‘Romantic Rabbi’ arranges dream island wedding for
Cape Town couple December 2004

The “Travelling Rabbi” Moshe Silberhaft proved he was also the “Romantic Rabbi” when he organised a strictly Orthodox wedding for Cape Town couple Dana Zaroozny and Jerome Jacobson on the idyllic island of Mauritius on December 7.

Dana, daughter of Menashe and Eti Zaroozny, and Jerome, son of Gerald and Linda Jacobson, decided to turn their dream into reality, after spending many holidays at the resort.

Both former pupils of Herzlia School, their romance blossomed after meeting up again four-and-half years ago. But they needed a catalyst to fulfil their aim – a chuppah on the lawns of the Sugar Beach Resort. Rabbi Silberhaft, adventurous and undaunted by anything out-of-the-ordinary, took up the challenge and arranged a fully kosher wedding reception – with food flown in from Johannesburg and served on tables on the beach. Chairs and tables were draped in white satin and guests danced around a bonfire to the sound of traditional island Sega and Israeli music.

Being the first night of Chanukah, the simcha started off with the lighting of a Chanukah candle, which guests from South Africa and abroad agreed was not the only flame to be kindled that night!

In his inimitable style, Rabbi Silberhaft, spiritual leader of the African Jewish Congress who officiated at the ceremony, issued invitations to more than 30 Jewish holidaymakers staying at the resort.

Former Capetonian and Sugar Beach Resort general manager Andrew Slome, OBE, was both surprised and delighted that his resort had acquired a kosher wedding “hechsher”, expressing to Rabbi Silberhaft that he welcomed more Jewish weddings at his venue.

“Our parents were extremely supportive of the idea. Our thanks go to Rabbi Silberhaft and the staff and management of Sugar Beach Resort for turning our wedding into a perfect day,” the new Mr and and Mrs Jacobson said.