By COLlive reporter
At South African Jewry’s most prestigious annual awards event held on Sunday 7 November, the coveted Community Service Award was conferred upon seasoned Shluchim, Rabbi Yossy and Rochel Goldman of Johannesburg.
The Jewish Achievers event hosted by the community’s Jewish newspaper, the SA Jewish Report, is always much anticipated with many nominations in every category. While most awards are business-related, the Community Service award is not. It focuses attention and recognition on those who have given dedicated and distinguished service.
The Goldmans are widely beloved and respected for their 45 years of Shlichus; originally at Chabad House and then at the iconic Sydenham Shul. Indeed, they have given distinguished service with excellence, talent, commitment, and creativity.
As reported on COLlive.com, Rabbi Goldman has recently transitioned to Life Rabbi Emeritus at Sydenham Shul and still serves as President of the South African Rabbinical Association. He continues to speak, write, and consult and is currently on a busy speaking tour of the USA.
Rebbetzin Rochel, always brimming with energy and enthusiasm, continues to inspire in South Africa and beyond, as an educator and role model to women of all ages and backgrounds.
Those paying tribute to the Goldmans came from far beyond the Sydenham Shul. South Africa’s Head Shliach Rabbi Mendel Lipskar, Dayan of the Beth Din Rabbi Gidon Fox, and Rabbi Dovid Hazdan, Dean of the Torah Academy Schools.
They were joined by eminent titans of industry, High Court Judge Meyer Joffe, radio personality Gareth Cliff, Discovery CEO Adrian Gore, Chairman of South Africa’s Premier Soccer League Irvin Khoza, and Benjy Porter, Editor of the South African Jewish Report.
In accepting the award, Rabbi Goldman quoted the Rebbe’s letter that “it is not on behalf of myself but on behalf of the movement that I represent.”
As Rebbetzin Goldman said, quoting the Rebbe’s message to South Africa that “Moshiach is coming soon. It will be good (there) until then and even better thereafter” wasn’t just a blessing but our marching orders” – a march which the Goldmans have mastered with distinction.
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