Welcome to the Gardens Shul

More than a Community the Gardens Shul is a Family!

Founded in 1841 we are the first Jewish community in Sub-Saharan Africa. As the original Congregation, we were responsible for and facilitated the establishment of many other Jewish communities in South Africa and are thus referred to as the ‘Mother Synagogue’ of South Africa.


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Rabbi Osher &
Sarah Feldman

Rabbi Osher and Sarah Feldman have been at the Gardens Shul for more than a decade and have been the driving force behind the rejuvenation and growth of the Gardens Shul. Warm, Passionate, Innovative and Dynamic, Rabbi and Sarah have endeared themselves to the community while creating a non-judgemental, welcoming space for Divine Worship, Spiritual Connection and Community Togetherness.


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When to be here

Services Times

WEEKDAY MORNING SERVICES:

Sunday: 8:00 am
Monday & Thursday: 7:00 am
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 7:15 am
Rosh Chodesh, Monday – Friday: 7:00 am
Public Holidays: 8:00 am

EVENING SERVICES:

Mid-May to Mid-September: 5:45 pm
Mid-September to Mid-November: 6:00 pm
Mid-November to Mid-March: 6:15 pm
Mid-March to Mid-May: 6:00 pm

SHABBAT SERVICES:

Mincha & Kabbalat Shabbat led by Chazzan & Choir
(As per evening times)
Shabbat morning: 8:30 am
Mincha followed by Seuda Shlishit, Maariv and Havdallah (As per Shul newsletter)

01.

Visitors

Before you come to Shul.
Where to stay & eat.


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02.

Who We Are

Meet the Gardens Shul family.
Find out more about us.


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03.

Learning & Events

The Gardens Shul has a wide variety of learning and engaging opportunities.


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04.

Our History

The Cape Hebrew Congregation,
1841 – 1905.


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Where History Meets Destiny!

More than a Community the Gardens Shul is a Family!

The Cape Town Hebrew Congregation – Gardens Shul – is situated on the historic Company gardens and located a stone’s throw from the South African Parliament complex.

Founded in 1841 it is the first Jewish community in Sub-Saharan Africa. As the original Congregation, it was responsible and facilitated the establishment of many of the other Jewish communities in South Africa and is thus referred to as the ‘Mother Synagogue’ of South Africa.

The original Synagogue known as the Old Shul, was built in 1863 and currently serves as the entrance to the South African Jewish Museum. The Old Shul stands alongside the Great Synagogue built in 1905 and is active till this very day. With its twin towers, impressive dome, intricate mosaics, stain glassed windows and expansive Sanctuary the Great Synagogue radiates a rich sense of history and tradition. It is an architectural masterpiece and a source of great pride for the South African Jewish Community.

The Gardens Shul is a thriving, warm and welcoming, traditional orthodox community led by a world-class team of Rabbi, Rebbetzin, Chazzan and Choir. It offers daily prayer services with full choral services for Shabbat and Festivals, blending traditional Chazzanut with contemporary, toe-tapping melodies. To pray at the Gardens Shul is to enjoy a unique and inspiring Spiritual experience at the tip of Africa.

You can join a tour of the Synagogue from 10 am – 4 pm Monday through Thursday. No booking is necessary. Please bring a valid form of ID for security purposes.

Visitors looking to attend a prayer Service at the Gardens Shul on Shabbat or Festivals please fill out our visitor’s form.


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