Ohr Somayach, South Africa

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Ohr Somayach in South Africa is an affiliate of Ohr Somayach, Jerusalem, a network of Haredi yeshivas and Synagogues. Like its parent institution, it focuses on educating baal teshuvas ("returnees" to Orthodox Judaism). It has branches in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

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Johannesburg's main campus, in Glenhazel, was founded by Dayan Boruch Rapoport, [1] [2] Rabbi Shmuel Moffson and Rabbi Larry Shain. it includes a full-time Yeshiva, headed by Rabbi Shimon Wolpe. Its Bet Midrash was established in 1990, and its Kollel, Toras Chaim , in 1996 which is currently headed by Rabbi Yechezkil Auerbach and Rabbi Yoel Smith ; it operates the Ma'ayan Bina Midrasha.

In other locations, [3] Ohr Somayach has a minyan in nearby Savoy Estate, while the Sandton branch (est 1991) under Rabbi Ze’ev Kraines, is a “Shtiebel-like” shul and Bet Midrash, and also houses a nursery school. The Shaarei Torah Primary School is based on the main campus. Ohr Somayach Cape Town is a community located in the heart of Sea Point. "Ohrsom" is the young adults' division with its own Shul in Glenhazel, as well as a satellite campus in Sandton. The Sunny Road Shul is an affiliated community, comprising mainly young families.

The Meshech Chochmah Yeshiva , currently headed by Rabbi Shimon Wolpe, is based in the Ohr Sameyach Bet Midrash and is a fully functioning Yeshiva with three learning sessions a day. Rabbi Michael Olitzki is the current Mashgiach and also serves as the second Rabbi. Joining them currently is Rabbi Golombik who serves as the current afternoon Rabbi.

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References

  1. "UOS".
  2. "Seen drinking coffee in a treif restaurant". www.sajr.co.za. Archived from the original on 18 June 2019.
  3. "Home". ohrsomayach.co.za.