Concert encourages mitzvahs

Nearly 2 000 Joburg Jews gathered at The Teatro at Montecasino on Tuesday evening, not just to watch two international music stars, Simcha Leiner and Nachman Solomon, but for a sense of togetherness, purpose, and responsibility. 

The evening went beyond the songs, including moments of reflection and prayer. Rabbi Aharon Zulberg of The Base South Africa, delivered a message of unity and communal responsibility during a challenging time for Israel. 

A collective recitation of Tehillim (Psalms) was a defining moments of the evening, with the audience joining in prayer for the safety and protection of Israelis, particularly soldiers and civilians affected by the war. 

Reflecting on the evening, Zulberg said, “The community came together in strength and solidarity for music and inspiration. It was powerful to celebrate our culture and who we are, with our voices united in prayer for peace and protection for our brothers and sisters in Israel.” 

The evening concluded with a call to action. Attendees were invited to take on one small, personal commitment, a mitzvah, as a way of carrying the experience forward. A digital form, shared during the event and accessible at https://jnml.io/TheBaseBandQR, invites participants to choose a simple, meaningful action, such as daily prayer, an act of kindness, increased mindfulness in Jewish practice, or strengthening one’s connection to Israel.