Rabbinical students plan marathon Joburg Megillah readings

Rabbinical College of South Africa (RCSA) students are preparing for what has become one of the most ambitious outreach efforts of their year – Purim. 

They have already selected more than 40 locations across Johannesburg for Megillah readings, including old-age homes, hospitals, corporate offices, and private residences. Their aim is simple: to ensure that those who might otherwise miss out on the festival are able to participate fully in its mitzvot and message. 

Tzvi Gordon, one of the senior students coordinating the initiative, said the scale of the operation reflected the demand and students’ commitment. “We’ve had many people reach out who wouldn’t have the opportunity to hear the Megillah otherwise,” he said. “So we’re going out to them. As of now, we have more than 40 places we’re going to.” 

Though hearing the Megillah is central to Purim, Gordon stresses that the initiative is designed to help people fulfil all four of the day’s mitzvot: hearing the Megillah; giving tzedakah; exchanging mishloach manot; and partaking in a festive meal. “On Purim, there are four specific mitzvot,” he said. “Hearing the Megillah is one of them, but we try to help people do all four.” 

For many individuals, especially the elderly, hospital patients, or those tied up at work, attending a full Megillah reading can be difficult. The reading takes about 20 minutes, and every word must be heard. The students, therefore, bring the Megillah directly to them. 

They also carry charity boxes and coins so that recipients can immediately perform the mitzvah of giving tzedakah. Ready-made mishloach manot packs are distributed so people can exchange gifts of food, and refreshments brought along contribute to the festive seudah. “In that way,” Gordon said, “even if someone can’t get to shul or doesn’t have family around, they’re still able to take part in all four mitzvot.” 

The students will spend the entire day of Purim travelling from one location to the next, carefully coordinating time slots to accommodate as many requests as possible. “We’ll be running around the whole day,” Gordon said. “That’s the name of the game.” 

For him, Purim isn’t just about celebration, it carries a deeper and enduring message. “Purim is the epitome of antisemitism, a decree to wipe out every last Jew,” he said. “The way we came out of it was by celebrating who we are and strengthening our Judaism.” 

He believes that message is particularly relevant. “It wasn’t about negotiating or blending in,” he said. “It was about being openly Jewish, learning, doing mitzvot, and standing strong in who you are. That’s what the four mitzvot represent.” 

The students aim to translate that message into action by ensuring that no Jew feels isolated from the community or from the joy of the day. 

Though the Purim initiative is intensive and highly visible, it’s built on a foundation of consistent weekly outreach programmes. 

Every Friday, RCSA students head out across Johannesburg to visit offices and old-age homes such as Golden Acres, Elfin Lodge, and Tarental. They help individuals put on tefillin, light Shabbat candles, and connect to mitzvot they may not otherwise be able to perform. 

“Some people tell us we make their week,” Gordon said. “There are people who haven’t seen their children in years. They’re looking forward to us coming.” 

This year, the yeshiva has about 40 students, including 10 South Africans alongside others from Australia, Belgium, the United States, and Canada. The group includes younger students as well as senior students in their early 20s who mentor them and help lead initiatives like the Purim outreach. 

By the time Purim arrives, the students won’t be strangers knocking on doors. They will be familiar faces, returning with the Megillah in hand, bringing not only the reading of an ancient story, but reassurance, connection, and shared identity. 

On Purim, that connection becomes celebration.