DAVID SAKS
Pictured: Some members of the 1st Magen Scout Group at their investiture ceremony.
The enthusiasm for the project was well exhibited by both the Scouts and Cubs being invested and by the large number of parents and family members who attended to lend their support to the occasion.
Sunday’s investiture started 18 months ago when now Group Scouter Ronnie Lurie, approached the District Commissioner of the Gauteng Northern District, Don Norris, about the possible formation of a Scout Group to consist of members of the Orthodox Jewish community.
That contact, in itself, came about as the result of an article that had appeared in a regional paper. Partnering up with Gilad Spitalnik who drive the launching of the Group in the community things moved ahead slowly, gently and with great determination and have now come to full fruition.
Speaking to parents and the Scouts before the ceremony, Spitalnik said: “ There was a Jewish Group operating in Port Elizabeth during the 1950s, but they have ceased to exist. That makes us the first Jewish Group in Gauteng and the only one operating in South Africa at present.”
The “1st Magen Scout Group” hold their meetings on Sunday afternoons at 15:00 at Froggy pond, Club Street Sandringham. The Cubs will always welcome boys and girls aged between 7 to 11, and the Scouts are open to boys and girls aged between 11 to 18.
Further details can be obtained from Group Scouter Ronnie Lurie on 082-301-9556 or Pack Scouter (Cubs) Gilad Spitalnik on 072-857-0849.
aviva Baran-Rothschild
Jun 15, 2015 at 2:57 pm
‘Hello
I have had brief contact with Gilad around my son potentially joining Scouts. I am busy researching the Scouts as a whole and a few other community based options.
I do have a query though pls-In the Jewish Report it mentions that it is for members of the orthodox community. Do secular Jews not attend then? We are not practicing and my son does not go to a Jewish School and I although I am happy for him to learn about our culture, I wouldn’t want to feel pressurised to be observant or for him to feel singled out!
I would appreciate a frank and open response 🙂
Many thanks
Aviva’