landed at the beginning of the first Gaza war and actually witnessed the Iron Dome intercept a missile!

Not only did this technology save untold innocent lives in Israel, it prevented the need for full scale war and completely tipped the balance of power in the Middle East in Israel’s favour. A miracle indeed!

So it’s with great excitement that we’ll be hosting the chief inventor of Iron Dome as our scholar in residence in 2 weeks time! Ari Sacher is universally acclaimed as “the man behind the Iron Dome”. Ari is also a super popular speaker on the international circuit. He has addressed packed halls in over 20 countries- and now he’s coming to Cape Town.

Catch Ari, and his wife Dr. Tova Sacher, at a beautifully catered Shabbas dinner (‘Inside Iron Dome’); a Saturday Shiur (‘Freakenomics of repentance’) the Seuda (‘Cairo Geniza’) and a midnight pre-selichot lecture (‘the Brain Science of personal change’). September 23/24. Book for the dinner today!

Can you get a happier go-lucky kid than Ella Fanaroff? I don’t know but I’m sure looking forward to her Bat Mitzvah this Shabbas! Mazel tov to Alex and Lance Fanaroff on celebrating Ella’s Batty! Mazels to Grandparents Stan and Denice Fanaroff, Dawn Sussman and Clive Sussman. Enjoy the nachas!

We’ve all been moved by real life hero stories (Reader’s Digest, anyone?). So how powerful is it when we could hear and meet them in person? Get set to hear 3 powerful personal tales back from the brink, including the dramatic story of a Capetonian ‘from Gangster to Frumster’! Get ready to shift your life…Wednesday night September 21 at Marais Rd. Shul Hall. Space is limited so book today at the Shul office.

As you can tell, we’re gearing up for the High Holy Days. And it’s my honour to once again appeal to you to assist the less fortunate in our community celebrate the holiday period with dignity. The Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund distributes funds throughout the year, but things really heat up at the New Year. If you could use some assistance, or know of anyone who could use assistance, please let me know (just reply to this email); it will be treated with great discretion.

A reminder that the Fund now manages its own account (under the trusteeship of Robert Feinblum). Bank transfers should be made to Bidvest Bank Rabbi Disc Fund, savings account: 4119444001. Branch 462005. Investec account holders add 2 zeroes before the account number. Cheques to be made out to ‘David Wineberg’. Shana tova & thank you!

Condolences to Sadie Solomon on the tragic loss of her son Ivan Solomon. There are no words and we only pray that Hashem give you strength, every day.

Condolences to Hymie Waldman on the passing of his sister Frances Daus. May Hashem grant you comfort.

Hymie Dorfman has become a familiar feature at our daily services as a jack of all trades in Shul. it’s my pleasure to wish him a BIG mazel tov on his 80th birthday this week! May Hashem give you continued koach to serve our community in your exemplary and caring style.

Mazel tov to our Cantor Ivor Joffe on being awarded the community services award at the Jewish Care Cape AGM on Wednesday night! Cantor Joffe’s dedication to our wider community is boundless and we at Marais Rd. Shul can be very proud of his contribution. Kol hakavod Ivor!

Shabbat Shalom and happy reading!