Yom Hashoah remembered in the small centres – APRIL 2010


Klerksdorp community members in their shul
 

Yom Hashoah this year was observed not only in the main urban centres, but also in Klerksdorp and Kimberley. Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft, Spiritual Leader to the SA Country Communities, participated in the Klerksdorp ceremony held in the community’s synagogue, reciting the traditional hazkarah prayer. The six memorial candles were lit by community members Sam Kramer, Michael Hack, Michael Waks, Ghita Subel, Marlene Waks, and David Frame, with Jacky Shall giving a short address on the significance of the day. The ceremony concluded with poetry readings and the singing of Ani Ma'amim and Hatikvah, followed by the Maariv service. The Kimberley ceremony was held in the town’s beautiful and historic synagogue, in the presence of both Jewish community members and a number of non-Jewish residents. The latter included the principal of St. Patrick’s College, which three Jewish children attend. At the school’s assembly the following morning, Grade 11 learner Roy Horwitz, son of the congregation’s Chairman Barney Horwitz, recited a poem on the theme of Yom Hashoah, which was followed by a moments silence observed by the entire school.