From 17 July to 28 August, Sydenham Shul is having seven consecutive weekly Bar Mitzvahs Bar Mitzvahs. “I don’t actually remember the last time that happened,” says Rabbi Yossy Goldman. “I don’t know too many Shuls in the world who have that.
"Hopefully,” adds the obviously elated Goldman, “it is not a fluke but a sign of positive growth.”
It seems that the good Rabbi is taking no chances that the Bar Mitzvah rate will slow down in 14 to 15 years time. Is our Rabbi Yossy being pro-active about this or is it simply a coincidence that he then immediately proceeds to discuss his plans for a "Singles, Soulmates & Shidduchs" event.
Goldman told members in his weekly newsletter, ‘What's Nu @ Sydenham Shul,’ about the Shul’s upcoming CAJE event which, he says, “started out as a Symposium and has now morphed into a huge Singles event!
“Singles, Soulmates & Shidduchs will feature three very experienced experts in the field, and will be followed by a Social Singles Mingle with a Cocktail Bar and a Coffee & Cappuccino Bar for people to socialize after the talks and Q&A are over.”
Rabbi Yossy says that “If you are a young single, please come,” but then adds: “Actually, all ages are welcome. It is a fascinating subject and has been described as the biggest social problem in the Jewish world today. Not only in Jozi but even in New York, the biggest Jewish city on the planet! People are having huge issues in dating and marriage.
"It will be held on Tuesday 10 August and on the panel are the popular Rabbi Ari Shishler; Radio News Manager and Singles’ Life Coach Benita Levin; and Tova Goldstein, a highly successful Matchmaker. I shall serve as Moderator.
"I love the titles of some of the talks: ‘Are You in Love, Lust… or Lost?’ ‘Scared, Scarred or not ready to Settle?’ ‘Warning! Dating May be Hazardous to Your Relationship!’ ‘Too Cool to Commit?’ Please help ensure the younger generation attends en masse. Do tell your kids about it!” says Rabbi Goldman.
I am totally confused. Rabbi
I am totally confused.
Rabbi Goldman and all other Chabad communities speak about the bright and happy future (at least 14-15 years) of communities in S.africa.
Everything about Jewish life revolves around an indefinite future in exile, as if this is the goal of the Jewish people.
At the same time the slogan "Mashiach Now" is used at every point of activity.
This is where my confusion arises.
Do they realy want Mashiach Now, which means an immediate and glorious ingathering of the exiles, or do they plan an indefinite future in the putrid exile.
It seems to me that thre is something dishonest about the Chabad philosophy of Redemption.
I suggest that instead of planning Bar-Mitzvahs for the next 15 years in Sydenham shul, Rabbi Goldman prepares the youth for Aliyah as soon as possible.
WHAT HAPPENED TO 'NEXT YEAR
WHAT HAPPENED TO 'NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM'?
I thought it symbolized the
I thought it symbolized the hope that we would be in Jerusalem next year for Pesach. I don't think it means you WILL be there. From what I read in Gateway to Judaism it's about hope that the ingathering will have occurred.
I don't think it's right to take words out of context and apply them across purposes. What does it mean when you say them? Do you say them knowing it is unlikely you will be there? Do you hope too?
We're not supposed to know the time and date when all will be revealed and by our own calendar there is literally anywhere between now and 230 years to go. Please G-d Sydenham Shul is able to provide services and lessons until that day, whenever it may come.