This Chanukah marked the 10th celebration of Chabad of the West Coast, headed by Rabbi Asher and Zeesy Deren who as Shluchim of the Rebbe appointed by Rabbi Mendel Popack, director of Chabad in Cape Town, started the Sinai Academy Jewish Day School and The Shul of Blouberg – West Coast in the Table View community.
In these 9+ years Chabad has become a thriving center through a plethora of activities, events, classes, and one on one connections with the souls of the beautiful community.
Shortly before Chanukah, Chabad of the West Coast held its annual event which this year celebrated a world-class line-up of Yonatan Razel, South African Celebrity Star Danny K and “A Jewish Star 2012” winner Choni G.
At the event, a video called “Atomic Goodness” produced by Shawn Levin captured some of the very powerful stories of the people who created this magnificent change.
Framed by the Rebbe’s talks on the lessons of Atomic Energy, the video captures five stories of people who utilized the atomic power around them to create transformative change for the good.
The event began with cocktails in the soaring glass lobby of the Africa’s most highly awarded Convention Center, the CTICC where the Corporate Reception guests enjoyed magnificent cocktail dinner that provided a delicious entre to a night of fine entertainment and support of a truly worthy cause.
Chairman Brian Singer and his wife Lee-Anne welcomed the guests with a short report-back on the growth and work of the West Coast Jewish community, as well as the success thus far in our Capital Campaign to eliminate all of the outstanding debt, and then introduced Rabbi Mendel Popack who brought greetings and words of inspiration.
Leader of the South African Opposition Party and Western Cape Premier Helen Zille, a close friend of our community, brought warm greetings from Government and then shared details about her personal admiration of and friendship with Rebbetzin Zeesy Deren and the Goldman family who then joined her on stage with a L’chaim and thank you to all of the guests, inviting them to continue on to the incredible evening waiting for them upstairs.
As the lights dimmed and the band slowly struck up the music the applauds welcoming Yonatan Razel was a powerful and exciting welcome to Yonatan’s first ever full concert in Cape Town. And what a concert it was…
From old-time favorites to new melodies bringing spice and spirit to both ancient lyrics and original compositions, Yonatan’s unparalleled status in the world of Jewish music today captured Cape Town’s heart and soul in a matter of minutes and wouldn’t let go till the night ended – or the weekend for that matter.
When he introduced South Africa’s popular Danny K on to stage the crowd went wild with excitement and Danny’s respect and love for Yonatan’s musical talents only reaffirmed what by now we all knew.
Cape Town’s favorite Choni G was then invited by Yonatan on stage and his honey golden voice and cool stage presence instantly reconnected us with one the up and coming stars of the Jewish music scene who sang with Yonatan and solo.
In perhaps the most moving moment of the night, as Yonatan with Danny and Choni closed the night with their joint performance of Yonatan’s Vehi She’omdo (sung today by every performer in the Jewish world…) they were joined on stage by a throng of children and teens, arm in arm, swaying and singing along “viHaKadosh Barch Hu Matzileinu…”
For the last 24 hours of 2013 Chabad of the West Coast is running a ChariDy cmapaign where you can make an atomic difference as well.
A donation of $180 become $720 and when translated in to R7,200 South African rand! Visit the campaign right now – https://www.charidy.com/chabadofthewestcoastmatch – and make a quadruple difference…
Rabbi and Mrs Mendel Popack are to be applauded for their long service to the Rebbes shlichus, they have been the backbone and foundation of Chabad of Cape Town for many decades. We salute you, Mendel and Avi!
Yehoshua and Batya Landes
Moshiach will land on Table Mountain, point across the bay to Chabad of The West Coast and acknowledge the immense zchus that Rabbi and Rebbetzin Deren and all those who holding on and hanging in and connecting… Your efforts and chayas are hastening and are instrumental in the speedy and imminent arrival of Moshiach.
From strength to strength,
Shlomo and Yona Lazarus and family
Wow!!!! Amazing concert!!!!!! Kol hacavod!!!
Ashy Deren You are a true Chosid.
Loved watching your EMESKEIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beautiful!
I spy shui !!!
We love the Derens.
Yasker Koach!
Levi
Lookin good.
From tue USA