Voices
Johannesburg, not Jerusalem
MICHAEL SIEFF
I watched it all unfolding as I visited collection points in shopping areas and saw from afar our staff distributing cash and food parcels to recipients of welfare support. The collecting and distributing happened simultaneously throughout the day to ensure that the Purim mitzvah of matanot l’evyonim – gifts to the poor – was fulfilled strictly in accordance with the letter of Jewish law.
There are few occasions during the year that are as heart-warming to witness as Purim. I always find myself deeply moved by our exceptional community that responds, with warmth and open-handedness, to the call of the chag.
It’s not only that the message of charity on Purim is so closely aligned with the Chev’s work of looking after widows, orphans and the poor and helpless among us. It’s also that everywhere you look you see families in wonderful costumes, little ones in tow, rushing off to hear the megillah, distribute shalach manot, give tzedakah or attend a party.
Absorbing all this positive energy and activity one might be forgiven for imagining we were in the heart of Jerusalem. But this is Johannesburg, and even here Jews embrace a generosity of spirit and a love of tradition and halacha that must surely reverberate in Heaven.
People visited our residents at Sandringham Gardens, Our Parents Home and Selwyn Segal, to distribute ready-to-eat goodies and our dining-rooms provided festive Purim meals.
Volunteers throughout the community came to assist. Our amazing staff put in extra-long hours manning the collection points, call centres and monitoring the website.
It was a day packed to capacity with kindness and good deeds – all executed with a sense of joy and purpose. It was magical – just like the story of Purim.
For those dependent on the Chev, Purim will forever be a day of miracles. A day when they are remembered with dignity and respect; when their privacy is protected and their needs met by a gracious and loving community.
May our partnership continue to thrive.
