Posted to Shlichus on

Johannesburg Marks 40 Years of Shlichus

Johannesburg, South Africa [CHI] — In an event hosted by Lubavitch Foundation, over 300 members of Anash and Shluchim gathered Motzei Shabbos in Johannesburg to commemorate Shnas Hoarboim: the 40-year anniversary of official Shlichus in South Africa.

From its humble beginnings at ‘Chassidim Shul’ on Harrow Road, and the first Chabad House on Harley Street – both in Yeoville – the Shluchim’s outreach activities grew apropos the Rebbe’s vision of forty years ago. With 15 Chabad centers and shuls serving the local communities, Chabad has truly changed the African spiritual landscape.

The evening commenced with a video presentation reflecting Chabad’s impact since their arrival in Shevat 5732. A sicha of the Rebbe from Yud Shevat 5750 was then shown, relating the uniqueness of reaching the 40-year milestone – and its ultimate responsibility for further growth.

The Rebbe’s message resonated through the crowd as Shluchim and Anash announced the launch of Shnas Hoarboim: a corroborative ambition to reinvigorate the Rebbe’s famous ten-step mivtzoim campaign, as well as purchasing a new mivtza tank.

Rabbi Dovi Rabin of Chabad of Fourways delivered a dvar torah, stressing the importance of leaving our comfort zone, going out of our personal mitzrayim, and to together continue building Chabad in South Africa.

Mr. Louis Gavin then exhibited the new website specifically designed for the Shnas Hoarboim initiative. Employing the very latest in information technology, Mr. Gavin has created an interactive website where members of Anash, Shluchim, and those who have moved abroad can tell their story of Chabad’s influence in their lives.

The Rebbe’s Head Shliach to South Africa, Rabbi Mendel Lipskar, gave special recognition to Rabbi’s Bernhard and Bacher for tirelessly providing the framework to Chabad’s growth in South Africa.

In his address, Rabbi Lipskar spoke of the significance of Yud Shevat to the Chabad communities and the world at large. With great emotion and meaning, he further proclaimed that the Young Adults Minyan of Torah Academy would no longer be known as Tayam, rather as ‘Chassidim Shul’, commemorating Chabad’s pioneer establishment In Johannesburg.

As the evening drew to a close, the ‘Mivtzoim Teams’ were announced, comprising of Shluchim and Anash, and their intended goals for Shnas Hoarboim.

Photos by Joffie Berkowitz

Related Articles

13 Comments

  • From an insider

    the Rebbe said Koppel Bacher is the head Shliach. For those that were around, even before 40 years, know very well that it was Koppel Bacher who planted the seeds and made sure that S.A.should be what it is today! He is way too humble to take the credit he deserves!

  • MERVYN AND WANDA SACHO

    MAZELTOV, MAZELTOV -RABBI MENDEL AND MASHI, IT SEEMS THAT THE EVENT WAS MOST SUCCESSFUL SO SORRY WE COULDN’T BE THERE TO JOIN IN. THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL WORK THAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN JEWISH COMMUNITY.

  • fans of Shluchim in South Aftrica

    You made a small mistake, headline should have read:

    Celebrating the FIRST forty years of Chabad in South Africa!!

    May you go from strength to strength!!

  • west coast admirers

    Way to go Rabbi Katz a most devoted shliach together with his amazing wife.You make the Rebbe proud!

  • Bacher Family Johannesburg

    To the insider No: 1
    It’s important to clarify that Rabbi Mendel Lipskar is the Rebbes’ Head Shliach in South Africa. Rabbi Koppel Bacher was instrumental in bringing Rabbi Lipskar to this country, to be the Rebbes’ Head Shliach.

    Bacher Family

  • True Shluchim of the Rebbe!

    Rabbi Mendel and Mashi Lipskar
    True Shluchim of the Rebbe! Have given their lives to the South African community. They have created the Yidishkeit and the community that there is there today! Kol Hakavod! A standing ovation!

  • to #1

    When did the Rebbe say that exactly?? Koppel Bacher with all do repsect pushed and pestered the Rebbe to send South Africa a shliach for years, and finally in 1972 the Rebbe handpicked Rabbi Mendel and Mashi Lipskar to be the first shluchim to South Africa.
    Rabbi Lipskar himself acknowledged Rabbi’s Bernhard and Bacher for planting the seeds but as shlichus is concerned they were the first.

  • To #4

    There was Chabad in South Africa way before these “first” 40 years as you call them. The esteemed Chosid Rabbi Yirmiye Aloy together with his son-in-law Rabbi Gourarie were the ones who sewed those seeds.There are letters in the Friediker Rebbe´s library from Rabbi Aloy documenting the maamad gelt that he tirelessly collected.The Rebbe called Rabbi Aloy “the baal habayis” of South africa (there is a video of this) and considered Rabbi Gourarie his shliach in every sense of the word.

  • Bernhard David

    We were involved with Chabad when they 1st came to RSA. Later as Teachers in Torah Academy. Together with R’ Alex Carlebach started the Cheder … Wishing You all further Hatzlocho.. Rabbi Bernhard and Channah David

  • Bokke

    There are a few comments here that have tried to suggest classic shlichus politics in South Africa. As a South African let me tell you that what sets this community apart is the fact that much of the internal fighting that has hit other communities, is practically absent in South Africa. South African Anash and the shluchim are more interested in maaseh (and safety) than worrying about if Rabbi Aloy was the first shliach or not, and who carries the title of head shliach. This kind of debate, while being the mainstay in many (bored) communities, misses the radar here! The question is what is getting done in South Africa in the here and now! Chabad House is very active as are most of the shluchim. The average Lubavitcher is really not interested in this kind of kovod story and politics. Come see this community and you will see for yourselves… SA has issues, both spiritual and physical in nature, but these political ones, are certainly not felt. Please don’t try drag us down into this abyss of machlokes and fighting.