Rosh Chodesh Elul 5781

Adass Yeshurun Congregation was established in 1936 with a manifesto of authentic, Torah-true Judaism and meticulous, uncompromising adherence to Halachic observance. HaRav Yaakov Salzer zt”l, the first Rabbi of Adass Yeshurun and father of the current Rabbi, displayed the charisma and ground-breaking presence that was instrumental in orchestrating the influence that Adass Yeshurun came to exercise well beyond the confines of its own membership. This included establishing, amongst other things, such institutions as the Kollel Yad Shaul and the schools Yeshivas Toras Emes, Beis Yaakov and Shaarei Torah. In turn, this contributed significantly to the remarkable religious awakening that has taken place in the South African Jewish community, particularly in Johannesburg.

Until today the example that the Rabbi and the kehilla sets, and the facilities it provides, whether in education, kashrus, or the learning of Torah inspires and enriches Jewish life for the broad spectrum of Jews extending through the whole of South Africa.

From its beginning, the congregation was based in the suburb of Yeoville, then a mainstay of Jewish life. In 1999 it relocated to Glenhazel where a new beis medrash, hall and small campus was built to cater for the needs of the congregation. The vibrant presence of Adass Yeshurun in Glenhazel, the epicentre of Jewish Johannesburg, offers an anchor in the turbulent seas of contemporary life, and provides a genuine, Torah-true haven for those in pursuit of the lifestyle which the kehilla espouses.

Adass Yeshurun focuses on providing a single address for the needs of each member of the family. And in so-doing, it has grown to be “one big happy family”.

The unified aspirations of the members are successfully realised through the clarity of the leadership, which provides cohesiveness, security and focus, seldom found in communities today.

The Covid-19 pandemic has created difficulties for all institutions, Adass Yeshurun included. Assistance is needed now more than ever with the financial implications of non-attendance at shul for many months, having drastically reduced our income. Through your attendance at this event and financial contribution, you will enable us to continue our mission of building a society enriched and invigorated by the eternal heritage of our holy Torah.