The arrival of a new baby is a special simcha for both your family and our community. Please let the shul office know so that we can share in your joy and celebrate together.
If you have a baby boy, the Rabbi can advise regarding a mohel and would be honoured to officiate alongside the mohel. We would welcome hosting your bris and celebrations at the shul, and arrangements can be made through the shul office.
For a baby girl, it is traditional to name the baby in shul. These meaningful occasions are treasured by the community. The baby naming takes place in the presence of the Torah, and the father is honoured with an aliyah.
A Bar Mitzvah is one of life’s big milestones! At Marais Road Shul, we provide a fun-filled and meaningful framework to prepare our boys for their big day and beyond. As they begin their journey into Jewish adulthood, we guide them and equip them with the tools to participate in and integrate into the community, enabling them to continue developing their own Yiddishkeit.
The Barmi Club is our exciting learning and experiential programme for boys and dads celebrating their Bar Mitzvah at Marais Road Shul. It includes everything from laying tefillin to exploring community responsibility. The programme offers hands-on experiences with a variety of communal organisations, ranging from chesed initiatives to areas of religious practice. Each Barmi boy also has private sessions with Rabbi Hecht in the weeks leading up to his Bar Mitzvah.
Our Bat Mitzvah Club offers a meaningful and engaging journey as girls explore inspiring women in the Torah and the lessons they bring to our lives. Through interactive learning, hands-on activities, and creative experiences, each session is both enriching and enjoyable, with highlights including challah bakes, flower arranging, a CSO self-defence workshop, and guest speakers.
Girls are also encouraged to celebrate their Bat Mitzvah in a way that is meaningful to them. Rebbetzin Chani is happy to guide each family in choosing the right option, whether a candle-lighting ceremony, a Shabbat day Dvar Torah, or a Havdalah ceremony.
The programme culminates in our annual Bnot Mitzvah Ceremony, a joyful celebration where family and friends gather to mark the girls’ growth and learning.
So you’re engaged—next step, the wedding!
We would be honoured to be part of your simcha. Whether you choose to get married in our historic shul or at an outside venue, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Hecht will guide you on your journey to the chuppah and would be delighted to officiate and celebrate with you on your special day. Cantor Joffe is also available to provide heartfelt musical accompaniment.
To find out more, click below to be in touch with Josh at our office, who will gladly assist you with the process.
In accordance with Jewish tradition, the deceased is brought to burial as soon as possible, in a dignified and respectful manner.
The first step is to contact the Chevra Kadisha as soon as possible, at any time of day or night. If the deceased is male, his tallis should be provided, and they will need to know whether he was a Kohen, Levi, or Yisrael. For both men and women, the Hebrew (or Yiddish) name and the name of the deceased’s father are required. They will also ask whether a grave has been reserved, or if the family would like to arrange one. The deceased’s ID document is needed. In cases of uncertainty, a marriage certificate, older family members, or the Rabbi can be consulted.
The time of the funeral is arranged in coordination with the Chevra Kadisha and confirmed together with the Rabbi. Once finalised, family and friends can be informed.
For further information, please contact:
Shul Office: 021 439 7543
Chevra Kadisha: 082 570 8833 / 082 570 8834
