STGSM Rosh Hashana 2026

STAN THE GOOD SHABBOS MAN ROSH HASHANA 2026

A sweet new year.

Together. ‫שנה טובה‬ 5787

From our family to yours.

STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 2 www.istore.co.za

From the beloved country may you have a shana tova and easy fast. May Hashem inscribe all of you for a healthy and prosperous year Stan The Good Shabbos Man, is a ‘Mishugas’ on the Internet, and as the years go by soooo fast, it seems to keep growing at quite a pace…….I am in the 26th. year of writing a weekly Shabbos greeting to a few “ Cuzzies” and Chavers, which has grown to a giant , getting close on 7 million ‘Hits’ on the website monthly and an average of 35,000 unique visitors every month …. Letters going out weekly to subscribers…..But these are getting blocked/junk mail, spam etc…. So it looks like readers will access at https:// www.stantgsm.com/newsletter in the near future …….

The Letters can be reached under Newsletters and we post thee current and a few back issues….after changing the Website site a little, the old letters are at the top and you click on the “V” and it scrolls down to the current letter…

This year the World Cup Sokka brought in huge traffic to the website The content each week has a few permanents like the weather, sport, safety tips, BUT ….there after it just branches out into the ‘flavour’ of the week, in ‘Yiddisher’ happenings in the ‘Beloved Country’ for the week, plus any e-mails I receive on interesting topics, which is news worthy to the many readers……and mainly covers ‘Yiddisher’ Souff Effrikken’s here and around the World…….. This year the Middle –East and local political Gunavis have been the main topics We are at the end of the All Blacks tour which has created unprecedented interest among sports (Rugger) lovers……..After all these years, a long tour finally took place…….. NOT close to what we had ‘Amolikke Yoren “ in the 1960’s/70’s, which can never be replaced can never be repeated……

The past year has been a huge challenge Worldwide, not only Economically, BUT….on the political front with soooo much Terrorism taken place around the World…….Hopefully the New Year will bring a bit of Peace …..This is ‘Tukka’ a Mishugana world we are living in these days, with soooo much violence, especially against the ‘Yiddisher’ communities of the World….. Will Israel ever see true peace ?????

I would like to thank my sponsors for their continued support, as they help make it possible to run the website, and print the yearly Yomtov greeting……

To Rabbi Yossy Goldman, for supplying the ‘Vort’ each week, for ‘Many Yoren’……the effort is much appreciated……and the quality and simplicity, makes it a favourite among readers………

I hope this Newspaper edition for the Yomtayvim finds you well and a ‘Gutte Yomtov’ to alllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll…May 5787 be one of peace & health & happiness Stan The Good Shabbos Man www.stantgsm.com You only miss what you got, when you haven’t got it anymore……

STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 3

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Luvly ‘Meisa’……. Pierre & Manny Pierre didn’t know where it came from, he only knew that it came and it helped in oh-so-many ways. The money always arrived with a small short note that simply said, “Keep up the great cause, we will prevail,” and was simply signed, “Manny.”

Pierre didn’t know who Manny was - nobody did! Not then anyway, we do now. But this was during World War II when the Black Horror was sweeping Europe that’s what Manny called it, The Black Horror, & of course he was referring to the Nazi plague that was taking over most of the continent. Pierre was a leader of the French Resistance, commonly called the underground. He fought with groups of French citizens in the best way he could, by living within main society and leading bands of armed resistance against the Germans in clandestine activities. They would ambush German patrols, blow up German installations and sabotage Nazi operations in any way they could.

The Allies were good at providing arms and weapons, but the underground also needed money. That was a commodity that was very hard to come by during the war, especially when your country is completely occupied by an invading military force.

And that’s where Manny came in .He sent money, and he sent a lot of it. Manny was Emmanuel Goldenberg, born a Romanian Jew, who was now living in America. Manny had done very well in his life and he knew only too well what kinds of horrors were going on in his native Romania & the rest of Europe . Jews and others were being gassed and killed by the millions and he had to do something.

One thing he could do was use his good fortune to help the war effort. He had tried to join the Armed Forces, but he didn’t qualify, so he did what he could. He sent money to where it was needed the most - to the resistance as I said; Pierre was one of the leaders of the resistance. There were many, but Pierre controlled the action around the area of Normandy . He and his people were very instrumental in assisting the Allied invasion on D-Day by sabotaging redirecting many Nazi forces moments before the actual invasion.

Much of this was possible because of the money that arrived every month. Month after month for two years money arrived for Pierre and his cause from Manny.

It never failed! It literally saved the day. No, Pierre never knew who Manny was, only that he sent money for food, clothes, gasoline and many other important things.

But years later, we know who Manny was, that silent guardian angel of the French underground. So do you. He was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, and a fine gentleman. It’s a Little Known Fact that a very important part of the success of the French underground came from a source they never knew: Emmanuel Goldenberg, or as you knew him, the very fine actor Edward G. Robinson.

P.S. Not many know that he was a famous actor in the Yiddish theatre before he became a movie star

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Consolidation 2026 What is actually going to happen to the ‘Yiddisher’ community in the ‘Beloved Country’ looking ahead..???

Methinks that because the community is a very close knit unit by and large, things should stay virtually the same…BUT…….it is not what the ‘Yiddisher’ community want, BUT….what the country wants, and methinks that things are very volatile at the moment, and the insecurity with our Government ‘Balabatim’ is at danger point …….

With the ‘Buffalo’ (Cyril Ramaphosa) the Presidente, without much power…… That is a reality…….. BUT…..he keeps pushing the Israeli court case, which is being pushed by his side kicks…….

Since ’94, the position/condition of the majority of the population has Tukka gone down, and only a small amount of previously disadvantaged people have benefited and of course the High fliers, who have been scoring off Tenders fraud/state capture etc. ……

How long can Souff Effrikka afford the cost of ‘Gunvining’ on the humungous scale that has been going on……. Methinks it has gone up since Mc Buffalo took over……. The amount of theft and outright fraud has rabbled since the ‘Zupta’ era The recession we find ourselves in, will get worse before it gets better, and the population are suffering, big time….. Not an industry that has not been affected, and what remedial action do the ‘Men from the Ministry’ take - None…..

Then there are a small minority of the population called ‘Yidden’ trying to carry on ‘as normal’…..not possible, and the time has arrived for the Community to start working together, for the continued survival of what the community has, and wants to maintain …..

Unfortunately, the community is an ageing community, and it is that much more difficult to maintain the huge infrastructure that we have…… Immigration is a reality, and according to stats, most Yidden are making Aliyah, as it has become too difficult for families to manage in the normal immigration haunts like Oz, USofA ,UK and Canada …………Times are very hard at the moment, and proper leadership is needed to keep the community intact ….Continually stretching scarce ‘Yiddisher’ resources, will see a total collapse of the community….

At the moment there is a ‘Skrikky’ amount of Yidden who have fallen on bad times, and in most cases it is a question of not how they got into these situations, BUT…..with the economy as weak as it is, and the difficulty for 40 / 50 year olds that have been retrenched to get employment is really sad, and methinks it will still get worse, and I am not convinced that we will get out of the tough cycle quickly, and it could take many years to come right..?????? What we have to ask ourselves, what happens now…???? Does the Community keep growing in every direction, or should we not consolidate, and work together…??????

Time for the ‘Balabatim’ to make some wise choices……

This is where I ended off…… In the next 8 years I have been hammering home facts, which these days is more true when I

started this ‘thought’..

The Old joke “ Why are there no Café’s anymore????? Because as soon as on closes they open a ‘Shtiebel, and I do understand that a Lubavitch group wont daven with a Kollelnik, and so it goes on….There was a problem years ago in Germany, on a small deserted island, population 200, and among those 200 were a few Chabadniks & a Few (Deutche ) Kollelniks….Neither group had 10 men to make a Minyan, so after squabbling for many months, they finally came to their senses and made an arrangement that there would be ONE joint Minyan, 3 times a day…What was proposed ..??? The Minyan would start VERY punctual, 45 Minutes late each Minyan…..The Kollelniks were happy as they could still be ON time, 45 minutes late, and it suited the Chabadniks who are generally late !!!!!!! If they could sort something out, surely OUR much smaller community now can somehow share some facilities regarding schools, shuls etc….. The cost to the community of every Rabbi having his ‘own’ Kehilla, and facilities has just become to much on the small Yiddisher community……. Methinks in the last year, 6/7 NEW Shuls have gone up, and in most cases it’s not only for the current Kehilla, BUT ….Poaching is rife….and some shuls are just hanging on, as they won’t amalgamate, and the costs have sky rocketed….

In the past 2 months alone there must have been a dozen phoneathons, Fundraisers, Triple bonuses ….’Ig Weis nit vos else’….????? For Shuls & schools….It is actually Mishuga what’s going on, with soooo many needy Yidden in the community……

The average Yid is called many, many times every month to give…….. It is out of hand……. It is Tukka time to consolidate and tighten up…..Look at what security costs to keep these institutions safe alone…….????

It’s wonderful to see such expansion, but we are losing many top members of the community …….. and most importantly, BIG donors…… A few years ago, I heard a stat that I could not believe, that about a dozen families/Trusts donate 85% of all charity in the Beloved Country….

Many of the BIG donors have passed on/left and although their trusts still give plenty , it has changed…… Look at the burden that the Chevra Kadisha are facing, with more and more families becoming dependant on charity to survive……… It’s a wakeup call……..

One just has to look at one small example of Restaurants in Joburg….. at one satge, there was such a choice, BUT….as the population dwindled and the economy got tight, sooo many have closed……

It’s there for everyone to see….. and yet expansion of infrastructure continues….. As a community, let’s start tightening up, so that what is available can be maintained……

We need a strong ‘Yiddisher’ Capatin of industry to steer the Community ship…..

GOOD YOMTOV, Stan The Good Shabbos Man

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E-Mazing Pictures!

Adele & Alan Gross -

Alan ,Irwin & Travis Rabinowitz

Alan & Lucelle Salomon -

Alan Snoyman & Marcelle Ganz

Ann & Michael Pimstein - Copy

Anne Stamelman, Doreen Fittinghoff & Beulah Jankelowitz

Antthony & Jodi Toker

Asher & Attia

At the Rugger with Cecil Sher-1

Ava with Brian & Lynette Sims

Barry & Gillian Jankelowitz - Copy

Batsheva,Liran & Jayden Smookler

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Sandringham Strip in the Shtetl……….( Glenhazel ).2026 The Sandringham ‘Kosher’ strip is Tukka still a very good shopping area, with most of the Shopkella’s having had a ‘Makeover’….

The Shopkella’s offer Good wholesome ‘Gericten’ for the Yidden and it continues to E-maze who usy the Strip is still after many years……..

Tiberius Fish Shoppe, has a new Owner Michelle , It has been going for many years and continues to come up with new dishes …. Her Fish Burger is E-mazing and I must say that their ‘Vis & Tjips’ are the best…….. Fresher fish is still in the sea…… Michelle has done a complete make over and the Shop looks fantastic…., The Homemade Potato Crisps are fantastic….………The fish offering is superb …… Michelle also offers Catering and does many Simcha’s, Brocha’s etc…..…….Mike is a Master Barrister and the Coffee is fantastic Maxi’s Butcher & Chicken Shop has some E-mazing items on offer, and there Biltong & Dried Boerie’s is always available….. They have Braaaaaaaaaaaied meat, and you can order it pre-cooked, and save the hassle……. Trevor is always trying new ‘Gerichten’ and his Smoked Pastrami is a winner….. A large variety of Poultry products available….. One of our Chefs Drikkus has been @ Maxi’s for the past few years, making dishes for take-ways….. They are at the moment finishing off there alteration, which will include a enclosed Braaaaaaaaaai area, and on a Friday, the Smoked Brisket & Ribs is outstanding

The Pie Work’s offers Pies and a ‘Zillion’ other items and they will have Yomtov Gerichten available to order, which are very reasonably priced….. They offer a BIG selection of Shabbos dinner items, Sandringham Pharmacy is now a member of ‘Pharmacy at SPAR’.

With nearly 100 Pharmacies in the Group nationwide, the Pharmacy is able to offer significant benefits to its customers, whilst still maintaining the Personal Touch. Lynette Miller, owner and Responsible Pharmacist for the past 15 years says, “We like Making You Feel Better”.

Simon Sieff made Aliyah a few years ago and the new owners are still there resoling the whole community, …… Simon always has a ‘Meisa’ to tell, and has been a part of the Strip for years…Miss him…

Other shops that make up the strip, are the Spar Supermarket/ Liquor store, who bake bread and make a variety of cakes and Gerichten for Shabbos, and also do Yomtov orders ‘ The Beit Yosef butchery run by Asher is a very neat little Butcher and also offers Shawarma’s etc, to eat inn or Take Away…..

The parking has had a makeover also, and lines have been put in, not that the ‘Vibe’ worry about lines, and quite a lot more parking is available……

STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 8

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WE WISH ALL OUR CUSTOMERS AND FRIENDS A SWEET AND HEALTHY YEAR FROM FEIGELS MANAGEMENT AND STAFF

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HAPPY NEW YEAR & WELL OVER THE FAST

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CONCIERGE SHOPPING SERVICE orders@kosherworld.co.za 1 Long Avenue, Glenhazel 011 440 9517 | www.kosherworld.co.za

KosherWorld: Your Kosher One-Stop Shop, Now Even More ConvenientShop, Now Even More Convenient For years, KosherWorld has been a trusted destination for the community, offering an extensive range of kosher groceries, fresh and frozen products, household essentials and so much more — all under one roof.

kosher deli food, fresh meals, Shabbat and Chagim requirements and much more. Hometown Pharmacy is right there for your healthcare and pharmacy needs, while Maxis Butchery products are available through KosherWorld’s extensive meat range.

Now, shopping at KosherWorld is about to become even more convenient, with the launch of the KosherWorld online store, coming soon. The new online shopping experience will make it easier to browse, shop and order from wherever you are. Whether you’re planning your weekly shop, stocking up for Shabbat or preparing for a Chag, KosherWorld is bringing the convenience of shopping online to your finagertips.

The Centre is also home to a variety of other useful and complementary businesses, including Chabad Bookshop, CJ’s Party Shoppe, Urban Grind for great Coffee, So Sushi, Montagu Dried Fruit & Nuts, La Mich Hair & Beauty Salon, and The Cleaning Brothers.

Personal service, with our Concierge Shopping And for those who prefer a more personal shopping experience, KosherWorld’s Concierge Shopping Service is already available. Simply send your order or shopping requirements to orders@kosherworld. co.za, and the KosherWorld team will assist you with your shopping. You can also WhatsApp your order directly to the store on 064 961-6754, making it easy to send through your list, ask about products or arrange what you need.

It’s the convenience of having someone shop with you and for you - even when you can’t make it into the store.

More than just a supermarket Part of what makes KosherWorld special is its location within KosherWorld Centre, creating a convenient one-stop destination for the community.

After doing your grocery shopping, you can visit Feigels for delicious

So whether you’re doing the weekly grocery shop, picking up a prescription, grabbing something for dinner, buying a gift, getting ready for a celebration or simply stopping for a coffee, KosherWorld Centre makes it possible to take care of so much in one convenient visit.

Conveniently located in the heart of Glenhazel KosherWorld is situated at 1 Long Avenue, Glenhazel, Johannesburg, at the corner of Long Avenue, Summerway and Ridge Road, diagonally opposite Yeshiva College. With ample parking and convenient trading hours, ideally positioned, the heart of the community.

And soon, you won’t even have to leave home to enjoy the KosherWorld shopping experience.

KosherWorld online — coming soon.F or Concierge Shopping: Email: orders@kosherworld.co.za WhatsApp: 064 961 6754

SHANA TOVA FROM STAN THE GOOD SHABBOS MAN! To all my friends, family and the wonderful Jewish community: As we say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new one, I wish you all a Shana Tova U’Metukah — a year filled with good health, happiness, peace, prosperity and, most importantly, plenty of NACHUS! May your Kinderlach give you Nachus, your Einingklach give you even MORE Nachus… and may they all remember to phone you once in a while!

May your homes be filled with love, your tables with laughter, and your hearts with gratitude— and may we all have far more good news than WhatsApp messages!

And then there’s the small matter of the weekend…

Springboks vs All Blacks!

And, of course, with the final Springboks vs All Blacks showdown taking place on the same weekend, perhaps we can add one more small Brocha to our Rosh Hashanah prayers…

May the New Year start with a BIG All Black WIN! Rosh Hashanah is about making wishes for the New Year, so I’m keeping mine simple: GOOD HEALTH. GOOD NACHUS. GOOD LUCK. AND an All Black’s WIN!

May the only thing we argue about over Yomtov be whether the referee got the rugby decision right! Amen From me, Stan the Good Shabbos Man, wishing every single one of you and your families a sweet, healthy, happy and meaningful New Year.

Shana Tova!

May 5787 be your BEST year yet!

STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 10

MAXI DISCOUNT KOSHER Butchery, Sandringham ‘Kosher’ Strip....

Now also the best ‘Chix’ in town

Tel: (011) 485-1485 GR888888888888 ‘Biltong + Boeries’, Dry Wors…

STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 11

My Barber’s Tony & Karmen Met Tony (Nick) & Karman 54 years ago when I was at Hotel School in Plein Street, opposite Park Station. They were at the bottom of the Hotel School….

They then moved to Corlett Drive 30 years ago, and finally to the Blu Bird Shopping Center……

Karman retired a few years ago, and Stuart has been with Nick for nearly 30 years …

For the last 50 years I thought Nick’s name was Tony, and I walked in one day and he asked me what is his name and I said Tony….He could not believe I did not know his name, as a Chaver I recommended walked in and asked for Tony……

Nick has just celebrated his 87th year and he is in E-mazing shape and still stands 8 hours a day cutting hair……. E-mazing Barbers and I recon over 54 years, we have ‘Hucked’ for many, many years….. They have a huge ‘Yiddisher’ clientele STUART SHEPPARD, STAN & NICK SCARCELLA

Tony & Karmen My Barber for 54 years!

REBOOT YOUR YEAR

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As Hashem renews creation, we renew our promise to 750 families, filling their tables with plentiful, dignified meals and their year with warmth, joy and sweetness. Your donation keeps the feed flowing.

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STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 12

Pogir Group

Wishing you a sweet and prosperous new year and well over the fast.

Shana Tova Umetuka Giving you lasting peace-of-mind all year round.

Short Term Insurance

Healthcare Solutions

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Telephone: (+27) 11 879 7200 | www.pogir.co.za Pogir Bastion Advisory Services (Pty) Ltd is a licensed financial services provider (FSP 2128)

STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 13

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GAP COVER What is Gap Cover……????

I always get asked what Gap cover is??? And what it does ???? ….

Gap was legally introduced a few years ago to cover for shortfalls mainly IN hospital procedures. Certain Gap plans covers out of hospital MRI/CT Scans/ Scopes.

Some Gaps also cover Emergencies in the Casualty section of a hospital.

Gap does NOT cover the self-payment gap, nor does it cover everything that the Medical aid schemes do NOT pay in hospital. Gap does NOT cover everything that the schemes don’t.

Gap covers the short falls on co-pays/deductibles as per the plan type you have chosen, covers the shortfalls on Doctors fees above the scheme rate, and depending on option chosen most have a Oncology top up with cover for biological oncology drugs up to the overall annual limit of your Gap plan (R220,000) Unfortunately, members buy products without understanding them. Gap is a simple plan to understand, and as long as you know exactly what it covers, you will always ‘Sukkel’……

Sometimes ‘Shiechel’ ( general knowledge) counts ….A product that costs between R300 and a R1,000 cannot cover everything that medical aied does not cover…..??

Contact me for an explanation and a GR888888888 deal I have till year end stan@hcs.co.za Stan The Good Shabbos Man

HERE'S TO A

SWEET AND SAFE YEAR AHEAD Wishing our clients, colleagues an the whole community a happy an hea thy yea . Shanah Tovah u'Metukah.

SPECIALIST INSURANCE BROKERS G A R RU N - G RO U P. C O. Z A

011 794 6848 STAN ROSH ROSH HASHANA HASHANA 2026 2020 14 STAN

A New Maccabi Tradition Begins Something exciting is happening in Johannesburg this September.

From 22–25 September 2026, Maccabi South Africa will host the inaugural Maccabi SA National Junior Games, bringing young athletes from across the country together for a few days of sport, friendship, community and plenty of Maccabi spirit.

The Games came about after the difficult decision not to send a South African junior delegation to the Maccabiah Games in Israel this year, due to ongoing security concerns and other challenges. For many young athletes, this was understandably disappointing. Rather than let that be the end of the story, Maccabi South Africa decided to create something here at home.

along and be part of it.

Bring the family. Cheer from the sidelines. Celebrate the wins.

Responsible Food Production Sourcing Support the athletes.and And help us make the first Maccabi SA National Junior Games something really special.

22–25 September 2026 | Johannesburg The athletes are getting ready. The Games are almost here.

Now we need the community behind them.

Follow Maccabi SA on Facebook(Maccabi South Africa), or Instagram (@maccai_sa) and be a part of the action.

And so, the Junior Games were born.

Young athletes will compete across a fantastic mix of sports, including 5-a-side soccer, netball, tennis, padel, table tennis, golf, chess and dance. There will be plenty of competition, but the Games are about much more than who takes home a medal.

They are about seeing old friends, making new ones, representing your community, trying something new, cheering each other on and giving our young people a chance to experience that special feeling of being part of Maccabi.

And the wider community has an important role to play too.

We want the Games to feel like a celebration for everyone. So whether you have a child competing, know one of the athletes, are connected to one of the participating schools or clubs, or simply want to come out and support our young people, come

AFRICA

FOODS

AFRICA

From Producer to the World

TM

May this New Year be filled with

FOODS

HEALTH • HAPPINESS • PROSPERITY for you and your family

L’SHANA TOVAH T

www.agtfoods.co.za

STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 15

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E-Mazing Pictures!

Bobba & Zaida with Michaaela

Bobba Ava with The Twinnies Alexa & Gabi

Brass bell

Brian & Marcia Salomon - Copy

Carlos & Michelle Da Souza

Chazzan Alter with

Cuzzies Haidee Chiat & Michaela

Dale Shein ,Vic Boston & Chaver ‘Comrades’ - Dana & Norman Kretzmer Copy

Dave Green & Roy Danilewitz

Dennis & Bev Cohen

STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 16

Dennis Zetler & Stan Smookler-Strawberry Farm -Stellenbos - Copy

Jokes……

Satan visits Cape Town and meets Gatiep.

“Do you know who I am?”

“Nay”, says Gatiep, “giemy a hint” Satan says, “I am the prince of darkness” “Yislaaaaaaaaaaik says Gatiep, “jhy’s mos die CEO van Eskom”

One day Moshe didn’t show at his regular time. Abe was worried a bit as he realized Old Moshe was a widower and lived alone but then got busy and forgot about Moshe’s absence. The next day, no Moshe. Now Abe was worried.

Then he glanced out the window and saw Moshe going into “Goldberg’s Deli” across the street.

Abe took off out the door and raced across the street narrowly missing getting hit be a bus and confronted Moshe just as he was sitting down. Abe screamed, “Where the hell have you been! I lost sleep and spent good money phoning around about you and what are you doing here at Goldberg’s.

Before 1994 the whites shouted “White Power!”

After 1994, the ANC and the blacks shouted “Black Power”.

At last we can now shout together - “NO POWER “ !!!!!

You know he’s my worst enemy! Explain to me Moshe!!”

Moshe looked at Abe and said calmly, “Settle down Abraham, settle down, you’ll be having a heart attack. I’ll be telling you what happened okay.”

What does the Titanic and South Africa have in common?

The Titanic’s lights were on when it sank.( Bittere gelechte…)

“I went to the dentist 3 days ago and had one of those root canals. Oy the pain!

Die petrol gaan op, die brood gaan op. Alles gaan op. Net die krag, hy gaan af !

The dentist gave me some pills and said ‘Moshe, for a few days eat on the other side.’”

They used to say, “What car do you drive ????”

Now they say, “What generator do you own ???”

In the middle of his Yomtov Droshe, the Rabbi notices that one of his favourite congregants stands up and walks out.

Gatiep and Karools are sitting on death row.

Gatiep says to the Warder, … “does this take long and is it painfull?”

Warder says: “no they just strap you in and flick the switch and it’s over.”

Karools is called in, moments later Gatiep hears screaming shouting and this carries on for quite a while.

Gatiep says to the Warder: “I thought you said it was quick and painless.”

Warder replies: “as result of the load shedding they have to use candles.”

He phoned Moshe’s number and got no answer. He even called a few local hospitals and even called Moshe’s daughter in Israel to no avail.

Abe couldn’t sleep that night wondering what had happened.

Next day again no Moshe! Now Abe was really concerned and just as he was about to call the cops and 911.

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STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 17

Upset by this, the Rabbi calls him after Yomtov and asks him, “Sam why did you walk out in the middle of my Droshe?”

Sam replies,” Rabbi I went to get a haircut!”

“Sam, you couldn’t get it before my sermon?”

“Rabbi, I didn’t need it then”. ( Eishhhhhhhhhh….)

E-Mazing Pictures!

Devon & Gary Kaplan with Martin Smookler & Dick & Gill Sher the Kinderlach

Dilyce & David Abelman with Melissa & Ethan

Doc Jack & Jill Kussel

Enjoying from Slaaaaapstad

Ezra & Liora Chiat (Israel)

Fiona Wachsberger Helen & Fraser

Fran & Henry Blumenthal

Frans, the Sandton Shul executive with Henry Blumenthal

Fuzzy Shar,Jules Hirschowitz,Michael Caines, Gilad & Shira Bobby Wilkinson, Ben Brownl...

STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 18

Gina & Batsheva Smookler

E-Mazing Pictures!

Graham Katz & Michael Fittinghof

Hazel Lerman & Melanie Osher

Hermanus

Hilan Berger & Stan Smookler-Ou Lichtenbergers Jeanette Sher & Maurice Sack

Jeff Rink & Pearl Stillerman - Copy

Johnny & Haidee Chiat

Jules & Stephanie Urdang

Julian Rod & Mike Lanesman

Les & Marlene Sher

Lions head from Queens beach

Louis Litvin ,Brett Hetz & my Baaaas Steve Romberg

STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 19

Jokes……

An airplane was about to crash, there were 4 famous passengers on board but only 3 parachutes left.

The first passenger said, “I’m LeBron James, the best NBA basketball player there is. My fans need me. I can’t afford to die.” So he took the first pack and left the plane.

The second passenger, Donald Trump, said “Out of my way. I’m the new President of the USA and I’m going to be the greatest and cleverest President in American history.”

So he quickly grabbed the pack next to him and jumped out of the plane.

The third passenger was the Pope and he turned to the fourth passenger, a Lubavitcher Rabbi, and said, “I am old, frail and don’t have many years left. As a good Catholic, I will sacrifice my life and let you have the last parachute.”

The Rabbi turned to him and said: “Thank you, but it’s really OK.... there are enough parachutes for both of us.

America’s greatest and cleverest President has just taken my Tallis bag.” ( Oy….vy) Oy, for a Yomtov ‘Schvitz’……

“That’s really good to hear,” said Rabbi Rosen.

“Yes,” said Abe proudly, “Sadie keeps 6 of them and I keep the other 4.” ( Oy…Vy) A rabbi and his two friends, a priest and a minister, played poker for small stakes once a week. The only problem was that they lived in a very conservative blue-law town. The sheriff raided their game and took all three before the local judge.

After listening to the sheriff’s story, the judge sternly inquired of the priest: “Were you gambling, Father?” The priest looked toward heaven, whispered, “Oh, Lord, forgive me!” and then said aloud: “No, your honour, I was not gambling.”

“Were you gambling, Reverend?” the judge asked the minister.

The minister repeated the priest’s actions and said, “No, your honour, I was not.”

Turning to the third clergyman, the judge asked: “Were you gambling, Rabbi?”

The Rabbi eyed him coolly and replied “With whom?

Yiddisher humour at its best…….

A Chelemer, rushing to the train-station meets up with a friend.

“Wu leifs tu” (Where are you running), asks his friend.

During his first service leading the community, the new Rabbi noticed an older congregant walk over to the synagogue president

“Mein schwoger kumpt tsuforen vun Bialestock” (My brother-in-law is arriving from Bialistock)

and demand rather loudly that the air conditioning be turned down because it was too cold.

“Ven kumpt er tsuforen” When does he arrive?

The president nodded kindly and took care of it.

“Morgen var middog” Tomorrow before noon

Just a few prayers later, the same congregant asked the president to have the air conditioning turned up because it was too hot.

“Is vos leiftsu yets” So why are you running now?

Not long after, it was too cold for the congregant, and then too hot, etc. all morning long.

Morgen wel ich nit hobben kein tseit.

Tomorrow I won’t have time (Chelmer is like Vander Merwe…Murphy jokes)

The president always nodded kindly and took care of it.

After services, the new Rabbi said to the president, “I was very impressed with your patience in handling the individual who kept complaining about the air conditioner.

“It’s no big deal. We don’t even have an air conditioner.” …… (Otazay…………)

Koos, from Loeriesvlei, daar onder in die Bosveld, sets foot in Gauteng for the first time in his life.He tries to cross a street in Sandton, but every time he steps off the pavement, a Porsche or a BMW or a 4x4 nearly knocks him over.

A spietkop sees the struggling Koos and shouts, “Hei, there’s a zebra crossing just a little way down the street.”

Koos says, “Well, I hope he’s having better luck than I am!” (Ag Neee…)

Abe and Sadie made a rare appearance in synagogue.

It’s probably true to say that they are not the most religious of Jews.

In fact, they only go to shul two or three times every year, and this Rosh Hashana happened to be one of those days.

At the end of the service, Abe shook Rabbi Rosen’s hand.

“Sadie and I both thoroughly enjoyed your service today, Rabbi, especially your sermon on keeping the commandments.”

Rabbi Rosen replied, “It’s nice of you to say so, Abe; so why don’t you and Sadie come here more often?”

A Rabbi was in a supermarket in Bayside Queens when he saw a black lady trying to get her young child to put down a candy bar he had picked off the shelf.

“Latrell, you put that down, it’s not kosher.”

Intrigued, the rabbi said to her “Excuse me ma’am, are you Jewish?”

“No” she replied “Then why did you say that?” ‘”I’ll tell you why: I see all them Jewish mothers saying that to their kids - and it works so I decided to try it.” (Zeier Klug……)

Mumzer…………

The judge said to the double-homicide defendant, “You’re charged with beating your wife to death with a hammer.”

A voice at the back of the courtroom yelled out,………….

“You Mumzer!”

The judge ignored the outburst and continued, “You’re also charged with beating your mother-in-law to death with a hammer.”

The same voice yelled out,………….. “You lying Mumzer!”

The judge looked sternly at the man who yelled and said, “Sir, you may be angry and frustrated by this man’s crimes, but one more outburst from you and I’ll find you in contempt of court. Do you understand?”

The man replied, “I’m sorry, your Honour, but I’ve lived next door to that Mumzer for the past fifteen years and every time I asked to borrow a hammer, he said he didn’t have one!” (Oy...vy)

“It’s difficult,” he replied, “but at least we keep the Ten Commandments.”

STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 20

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Simcha’s, Glorious Simcha’s…….2026 The Kosher food establishments have changed over the last few years since the Covid pandemic……. And have definitely shrunk with most of the Kosher Nosherei’s concentrated in the Shtetl (Glenhazel) these days

The RTG restaurant that started many years ago in Norwood, has closed in Norwood and moved into the heart of the Shtetl next to Freshfellows…… The Segell’s Butcher which opened opposite Ohrsom, has started a little Bakery also….. The Friends Bakery (who are like Duracell batteries) just keeps on going, and has opened behind the Sandringham strip ….. In Genesis they have made the Phat Joe’s restaurant into a Kosher Pizzeria…. Gary has reopened as G & T Caterers and has his kitchen opposite the Ohrsom complex……We have some Gr8888888 family eateries like Burger ‘n Brew, Michelos, …. Frangelico’s Tukka a Lekker meeting place….. (Can’t name all the outlets, BUT….They are good) ….The latest is the new Restaurant that opens 2/3 times a week in the Max Hotel(opposite Thrupps) and is run by Delores Fouche of Flavours A problem I see is that as the community shrinks, so the Beth Din “ Seem” to have become VERY lenient, and rules that have applied for the past 50 years, don’t seem to hold these days, and the ‘Kosher Style’ Catering has become ‘Rosh’…..

I have been asking for the past 50 years.. ”What is a Kosher Style Caterer…??? And no one, including the Beth Din has an answer, BUT…..the past year has seen the creation of at least 30 Kosher Style Caterers….Some advertise Kosher, not under Beth Din, other advertise Kosher Style, Meat is Kosher, don’t mix Meat & Milk etc… Very puzzling why none of them want to go Kosher under The Beth Din…..????

riccigoldsteinphotography@gmail.com

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Simcha’s have become much smaller since the pre-covid days , and weddings have really become more & more scarce, with the Bigger Chasene’s having their Simcha’s in destination venues like Cape Town, Zimbali (Durban) Game Parks etc…

At this stage there is Riva Flax Caterers who still have exclusive Halls, G & T Caterers (Gary Friedman) Delores ( Food by Flavours) Cater at hired Venues and Estelle Sacherowitz….. You then have Sharon Sheer and Jodi Kruger who have Beth Din approved Co-ordination licences (not sure what this category means) and the rest of the Caterers are ‘Kosher’ style….. Virtually every Kosher food outlet, from butcheries to Bakers to Candlestick makers do some sort of Simcha catering…

The Westcliff Hotel seems to be getting a few ‘Top Chasene’s, and it has become ‘The’ status venue in Joburg, Summer Place is building up but the other expensive venues like Inanda, Muldersdrift etc seem to have dwindled due to lack of funds…..

Let’s get in touch to discuss your dream wedding. contact me at riccigoldstein@gmail.com or 082 821 6265.

Instagram @riccigoldsteinweddingphoto

STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 23

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E-Mazing Pictures!

Salmon Surgeon’s ...Stan & Dennis

Marc Kopman & Alan Fittinghof

Mark & Glenn Waisbrod

Mel & Anne Stamelman

Michelle Cohen, with the Fleishman Clan

Mike,Galit & Asher Smookler

Mornay & Ilona Butlion

Nadine & Bert Surmany - Copy

Nathan Sasto (London) & my nephew Mike Smookler

New years Eve with Roy & Cynthia Friedman & Ou Lichtenbergers -Paul Kletz,Cecil Sher & Stan Peter Arnold, Stan & Dennis Cohen since 1975 Pete Arnold Smookler STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 28

Pruning the ‘Yiddisher’ Family Tree

A Lekker “Meisa” about us ageing people…….

The Back Nine…………

And then it is winter …

You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams.

But, here it is, the “back nine” of my life and it catches me by surprise.

How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go, and where did my youth go?

Yidden are unique, and they have created this strange phenomena known as ‘Yiddisher’ tree running…. It starts usually when people meet at Simcha’s. Shul, business etc ….. Within minutes, the room becomes a live genealogy project.

“Wait, are you related to the Levy’s from Glenhazel?” “Your grandmother was a Levine? Then we’re definitely connected!” Somehow, a complete stranger becomes a third cousin by marriage twice removed.(Tz ge tzebete) … A ‘Cuzzie of a Cuzzie’ The Yiddisher family tree is a magnificent thing—but it’s also wildly overgrown. Its branches twist through generations, marriages, friendships, shul communities and shared Bobba’s recipes. We don’t just collect relatives; we seem to adopt them. Every Jewish mother has an “aunt” who isn’t really an aunt, and every child grows up calling half the community Uncle or Aunty.

Perhaps that’s the beauty of it. In a world that often feels disconnected, our instinct is to look for connection first. We prune the family tree not by cutting people off, but by trimming away the confusion until we discover the branch that links us together.

And when the detective work is finally done, someone inevitably smiles and says, “I knew we were Mishpocha.”

Whether the connection is by blood, marriage or simply belonging, the message is the same: in the Jewish community, family is often much bigger than genetics. It’s a reminder that our strongest roots aren’t only found in our ancestry—they’re found in the relationships we nurture every day.

50 Years ago when I started Stan & pete we had no ‘Komputta’s/Mobile phones and usually on a Monday/Tuesday night we went in pairs in those days to see clients, because if you wanted the business you had to go and see clients at their homes, and we had no Waze and travelled all around the Witwatersrand….Driving to clients, Dennis my partner would always say “No pruning the Yiddisher tree’ …I am not spending more than at most an hour, as some nights we had booked to see 2/3 clients a night…… You sit down and you talk ‘Tagliss’ (the business at hand) and then over a coffee and a ‘Kookie’ the topic widens and you are in the middle of a Groiser pruning exercise……. How many evenings did we not get to the 3rd client, and with no mobiles , called the next morning and apologized……This carried on for yeaarss until we started getting clients to come in and of course we went by ourselves in latter years…..

Pruning the tree, just happens at a moment’s notice and I am sure you have been involved in the practise even if you did not realize it….. Last week I met with a client again, and the first time we met we discovered that John (real name) had done his articles at Eliasov Wolf with my Late Boet, and I work with his niece etc….. This time we discussed schools and he went to Marist Observatory, and that openeded another branch of a big tree….He was in class with my Old Chaver Milton Levin & Gary Perkins….. and the tree just grew……. Not sure why we have this habit of Pruning the family tree BUT……It is a ‘Michiel’………

I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me, and that “I was only on the first hole” and the “back nine” was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like.

But, here it is – my friends are retired and getting gray; they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me, but, I see the great change. Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant, but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we’d become.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore – it’s mandatory! Because if I don’t on my own free will, I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!! But, at least I know that though I’m on the “back nine”, and I’m not sure how long it will last, this I know, that when it’s over on this earth, it’s over. A new adventure will begin! Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn’t done, things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I’m happy to have done. It’s all in a lifetime.

So, if you’re not on the “back nine” yet, let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don’t put things off too long!! Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether you’re on the “back nine” or not!

You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life, so, live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember, and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!!

Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one. Live it well! Enjoy Today! Do something fun! Be happy! Have a great day! Remember: “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”

Lastly, consider this: Your kids are becoming you, but your grandchildren are perfect! Going out is good. Coming home is better! You forget names, but it’s OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!!

You realize you’re never going to be really good at anything, especially golf. The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don’t care to do them anymore. You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It’s called “presleep”. You miss the days when everything worked with just an ON and OFF switch. You tend to use more four-letter words: What? When? … ?

Now that you can afford expensive jewellery, it’s not safe to wear it anywhere. You notice everything they sell in stores is sleeveless! What used to be freckles are now liver spots. Everybody whispers. You have three sizes of clothes in your closet, two of which you will never wear.

But old is good in some things: old songs, old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS! Stay well, “old friends!”

It’s not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.

Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, yet the youngest you’ll ever be, so enjoy this day while it lasts.

STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 29

“Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour” The All Blacks versus The Springboks The Greatest, I am not sure……..In the past we have had quite E-mazing Tours, under such difficult conditions. BUT…….It has been a GR888888888 tour with soooo much GEEEEEES and respect for both teams…. They started the Tour with 4 games against the URC teams (Provincial teams) the Stormers, Sharks , Bulls & Lions which they won no problem, with their running against the Bull’s quite E-mazing…..The Lions game turned out to be a mighty battle and just s scrapped home……

The First Test was at Ellis Park, and they pulled in a very good crowd ….It really had a Lekker feel to it, and many Yiddisher families did the walk to Ellis Park from far away suburbs like Glenhazel, Illovo, Sandton etc…..My Zunnelle Martin & his Zunnelle’s Adam & Raphi, joined the Gore’s , Zinman’s and other families from Illovo and thoroughly enjoyed the outing…..My Old Chaver & Stan & Pete waiter Avram Smukler flew in for the game from Boca Raton……I met him in Paris when we both watched the quarterfinals, of the last World Cup, which were E-mazing…..

The first Test could have gone either way with the Al Blacks and Bokke both winning all their tests this year….BUT against all odds the All Blacks put in a mighty effort and beat the Bokke 33-16 The Second Test was really a comeback for the Boks with everyone saying the Boks would lose….My prediction was they would win comfortably, and going into the second half the Boks let slip, and the All Blacks pounced and nearly won in the end….33-26 …Just one try short… It was an E-mazing setting in Slaaaaaaapstad with a capacity crowd….. This Test will always be remembered for that Mishugana low fly over of the Stadium The Third Test at the Soweto Stadium was Tukka pumped up with the teams level going into the Match, and a Capacity crowd of 84,000 were there….I attended the last Test there and I must say it’s a Shlepp, and we sat in ‘heaven’ and could just see black head moving around……So not for me to go there for a live view…

Watch at home with all the luxuries…… It was the best of the 3 Tests with the Boks SKRUM taking over….Plenty on field drama’s and plenty key injuries…..The nonsense published on social media is spoiling the game…… After every Test, the new breed of Rugger E-fundi’s question every supposed error by the referees and also this photo’s that always show that the Ref is wrong….Its really annoying….No matter which Ref or which tem , they just give it a full blow……. Spoiling the game This weekend’s final clash in Baltimore should be won by the Boks, with the All Blacks loosing many key Shpielers ….including Captain Ardie Savea which is a big loss …The only thing that may save the All Blacks is that its an away game for both teams, and could just use the advantage….This tour has been an eye opener, and the All Blacks will have to ‘Beef’ up there front row before

next year’s World Cup, if they want to beat the Springboks The final Test in Baltimore next week is the decider …. I believe that the All Blacks have a 65% chance of winning the last Test which is this weekend….. It’s an away match for both teams and the All Blacks might just pull it off…I was invited to the Anchor Capital ‘Rivalry talk evening’ with Hanyani Shimanga ,Mat Pearse and Justin Marshall…it was a Lekker evening of ‘banter’ and I had a talk to Matt and he is very positive about the Boks winning the series …??? The thought was that if the Boks won at Soweto, then they take the series as it’s a win on SA soil, and the last game just an exhibition ?????

STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 30

“RUGGER” –The future……..??????

Looking at the ‘Rugger’ season so far, methinks that ‘Rugger’ as we know it, passed away many years ago, and we have a new style of Rugger …… Teams have already played many tests, and we only half way through the year…….

crowds when Northern Tvl played Natal/ Western province and even the Lions featured for a long time…. These days the Currie Cup is virtually un watchable, with the teams soooo poor…. and of course due to overloading the Bok games, the Boks & ‘nogshleppers’ never get to play in the Currie Cup….It is a very weak competition and draws very few spectators… .Methinks that those that get BOK call ups should not enter the Currie Cup at the end, as they then ‘wobble’ the final outcome and then the poor ‘Manne’ must ‘shlepp’ to the United Kingdom, for the end of year tour…….’Rugger’ will die, with just toooo much ‘Rugger’….????

My worries are that every season, new and more complex rules are being applied, and one only has to look at the Scrums, and you realise that they have changed scrumming laws soooooooo often, that the ‘Shpielers’ themselves are not certain, which is the correct way….What happened to a good ‘ol scrum, where both packs went down, ‘moered’ each other, and the ball seemed to still come out……This touch, pause, bind…or whatever it is..?? and it depends on how the Ref calls it, and how many scrum penalties have actually changed the result of very important games….Teams like the Bokke rely on and its part of their game plan, play for Scrum penalties……& even the commentators have bought into the idea…..Scrums are just one example….the lineouts are not much better, rules wise……

Next worry is the play time of the top ‘Shpielers’…….My gosh, they are playing virtually the whole year, with a few weeks here and there off…..Yes, people say that what they are being paid, they must play, BUT….’Rugger’ is a very strenuous game, and the amount of Shpielers being injured week in, week out, is effecting standards, with sooooo many ‘Shpielers’ out at any one time…..

The Super 15 (Oy…Vy) has to be a good example of an E-mazing tournament, BUT…….The Manne decided that the Bokke are pulling out and it has left a huge void in World ‘Rugger’ with the Aussies/NZ playing in their own tournament, and the Boks playing in the URC competition which has soooo 3 Cups in one…. which has been watered down, with tooooo many teams and just toooo long. And tooooo many games, and it is getting boring watching home sides playing each other every week, with the odd tour, where teams play foreign opponents………….

Doing away with the ‘old’ L-O-N-G tours, has robbed the public of GR88888888 Geeeeeeeeeeeeees, which those tours used to build….A good example is when the British Lions tour, and the supporters are there in full force, it just lifts the spirit of the game……. By squeeeezing in as much as they can, regardless of the poor ‘Shpielers’ will eventually ruin the game, that we knew ‘Amolikke Yoren’…….

Picking weaker teams for some games is also killing Rugger……

Send weak teams on overseas games and rest the better guys ????

‘Amolikke Yoren’ when the Currie Cup was the tournament, it was an E-mazing training ground, and the games drew very good STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 31

SA RUGBY LEGENDS. Founded in 2001, the South African Rugby Legends Association is a registered non-profit company (NPC) with two complimentary objectives: Developing rugby at the grassroots level through our Vuka and Iqhawe week programmes and supporting the needs and interests of Ex rugby players in South Africa.

VUKA DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS Our development projects, under the name of VUKA, focus on young players in disadvantaged communities who have traditionally been excluded from structured rugby training and grassroots level competition. By nurturing the personal growth and athletic potential of these youngsters, we hope to give them the skills and confidence they need to succeed both on and off the field. Our broad aim is to uplift individuals, and by extension communities, create advancement opportunities for talented players and create a deeper, broader pool of professional level talent.

Under VUKA, some 30 000 youngsters receive regular training from qualified coaches. Their teams engage with one another at regional tournaments; they come to know a sense of belonging and aspiration. As Nelson Mandela has said, ‘Sport has the power to change the world.........it speaks to youth in a language they understand and creates hope where there was only despair’.

The benefits of structured and professionally managed activities

for kids after their school has ended up producing caring individuals and helps steer them away from all the unpalatable alternatives, such as drug-taking and gang participation.

The top boy and girl Vuka players get the opportunity to represent their provinces at the National Iqhawe week. In 2023 there were 16 boy’s teams and 6 girls’ teams participating at the Hollywood Foundation Iqhawe week in Johannesburg having grown from only 8 boy’s teams in 2013.

OUR LEGENDS Legends contribute to our projects thorough coaching, training, fundraising, organising matches and ‘passing on the passion’ of the game. Their enthusiasm for ‘giving back’ to the rugby community is critical to our success. As an organisation, we strive to give them a home base for building careers off the field, supported by the camaraderie, loyalty and shared passion of fellow Legends. Rugby Legends include not only former players, but also all the other hard-working folk who have contributed over so many years; the coaches, administrators, referees, and all those who have supported the sport from the side of the field.

Legends also participate in local and international tours under the SARLA banner.

Rugby clubs across the country are supported by Legends who contribute toward their individual outreach community projects.

E-Mazing Pictures!

Rabbi & Rebbetzen Grusd

Rabbi David Shaw with the Mohel Dean Gerson Rabbi Levi Avtzon & Janine Narotzsky

Rare spotting Stan & Ivan Epstein

Robert & Fiona Wachsberger STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 32

Ronnie & Yvonne KaplanJankelowitz

PASSING ON THE PASSION WWW.SARUGBYLEGENDS.COM @SARUGBYLEGENDSASSOCIATION SARUGBYLEGENDS

@SARUGBYLEGENDS

RUGBYLEGENDSSA

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Shana Tova

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New year, new ambition.

Let’s make it sweet.

Wishing our clients, associates and team a Shana Tova and well over the fast.

Our partner-led firm specialises in providing high quality audit, accounting, tax and business advisory solutions.

Your vision. Our ambition.

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DAVID SHAPIRO ……Where are the Titans?

I worked with Dave for 18 years @ Sasfin, and his reading the markets is E-mazing…..Quite incredible, how things end up….His Late Dad Archies firm belongs to Sasfin currently…. And some of the Guys I worked with were from Freemantle /Pollak days…..

A few months ago, during a discussion with BizNews’ Alec Hogg, I was asked who South Africa’s new business titans were. He asked which corporate leaders do we look up to today?

It struck me that there really aren’t any. I had to admit we no longer have the giants we once did. It deserved study. And the more I thought about it, the more I saw three developments that have constrained the growth of visionary business minds.

Alec had touched on a very important topic, maybe without realising it. And after mulling it over for weeks, I concluded that without strong business leadership, without their vision and without their powerful voices, we’ll just continue groping around in the dark.

It’s a complex issue, like most things in South Africa, and there is no quick fix. Still, it needs to change. I share some of my thoughts below.

South Africa once had corporate leaders who were household names.

Kerzner built Sun International into a global leisure empire. Ackerman turned Pick n Pay into a household name. Joffe took a collection of underperforming businesses and transformed them into Bidvest, a powerhouse of performance. Gordon, Mouton, Ferreira are among a long list of business giants who gave investors not just solid returns but also a sense of national pride.

These leaders had presence. When they walked into a room, you could feel their authority. They were admired and revered as personalities who could inspire belief even in turbulent times. They exuded ambition, courage, and vision, showing business could be a positive force when politics felt chaotic.

Yet the landscape has changed dramatically since 1994. Three vital trends have restrained the economy: managerial overreach abroad, political rent seeking at home, and a frustrating stagnation in tech innovation. Together, they have chipped away at confidence, supressed aspiration, and left South Africa toiling instead of booming.

Many companies from that past era are still around, but they’ve lost that founder driven dynamism. With that the JSE has transformed from a stage for champions into a battleground for fighters. Pep Stores, Boxer, Capitec, We Buy Cars are efficient, disciplined, but lacking the charisma that once defined South African corporate leadership.

When South Africa opened after 1994, boardrooms brimmed with optimism about the prospects for our new democracy, with several managers believing they could replicate their local success internationally. Reality hit hard. They exported capital and imported disappointment. Woolworths’ David Jones fiasco, Sasol’s US plant disaster, and SABMiller’s sale to AB InBev became symbols of overreach. The rest - from Old Mutual in London to Tiger Brands in Nigeria - followed the same script.

Exchange controls had kept businesses at home, allowing them to flourish in a sheltered environment, but when the doors opened, management, believing they could conquer the world, discovered the hard way that domestic dominance didn’t easily translate into global success. They were expanding but without applying the founder instincts that had once guided their paths. Armed with spreadsheets and consultants, they marched on with anticipation but ended retreating without glory.

The issues led to a decline in confidence. Instead of celebrating new winners, we were producing Business School case studies. The lesson was clear. You cannot manage your way into greatness; it takes awareness, perception, and building.

After 1994, the new government invited businesses to not just rake in profits but to step up and help right past wrongs. Policies around shareholding, procurement, and labour were introduced to uplift the previously disadvantaged. The intent was noble. The execution proved costly.

Instead of attracting capital inflows, the rules often enriched a narrow, politically connected elite. Empowerment deals became vehicles for rent seeking rather than broad based growth. Procurement mandates raised costs. Labour rigidity discouraged investment. The Mining Charter created uncertainty in a sector that once defined South Africa. Strikes in mining and manufacturing scared off capital inflows. Government policies, while well intentioned, contributed to South Africa’s anaemic growth, which has averaged under 1% compared with 4–5% in other emerging markets.

Furthermore, we moved away from the days when corporate leaders could stand alongside politicians as equals. Nowadays, managers tiptoe around policy, framing an economy that crawls rather than leaps forward.

Low growth has become structural, with businesses spending more time navigating regulations than building their futures.

Meanwhile, countries like the US, which gave us tech titans like Apple, Amazon, and Alphabet, and Asia with giants like Samsung and Tencent, are surging ahead while South Africa seems stuck in its old economy.

The venture capital environment in South Africa is thin. R&D spending is negligible. Rather than sparking new ideas, regulations seem to stifle creativity. Naspers is the rare exception, thanks to its Tencent stake. But even that success was more a fortunate accident than deliberate strategic planning. We cling to mining, retail, and banking as our institutional pillars, while tech innovation passes us by. Today’s survivors cater mostly to low-income consumers. They are efficient and profitable but do not project the same innovative energy we used to see.

So here we are. The post 1994 era has been marked by three main constraints – managerial overreach abroad, political rent seeking at home, and the lack of technological advancement. These factors have turned once-great leaders into compliance officers, leaving us with mass-market discounters instead of innovative trailblazers.

South Africa has not run out of talent. It has run out of conditions that allow the skilled to flourish. The question is not whether South Africa can produce another Kerzner or Ackerman. The question is whether the environment will allow the next generation to rise. Until those conditions improve, South Africa’s boardrooms will remain filled with managers, not business leaders.

And the economy will remain a story of clearance sales not moonshots. * article was previously published in BizNews.

STAN ROSH ROSH HASHANA HASHANA 2020 2026 37 37 STAN

Medical Aid Medical aid in South Africa can be extremely valuable—but only if you understand how to use it. The biggest mistake is choosing a plan based purely on the monthly premium. Think of medical aid as financial protection against big Major medical bills, rather than a subscription that should pay for every doctor visit/medication etc.

Medical aid is actually not for ‘Pille , Brille en Tande’ BUT for Major medical…When I tell members this they get angry….. In the Good old days the plans were set out so you had a few visits all over (Traditional not savings), and of course major medical IN hospital.

Medical schemes are regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS).

Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) — legally required cover for specified serious conditions and emergencies, subject to the scheme’s rules and designated providers.

Day-to-day benefits — GP visits, dentistry, optometry, medication, etc., which vary enormously between plans.

The main reason why members should consider medical aid is for Protection from catastrophic costs Cancer, heart problems, surgery, hospitalisation and serious accidents can become financially devastating without cover.

PMB protection This is one of the most important things people don’t understand.

If something qualifies as a PMB, the scheme has legal obligations to provide the prescribed care, although using the schemes designated service providers can be crucial.

Peace of mind knowing that IN hospital cover is UNLIMITED on most schemes, and even if your day/day savings are used, you still have IN hospital /Chronic benefits It’s expensive—and getting more expensive.

You can still have substantial co-payments.

Having medical aid doesn’t automatically mean “everything is covered.”

Networks restrict your choice, but are generally much cheaper..

Using someone outside the network can result in significant shortfalls.

CMS specifically advises checking designated service providers and co-payments before choosing a plan.

Day-to-day benefits can be surprisingly poor.

A plan may sound comprehensive but give you a relatively small annual amount for GP visits, dentistry, glasses or medication.

Formularies matter.

Your scheme may have a preferred list of medicines. If your medicine isn’t on the approved formulary, you could have to pay more yourself.

Switching schemes can have consequences.

Waiting periods and late-joiner penalties can apply in certain circumstances, so don’t cancel an existing medical scheme before understanding the consequences of joining another.

Work out what you’re actually buying Don’t ask: “Which medical aid is cheapest?”

Ask: “What medical risks do I want protected, and what can I comfortably pay myself?”

Comparing premiums is a no-no in selecting a plan You don’t necessarily need the plan with the biggest day-to-day benefits.

Sometimes it’s financially smarter to take: Good hospital + specialist + chronic + PMB protection and deliberately pay smaller routine expenses yourself.

If your actual routine medical expenses are only R7,000, you may be buying R18,000 worth of insurance to cover R8,000 of expenses.

That’s where the maths becomes important.

The best piece of advice Learn to speak “medical-aid language.”

When a doctor says: “We’ll put you into hospital. “Don’t simply say yes.

Ask: “Has the procedure been pre-authorised by my medical aid?”

“What is the authorisation number?”

“Is this doctor/specialist/hospital on my scheme’s network?”

“Are there any co-payments?”

“Is this being treated as a PMB?” “What tariff will the doctor charge?”

Those five questions can potentially save you thousands of rand.

There are a ‘Zillion’ other tips I can give you, so if you need assistance contact me at; stan@hcs.co.za .

AN ODE TO MEDICAL AID. And G-d populated the earth with broccoli and cauliflower and spinach and green and yellow vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.

And Satan created McDonald’s. And McDonald’s brought forth the 99-cent double-cheeseburger.

And Satan said to Man, “You want fries with that?”

And Man said, “Super-size them.” And Man gained pounds.

And G-d created the healthful yogurt, that woman might keep her figure that man found so fair.

And Satan froze the yogurt, and he brought forth chocolate, nuts and brightly coloured sprinkle candy to put on the yogurt. And woman gained pounds.

And G-d said, “Try my crispy fresh salad.”

And Satan brought forth creamy dressings, bacon bits, and shredded cheese.

And there was ice cream for dessert. And woman gained pounds.

And G-d said, “I have sent your heart healthy vegetables and olive oil with which to cook them.”

And Satan brought forth chicken-fried steak from Cracker Barrel so big it needed its own platter.

And Man gained pounds, and his bad cholesterol went through the roof.

And G-d brought forth running shoes, and Man resolved to lose those extra pounds.

And Satan brought forth cable TV with remote control so Man would not have to toil to change channels between ESPN and ESPN2. And Man gained pounds.

And G-d said, “You’re running up the score, Devil.”

And G-d brought forth the potato, a vegetable naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition.

And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fat fried them. And he created sour cream dip also.

And Man clutched his remote control and ate the potato chips swaddled in cholesterol. And Satan saw and said, “It is good.”

And Man went into cardiac arrest.

And G-d sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.

And Satan created …….. Medical Aid. With fond regards, Jou Eerbare makelaar van Suid Afrika. ( means honest broker from Souff Effrikka…... if there is one ????)

For example, if you’re paying an extra R1,200 every month for a plan because it gives you better routine benefits, that’s R14,400,000 a year.

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SCAN ME! TO FIND YOUR NEXT RIDE

Contact Brad Blechman 082 950 4326 Cnr Kuschke Street &, Herman St, Meadowdale, Germiston STAN ROSH HASHANA 2026 40