Elphin Lodge loves Shabbat Project

Elphin Lodge Retirement Village in Lyndhurst, Johannesburg, had a Shabbat Project like no other last weekend, with the unveiling of a Sefer Torah for use on Shabbos and high holy days.

The Sefer Torah, which was obtained through the auspices of Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft, made the weekend’s shul services a wonderful spiritual experience, and the Shabbat Project even more meaningful.

Friday night’s service was well attended by residents and visitors, and on Saturday morning, there were more than 50 men and women in the lodge’s hall, separated by a mechitsa, all in their Shabbos finery. All COVID-19 protocols were strictly adhered to. The excitement was palpable at the unveiling of the Torah, which made everything that much more meaningful. The service was beautifully conducted by Benjy Rosen, assisted by Lawrence Margolis, Howard Evans, and Hugh Raichlin.

Raichlin held the congregation spellbound after the brocha by sharing his experiences, and residents begged him to speak beyond his allotted time.

The Torah will be kept in a lockable steel cabinet in a locked room, and insured by the Jewish residents of Elphin Lodge.

Elphin Lodge has celebrated the Shabbat Project over the past five years, but never quite like this!