For one hundred years, Marais Road Shul has been a cornerstone of Jewish life in Cape Town. Founded in 1926 as a small gathering for prayer, it has grown into a vibrant centre of communal life on the Atlantic Seaboard, bringing together generations of families from across the city and beyond.
Today, the shul is a caring, spiritual, and welcoming community, rooted in tradition and committed to meaningful, relevant Jewish life. Through tefillah, learning, celebrations, and social connection, we create opportunities for individuals and families at every stage to engage, grow, and feel a sense of belonging.
Under the leadership of Rabbi Pini and Chani Hecht, Marais Road Shul continues to build on its strong foundations while nurturing a warm and inclusive environment. As we enter our second century, we look ahead with confidence and purpose, strengthening Jewish life in Cape Town and ensuring that our shul remains a vibrant spiritual home for generations to come.
Members and guests are always warmly welcome to join and experience the life of our community.
Rabbi Pini and Rebbetzin Chani Hecht have been part of the Marais Road Shul community since 2013, with Rabbi Hecht now serving as Senior Rabbi. Together they are dedicated to nurturing a warm, vibrant Jewish community rooted in learning, connection, and meaningful Jewish life.
Rabbi Hecht was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and moved to South Africa as a young child when his parents began their work as Chabad emissaries in Johannesburg. He studied in yeshivot in London, Johannesburg, Israel, and the United States, and received his rabbinic ordination in Johannesburg.
Rebbetzin Chani, born in Antwerp, Belgium, trained as a teacher in Tzfat, Israel and taught Jewish Studies for many years at Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School. Today she plays an active role in developing programming for women, children, and families at the shul, and runs the popular Bat Mitzvah Club.
The Hecht’s are the proud parents of six children, three currently studying overseas and three at home, who all play a part in the life and energy of the community.
Cantor Ivor Joffe was born and educated in Cape Town and has served as Cantor and Choirmaster in leading communities in South Africa and Australia, including Schoonder Street Shul, Mizrachi Shul, and Leibler Yavneh College in Melbourne. For 24 years, he has served the Green & Sea Point Hebrew Congregation, often representing the Shul and the broader Cape Town Jewish community at communal ceremonies and events.
Ivor is Head of the Jewish Music Programme at United Herzlia Schools, where he enhances tefilah through music, directs choirs, and coaches students for performances locally and abroad.
An accomplished soloist, recording artist, and musical director, Ivor has performed across South Africa, Australia, Israel, England, and the USA. In 2016, he received the Jewish Care Cape Community Services Award for his contribution to Jewish music.
He was privileged to be mentored in chazzanut by Cantor Philip Badash.
The Marais Road Shul Choir has been a cornerstone of the Marais Road Shul and is the vocal heart of the our Shul. Known for its rich blend of traditional liturgical music and contemporary Jewish arrangements, the choir serves as a bridge between the golden age of Chazzanut and modern Communal Prayer.
Under the musical direction of Cantor Ivor Joffe and Choirmaster Joshua Friedman it is comprised of dedicated gentlemen ranging from seasoned singers to young, rising talented youth. This intergenerational mix ensures that the “Marais Road style” is preserved while constantly being infused with fresh energy.
Besides singing in Shul during Shabbat and Yomtov services, the Marais Road Shul Choir has gained recognition through Studio Recordings, Concerts and Events, performing at major communal events and interfaith gatherings. The Choir’s schedule is as varied as their talent. They are a valued presence at our Shul Services where their beautiful voices and harmonies bring a fresh energy to our traditional prayers. Their dedication and passion are a testament to the power of music to unite and inspire us all.
The Marais Road Shul Youth Choir has now also become an integral part of our Shul’s musical life. Under the guidance of Cantor Ivor Joffe these young voices are not only enriching services but also making their mark on a wider stage. As the Marais Road Shul Youth Choir continues to grow and perform they serve as a shining example of how tradition can be kept alive and dynamic through the energy and talent of the next generation.
