ISAAC REZNIK

Rabbi Rabinowitz was the spiritual leader of the South African Jewish community from 1945 to 1961. These years were the most crowded and eventful in Jewish history. They were the years which, after the virtual extinction of European Jewry, witnessed the almost miraculous re-emergence of an independent State of Israel.

But even during the more prosaic years which followed, the manifold problems of living in the South African Diaspora exercised the minds of all thinking Jews.

Rabbi Rabinowitz was without doubt the most distinguished representative of the South African Jewish community during these years and his sterling work, on behalf of the community and its religious, educational and philanthropic institutions, left an incredible imprint, which may yet be discerned up to the present day.

He served as chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregation and chief rabbi  of the Federation of Synagogues, and as professor of Hebrew at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Rabbi Rabinowitz was the absolute master of the spoken word, and was supreme on the pulpit, He was a prolific writer and penned many books and articles.

Throughout the years of his ministry in South Africa, Rabbi Rabinowitz fought passionately and unceasingly, without fear of criticism, for what he believed in.

A talmid of his, the late Rabbi Dr Gerald  Mazabow z.tl, published a book entitled “To Reach for the Moon”, as reflected in his public addresses, sermons and writings. Everyone should  have a copy of this publication in their library      

May the memory of the late chief Rabbi Louis Rabinowitz be for a blessing.