Umhlanga Jewish Centre

Umhlanga Jewish Centre
Religion
Affiliation	Modern Orthodox Judaism
Rite	Nusach Ashkenaz
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Synagogue
Leadership	Rabbi Gilad Friedman
Status	Active
Location
Location	81 Campbell Dr, Izinga Ridge, Blackburn, 4319, South Africa
Country	South Africa
Architecture
Type	Synagogue architecture
Date established	2014 (as a congregation)
Completed	2014

Umhlanga Jewish Centre (UJC) is a Modern Orthodox synagogue, Jewish Day School and Jewish Community Centre, situated in uMhlanga, an area north of Durban.

The centre is situated on the new 20,000-square-meter fenced security estate, Izinga and also includes an auditorium, Kollel , function hall, mikveh and kosher kitchen. The synagogue seats up to 350 worshipers. ^[1]

On 17 June 2014, the centre was officially opened with a foundation-stone ceremony attended by South Africa's Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein. ^[2]

History

The UJC was first conceived by Rabbi Pinchas Zekry, long-time rabbi of the Durban United Hebrew Congregation. Rabbi Zekry could see that the Jewish community on the Beara was shrinking as families migrated northwards of the city to Umhlanga.

The UJC was dedicated in 2014, with Rabbi Zekry addressing the congregation. Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, Jonathan Beare and Beit Din head Rabbi, Moshe Kurtstag were also in attendance. As well as the centre's dedication, the ceremony incorporated the opening of the Mikveh facility, the Beit Midrash library and a new media centre for Akiva College.

The UJC has the only daily minyan in Durban, shacharit, mincha, maariv and daily shiurim. Shabbat services include wonderful davening, a youth programme in a thriving community.

See also

• Durban Jewish Club

References

1. Izinga Estate on Umhlanga Ridge: Symbol and Symptom Arutz Sheva. 12 December 2014
2. Durban Jews move to Izinga The Jerusalem Post. 6 December 2014