Overstrand Mayor Councilor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie enjoyed a true South African Shabbat experience when she joined the Hermanus Hebrew Congregation for Friday evening services and dinner on 12 November. This followed an approach by the Mayor to Jonathan Lipman, President of the congregation, in which she expressed her intention of attending services at all the various denominations throughout the Overstrand and asked if she could start by attending a shul service. It was the first occasion on which the congregation had hosted a senior local dignitary since the official opening of its new shul and hall in September 2008.

 

In her address, Counselor Botha-Guthrie thanked the Jewish community for what she said had been one of the most uplifting evenings of her life. She had also found the service to be most uplifting, even though she did not understand the Hebrew.

 

“As mayor, I hope to use my time in office to serve you the Jewish Community and to serve all the communities in Hermanus to achieve unity. Also, thank you for praying for the rain - I do hope it rains so that I can lift the water restrictions!” she said.

 

Shabbat Services were lead by Chaim Ehrlich, who paused at various stages in the service to provide explanations of the significance of the prayers, helping everyone to follow with added understanding. Also present was Country Communities Spiritual Leader Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft, who delivered an uplifting message to both the community and the Mayor, The Hermanus community continues to make good use of its new premises by way of regular Friday night services and Yomtov Services, often followed by a communal meal. Many visitors join the community for these occasions. This year, 74 people participated at the Yom Kippur service followed by the Communal Breaking of the Fast in the hall. Anyone who plans to visit the lovely village of Hermanus and would like to know what is going on can check out the congregation’s website, www.hermanusshul.co.za.