Same folk, different strokes 

Painting and cheesecake-tasting sound like a good way to prepare for Shavuot. That’s exactly how the women of the Pretoria Jewish community spent Sunday, 17 May, at the Hebrew Congregation Shul. 

They created art, scored cheesecakes made by Johannesburg bakeries and the congregation’s kitchen, and enjoyed a milchik meal. 

Led by art teacher Shannon Shneier, each participant was given the same instructions and the same watercolours, yet every artwork created was unique. The same applied to the cheesecakes. Although all were made using Chalav Yisrael cheese, cream and other ingredients, no two cakes were alike. 

Rebbetzin Aviva Fox said the message was that each of us is unique, able to serve Hashem through the individual talents and gifts He has bestowed upon us. 

Hashem also gives us the strength to extend ourselves beyond our comfort zones, just as Batyah, the daughter of Pharaoh, reached beyond herself to save Moshe, and in doing so, created something beautiful and extraordinary, Fox said. 

The powerful connection to Hashem was reflected throughout the evening, as creativity, warmth, and individuality came together in an uplifting experience.