Marais Road Shul remodelled and ready for future

One of Cape Town’s most iconic and beloved shuls recently completed the first phase of its remodelling project. The Marais Road Shul, formally the Green & Sea Point Hebrew Congregation, underwent a transformation in which much of the shul’s interior and exterior was uplifted and modernised, while honouring its legacy so that it remains attractive, comfortable, functional, and relevant to a contemporary audience.

“Over the past few months, as we embarked on the historic remodelling of our beloved shul, we found ourselves peeling back layers of time. Moving old bookcases, removing seat backings, we didn’t just imagine those stories, we caught a glimpse of them,” said Rabbi Pini Hecht, the shul’s rabbi.

“We found a Yiddish newspaper from 1961. A high holy day seating ticket from 1970 – faded echoes of those who once filled these very seats. There was a tram ticket, and a programme of a youth Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration, evoking the energy of a community that celebrated together from across the city,” said Hecht.

The shul hosted an event on Lag B’Omer on Thursday, 15 May, to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter and confirm its commitment to the future.

The remodelling project also received a stamp of approval from Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, who sent the shul a letter wishing it a yasher koach (good job).