By COLlive reporter
Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks was the keynote speaker at the centennial celebrations of the Great Park Shul, Johannesburg. The Great Synagogue was built in 1913 and was the continuation of the first shul built in Johannesburg in 1888 – just 2 years after gold was discovered in Johannesburg.
In 1994, the shul had to close its doors in what had become dangerous area, far removed from the Jewish population.
For five years the shul was housed at the residence of Shluchim Rabbi Dovid and Feige Hazdan, who went on shlichus 30 years ago, before the opening of the beautiful, new Great Park Synagogue in 2000.
The centenary celebrations began with the opening of the magnificent, new Mikvah Ma’ayan Ganim, dedicated to Rabbi Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg, a few months ago.
The shul was filled to capacity for Shabbos tefillos which were addressed by Chief Rabbi Sacks. On Tuesday night, 11 Tamuz, close to 600 people attended an elegant dinner at the Sandton Sun is one of Johannesburg’s premier landmarks and is ideally located in the Central Business District of Sandton, in Johannesburg, South Africa
The entertainment portrayed a tumultuous century of Jewish experience filled with tears of sadness and of joy.
Rabbi Sacks said: “In the 22 years that I have served as chief rabbi, never have I been witness to an anniversary celebrated so imaginatively, so lovingly, and so movingly. This is not the Great Park Synagogue. This is the Great, Great Synagogue!”
Chief Rabbi of South Africa, Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein said: “What is most remarkable and touching about this celebration is the rejuvenation of the Great Park Shul which is filled with vitality and energy and is symbolic of the future of SA Jewry.”
Rabbi Hazdan spoke about Yud Beis Tammuz and the Mesirus Nefesh of the Frierdiker Rebbe to build Yiddishkeit against all odds. He shared the teachings of the Rebbe to love every Jew unconditionally and quoted the Rebbe’s reassurance that South Africa will be good for the Jews until Moshiach and thereafter even better.
He added, “The Rebbe teaches us that impediment must be the challenge, not the excuse, for our response.”
The celebration moved from “Great Park 100” to “Great Park 101” with the announcement and launch of a new project to build a hall and learning and convention center alongside the shul.
Go Hazdans! You guys are such wonderful warm people!
koppel bacher great to see you and your wife with deep appreciation from a shliach in california for being a main force in bringing him to a life of torah mitzvos and chassidus i will never forget what you have done for me
I miss being home… Even though I am here in Miami Bal Harbour I still miss it Only Nachas
The Hazdans are the most wonderful family. I have known them personally and I’m amazed by their kindness, devotion, happiness, generosity and love for all those they encounter. They are beautiful, solid people who are loved by all! I hope they expand the Great Park Synagogue so large that it can accommodate the weddings of their daughters, Leah & Sheina, two gems!
So nice to see a picture of you and Selma. Hattzlocho and Nachas always.
AW
The HAZDAN’s are such special people and in sure Goldie and Shmuel Simpson are invaluable to the community too!
Looks like a beautiful event! So proud of our Shluchim
The Hazdans – We love you guys so much!! Keep being amazing!
rabbi and mrs bacher . The root from which all this grew. with grateful recognition for all your dedicated years of work
you are just so amazing!!!!!
Shmuel and Goldie you make us proud!!
Keep up your amazing work