Lifestyle/Community
Beit Luria – Joburg’s newest progressive congregation
Beit Luria Shul in the Willows Estate in Johannesburg has joined the South African Union for Progressive Judaism (SAUPJ), becoming the youngest and newest progressive congregation in southern Africa.
OWN CORRESPONDENT
The shul started in 2016 following encouragement from many members of the community, who indicated that they were looking for an alternative service and believed it was time for a Johannesburg shul to be led by a female rabbi.
At first, services were held at the home of Rabbi Julia Margolis, her husband, Greg, and their two daughters, but the community grew rapidly. From Kabbalat Shabbat services, to weddings, Bar/Batmitzvahs, baby namings, study discussions, and more, the rabbi’s home simply couldn’t accommodate the number of the people, so the shul eventually moved into the beautiful clubhouse of the estate.
Beit Luria holds two Friday evening services a month, and a Shabbat Shaharit service. Its congregants have been increasing slowly but steadily over the past year, and the community now numbers about 40-50 people, with about 25 members attending each service.
The shul looks forward to working with the SAUPJ to advance and promote the traditions and values of progressive Judaism within our community, and by extension, our country and the worldwide movement.