Unveiling of heritage plaque at Temple Israel

OWN CORRESPONDENT

Temple Israel still serves a small but active congregation and holds services weekly, the shul said in a media release.

Reeva Forman, chairman of the synagogue, has expressed her gratitude to the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation for its decision to confer heritage status on Temple Israel.

“Temple Israel represents a genuine commitment to the inner city of Johannesburg,” she said. “It represents the early history of Progressive Jews in South Africa, and holds important memories for our congregation. Our first rabbi, the late Rabbi M C Weiler, was a great proponent of human rights and believed that the essence of Judaism is a commitment to others.

“Under his leadership the congregation established a primary school in Alexandra (township northeast of Johannesburg) – now known as the M C Weiler School – and continued to grow and support the school throughout the dark days of apartheid.

“He was also deeply committed to women’s rights and was the first South African rabbi to promote the equal involvement of women in all aspects of Jewish practice. So, we have a proud history.

“At the same time, Temple Israel is a contemporary institution, a home for Jews from a variety of backgrounds, and a welcoming space for visitors. We engage with our neighbours in the churches and in the residential communities and we are committed to the ongoing improvement of the area.”