Cape Jewish Chronicle

This monthís issue reflects some of the suffering and the serious problems people are facing both locally and beyond our borders, near and far, which touch the hearts, senses and sensibilities of our readership and our community. We show the efforts our community are making, wherever possible, in their commitment to make a difference, whatsoever the extent and impact. These main stories are featured on the front page, with follow-up reports and pictures on pages within the paper.

Then too, we give you the lighter and brighter aspects of our lives down here in the Cape – the happy events, successes, celebrations and the normal ërun of the millí.
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On the 6th of July this year, corresponding to the 3rd of Tammuz, we will commemorate the 14th Yortzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe obm. On this auspicious day we reflect on the life of the Rebbe, his teachings and his vision for a better world. We share with you here a story that conveys in part the great love that the Rebbe had for the land and people of Israel, as well as the Rebbe’s inimitable approach and ability to transform even the most challenging and tragic events in our life into an impetus for positive change and growth.

On the eve of Yom Haatzmaut (Independence Day) last year, as the bonfires were being raised on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, the lights were burning also in Tzafrir (Kfar Chabad), the Chabad-Lubavitcher village in the Lod Valley.
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Rosecourt, on the corner of Breda and Vriende Streets in the Gardens, is in the process of major transformation. The original house is to be restored, as it is a heritage site and has to remain, but the old hall is being demolished at time of going to press.

The property was given to Jewish Sheltered Employment in the 1980s and in 1986 the hall was converted into accommodation for 10 residents with special needs. And so the first group home was established.
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Yom Haatzmaut Western Province Maccabi back in the game!

For the first time in a few years, WP Maccabi set up a colourful information stand at Ratanga Junction for the Yom Haatzmaut communal celebrations.

The aim was to publicise the rejuvenation of our organisation and to encourage sports people of all ages, to join the WP Maccabi sporting family.
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The launch of Volume 3 of the SA Friends of Beth Hatefutsoths Jewish Life in the South African Country Communities, at the Albow Centre on Thursday 12 June, was yet another of those wonderfully nostalgic and reminiscence- ful evenings that characterised the launches of Volumes 1 and 2.

Volume 3, focusing on the central to Eastern Cape settlements as far as the old Transkei, is dedicated to Phyllis Jowell, who so sadly passed away in August 2006, and whose involvement, commitment and passion played so indelible and significant a part in the success of the project. With Jacob Gitlin Librarys Dr David Scher as chair, speaker after speaker paid warm tribute and extolled the virtues of this fine woman, greatly missed by all. Her husband, Cecil Jowell, described the warm relationship she always shared with the platteland volk.
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