The mensch who cared about all humankind

RABBI DOVID HAZDAN

RABBI OF GREAT PARK SYNAGOUGE AND MEMBER OF AFRIKA TIKKUN BOARD

Dean – Torah Academy

But in fact, Bertie blazed many trails. He walked paths too numerous and too far-reaching to do them justice in a brief tribute to my dear beloved friend, congregant, supporter, confidant and mentor.

Bertie’s warm persistent smile belied his profound understanding and grasp of the enormity and urgency of the challenge and task at hand. His tears, which welled up easily, most often expressed his deepest joy and pride.

Bertie exuded vision, leadership, determination, positivity, gratitude and grit. He passionately relished each moment with a commitment to suck the marrow out of every day. He personified the art of celebrating life. Even through seasons of illness and debilitation, he spoke little of his own maladies and difficulties, but much more about addressing the needs of others.

He carried his international renown and the many honours that he received on the world stage with an understated image of the ordinary and average human being. He refused to take himself too seriously. He had time and respect for everyone. He was a listener who genuinely took interest in people.

His concern and love knew no limitations and cut across the diversity of culture, politics, social standing, colour, religion and age. At Great Park Shul he was sought after and consulted for his sage advice by the elders of the congregation, even as he savoured his self-assumed role as the children’s “Bertie, the sweet man”.

He immersed himself in the vast macro-responsibilities of the chairman of Afrika Tikkun without losing an iota of his innate care and concern for the parking attendant, a street beggar, a golf caddy or any other individual’s need.

He was a proud Jew and deeply involved in the needs of the Jewish community and Israel. He was delighted with Israel’s achievements, and particularly gratified by the accomplishments of Ben-Gurion University

It was always a joy and a privilege to share time with Bertie. Every year he arranged the participation of the Field Band at the departure of Cycalive from Johannesburg and at the cyclists’ arrival in Durban. He was personally present. 

More than his enjoyment of the soul stirring sounds of the brass band, was his nachas and joy that another budding talented South African musician had been discovered and honed. He participated when Great Park hosted the residents of Selwyn Segal and Kibbutz Lubner. He had a personal relationship and interaction with each of the residents.

There have been so many treasured memorable moments: The Friday night Shabbat dinners, the weekly Great park Shul services, the Afrika Tikkun board meetings, the Rabbi Cyril Harris Community Centre events, the visits to the “Cradle to Career” Afrika Tikkun Centres in Alexandra township, Orange Farm and Diepsloot, the graduation ceremonies of hundreds of college students in whom he had invested, the soul moments in Israel, in Plett, at his grandchildren’s bar- and batmitzvah celebrations and at Bertie and Hillary’s 60^th anniversary celebrations last year.

The timing of Bertie’s passing will only allow for two days of Shiva mourning before Pesach. Bertie made sure that the mourning period for him would be cut short and that we would immediately move on to busy ourselves with freedom – in ourselves and for all around us.

Meantime, he has no doubt already formed a committee and convened a meeting with the angels on High, to secure the requirements of his People Israel and the needs of all mankind.

Bertie’s greatest love and joy was his family.  Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with Hillary, Marc, Toni, Sue and Richard, Ronnie, Pamela and the Lubner family. May Hashem give you and our entire community, the strength and courage to continue building the magnificent legacy that Bertie has bequeathed to us.