My Encounter With the Late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu; King Of The Zulu Nation

by Rabbi Alex Carlebach Chabad of Lyndhurst Johannesburg; South Africa

The late Alderman David Neppe O”H was a remarkable man. He served as a long time councilor in Johannesburg. He did all that he can for the betterment of his fellow Jews, as well as the Members of his Ward. He followed in his fathers footsteps, the late Alderman Max Neppe, and was appointed as Mayor of Johannesburg during 1988-1989.

Chabad of Lyndhurst was established Pesach 1984. Before settling in Lyndhurst, I visited many townhouses on Johannesburg Road, at the time it was about 80% Jewish. Upon ringing the bell of the first home I visited, I was pleasantly surprised to see a large picture of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in the hallway. This was the Neppe home, who have had Miracles from the Rebbe in regards to their family member. So began a wonderful relationship. We owe a debt of gratitude to David Neppe, who was very instrumental in getting Chabad of Lyndhurst on its feet.

David Neppe bestowed the great honor of appointing me as his Chaplain. We had many interesting stories of that period. Perhaps one of the most memorable ones, was the time he made an official dinner at the city council mayoral banquet hall, honoring the late king Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu. It was around the same time as the Lubavitcher Rebbe had promoted “Sheva Mitzvos Bnei Noach- the Torah laws that all nations of the world” should observe.

I discussed with some colleagues the idea of making a “Brocha-blessing over a king”. They readily agreed after all, this King has even more power over his people, than, say, the Queen of England has. I suggested to David Neppe, that when the King enters; I begin the proceedings with a short explanation of Sheva Mitzvos Bnei Noach and recite the Appropriate Brocha over a king. He readily agreed.

I will never forget. The king entered with a lot of pomp & ceremony. His subjects all bowed and some prostrated to the ground. I gave my little speechele, and recited the appropriate Blessing in Hebrew which I then translated; “BARUCH ATA HASHEM ELOKEINU MELECH HA-OLAM SHECHALAK MEEKVODO LIBASSAR VIDAM- BLESSED ARE YOU LRD KING OF THE UNIVERSE WHO HAS GIVEN OF HIS GLORY TO FLESH AND BLOOD’ ברוך אתה ה’ אלוקינו מלך העולם שחלק מכבודו לבשר ודם

Thank Gd it all made a favorable impression. During the banquet the king approached me. As I recall he was very well spoken, aand said “Rabbi I would like you to know this is the first time anyone has ever blessed me in the original language of the bible, in Hebrew. I believe in the GD given bible. I appreciate your blessing very much.”

All present including the Mayor were extremely impressed with his response to the Brocha-blessing and so ended an evening which left a kiddush hashem-sanctification of GD’s name on all those who attended