Congregation joins drive to save Edenvale Shul

More than 70 congregants of Edenvale Shul recently met at the shul’s premises to commit to doing what they could to raise funds in an effort to ensure the shul’s sustainability after being given an update on the shul’s financial position and its future. 

The shul’s long-serving chairperson, Evan Stein, who has led the community for 15 years, opened the evening by reflecting on the road Edenvale Shul has travelled. Like many community institutions, the shul has historically relied on donations to meet its running costs. In August 2024, the chairperson and then treasurer became acutely aware that the shul was “on borrowed time” financially, with monthly expenses increasingly difficult to meet. 

Edenvale Shul carries no debt and owns its buildings outright, its treasurer said at the time. The challenge is purely operational – to meet monthly running costs. The shortfall currently stands at about R81 000 a month, setting the annual budget at close to R1 million, an amount which, in the context of community institutions, isn’t especially large. 

“This isn’t about paying off loans or covering past expenses,” he said. “It’s about keeping the lights on, the doors open, and the community functioning.” 

The chief rabbi was approached ahead of the 2024 yom tov period, and over the months that followed and into 2025, the shul’s leadership continued to seek meaningful financial assistance. The support provided only took the form of endorsement letters. These were initially intended to be sent out by the chief rabbi, but the shul was advised to distribute them independently, attached to a letter from the chairperson. While this outreach programme brought in some funds, it didn’t address the shul’s ongoing financial shortfall. 

During this period, a new treasurer took the reins, and together with the chairperson and Rabbi Ze’ev Gruzd, and with the help of members of the committee, a detailed presentation was made outlining the vibrancy of Edenvale Shul, including daily minyanim; full attendance on chaggim; and the wide range of religious and communal programming that the shul provides. 

In spite of the financial strain, the shul continued to operate through the steadfast support of two long-standing donors and a timely donation from a deceased estate. 

At the 2025 yomim noraim services – Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – an appeal was made directly to the community from the bimah. Congregants gave as much as they could, and their response ensured that the doors of the shul remained open through the high holy days. The shul’s leadership emphasised that Edenvale wasn’t a wealthy community, though commitment to sustain the shul is strong, financial capacity within the community is limited. 

Rabbi Gruzd spoke movingly about the sense of family that defines Edenvale Shul. He and the rebbetzin, he said, consider it a privilege to serve the community and have reached out to former members now living overseas in the hope of securing support. Though some have been able to assist, many have sent heartfelt messages expressing how deeply they miss the shul and how they have never quite found another community like it. He also urged every member of the community to do what they could within their own means and abilities to support and strengthen the shul. 

Edenvale Shul serves as a central hub for religious life and communal connection. The shul has hosted Purim parties with more than 100 attendees; shiurim in the sukkah; Shavuos dinners; and a full calendar of chaggim and events that draw families and individuals together and keep the community connected. 

The recent meeting ended with a clear and hopeful message. No-one wants the shul to close. Congregants expressed a shared determination to carry on and protect the community they call home. Leadership explained that securing close to R1 million in outside support would provide the essential foundation the community needs. With that base in place, the constant pressure of surviving month to month would be eased, allowing congregants to focus their energy on building sustainable fundraising initiatives and long-term financial stability. 

The community emphasised its commitment to continue working, fundraising, and creating new ideas, but acknowledged that without this outside contribution, it couldn’t raise this amount of money on its own. 

Many congregants also shared concern that if Edenvale Shul were to close, they wouldn’t simply move elsewhere. For them, this isn’t just a place to daven, but their spiritual home. Leadership noted that, from a halachic perspective, closing a shul in an area where there is no alternative place of prayer raises serious concerns for a community that still has active and committed members. 

The evening concluded with a call to action, not only for financial contributions, but for connections. Community members were encouraged to reach out to friends, family, and networks who may be in a position to help bridge the current gap and secure the shul’s future. 

As one attendee summarised the mood in the room: “We have the people. We have the life. We just need the means to keep our home standing.”