Jewish community is well-catered for countrywide this Pesach

SUZANNE BELLING

But while celebrating the Exodus from Egypt might not bring about this miracle, there are magical getaways for those wishing to relax, without the hassle of Pesach preparations.

For Gautengers, there is the Pesach retreat at the Bon Riviera Hotel on the Vaal River. Organised by Rabbi Ari and Batya Kievman – prices from R1 990 per day per person (children at R995 and tots at R190) – with meals prepared by executive chef Alan Bender, the hotel offers luxury rooms with views of the Vaal.

There will be special treats in a tea room and three meals daily, glatt kosher and under strict rabbinical supervision.

Guests may choose to be part of a community, a semi-private or a private seder. People also can participate in the seders or yomtov meals only, or the all-women’s seders led by Bronya Shaffer.

Speakers on various topics will offer intellectual stimulation and during Chol Hamoed, guests can enjoy golf, the spa, a riverboat cruise and activities for the children at the Kids’ Club. For more information, contact PesachSA@gmail.com or call Rabbi Kievman on 079 424 1203.

There are only three rooms left at the Fairmont Zimbali Resort in Durban, near Ballito, according to Yechiel Asseraf, of Cape Kosher.

The package starts on Friday, April 22 through to Sunday, May 1 and includes a shul, community and private seders, with all meals under the strict rabbinical supervision of the SA Beth Din.

There will be a tea room serving Pesachdike goodies, a bar with alcoholic and soft drinks, late night buffets and packed box lunches for Chol HaMoed.

Golf, sports, and water sports will be available as well as braais and theme nights, as the entire hotel will be kosher for Pesach.

Safaris can be arranged, as well as scholars’ lectures and chazzonim.

A Shabbos eruv and minyanim on site, programme for teens and play groups for tots are on offer.

For costs and further details, email info@capekosher.com or call (011) 643-2840.

Avron Almeleh, of Avron’s Place in Sea Point, expects to get maximum three hours sleep a night over the Pesach holidays.

Not only is his restaurant open during Pesach, he is catering for seders at the Green and Sea Point Hebrew Congregation, Morasha and the Gardens Shul, as well as all seders and meals for the Pesach holiday at the President Hotel in Bantry Bay!

Strictly kosher under the Cape Beth Din, the President is located within easy walking distance of five shuls and is close to beaches.

“We have mashgichim on duty 24/7 and kiddies’ programmes and music (during Chol HaMoed).” he said.

People who want glatt kosher, chalav Yisrael and bishul Yisrael will be provided for and there will be an in-house shul.

Rabbi David Raphaeli, of Herzlia School, will be in attendance, as well as guest lecturers.

The getaway starts from 11:00 on Friday, April 22, with checkout at 10:00 on Sunday, May 1.

Lunch boxes will be provided for those who want to explore the Cape Peninsula during Chol HaMoed. The hotel offers all facilities.

Prices are from R2 975 to R5 640 per person per day (depending on the type of accommodation.) For further information, call Leigh on 072-595-6596 or go to avronsplace@mweb.co.za

In Umhlanga, ten days of Pesach is being organised by Shlomo Wainer, of Chabad of the North Coast.

“All meals, Shabbos and yomtov, including the seders and accommodation, are being organised. Or one can just book for the seders.” said Wainer.

There is a shul next door to the guest house and all services will be held.

The cost for the full Pesach package is R1 900 per adult per day (sharing), with reduced prices for children. For further information, call Orit on (031) 561-2487.

Plettenberg Bay offers a full Pesach programme at the Beacon Isle Hotel and includes services at the shul and both seders.

Meals will be served in the Island Diner and non-residents are welcome to attend the seders. All operations are under supervision of mashgicha Joan Estrin.

Plettenberg Bay Shul will be hosting a rabbi for the entire period, and shiurim will be announced. There will be entertainment, including a braai on Chol HaMoed.

For further information and prices call 083-327-6724 or email orge@islanddiner.co.za