The Federation of Synagogues Women’s Guilds is the national voice of Orthodox Jewish women. As stated in our constitution we are the umbrella body for the Orthodox women members of our shuls. Since no area of Jewish life can be viewed in a vacuum but should always be seen as a fundamental whole, the Federation of Synagogues plays an integral role focusing on the issues and interests of the 21st century woman, encouraging women's spiritual growth and well being. Thus, we proudly mirror the full vibrant celebration of Yiddishkeit and Jewish values.

In Pirkei Avot, Ethics of our Fathers, we learn, 'say a little and do much.' In the spirit of this teaching my report is really a very brief synopsis of the many and varied activities of the Federation of Synagogues Women's Guilds highlighting only major projects.

On behalf of the Federation of Synagogues Women's Guilds of South Africa, it gives me pleasure as a Constituent Member of the Union of Orthodox Synagogues, to table a report of activities to the August, 2011 Biennial - Conference.

1. ANNUAL EVENTS:

•	Purim Megilla reading for women is held in the Temple of the HOD. This is a valuable service to the Jewish women of the wider Johannesburg community, as the Megilla is usually read at about 10 a.m. making it user friendly for women. It has become an extremely successful event and is very well supported. Hamantashen and Tea is served. Over the 2 years under review, we were privileged to have Rabbi M. Schnerb read the Megillah for us. His wonderful rendition is a treat and enjoyed by all. For this we thank him most sincerely.
•	Jewish Women’s National Day of Prayer has become an annual national event gaining greater momentum within the wider Jewish community throughout South Africa. This event has been ongoing since 1995. We are delighted to report that during the last two years under review, we have received the support of all the national Jewish Women’s Organisations. This has helped widen our out reach. This joint effort included candles being made especially for the occasion by Selwyn Segal. Proceeds went to local charities and to Israel. Publicizing this event for the whole country is a mammoth task. All Jewish women are asked to recite Psalm 27, pledge charity to any charity of choice, to pray for peace and harmony here and in Israel and then to light Shabbat candles in the comfort and security of their own homes.
•	Kosher Poster Competition. This is open to all Jewish children in Std. 4 / Grade 6. Our aim is to promote and encourage the observance of Kashrus. We have included some of the secular schools e.g Eden College, the remedial schools such as Cross Roads, Bella Vista etc, as well as all the Jewish Day schools. Jewish books are awarded as prizes. This in reality means about 16 prizes are awarded each year as the standard of the artwork overall is amazing and in each category we have more than one winner.
•	Succah Competition for Shuls and Institutions. This is another annual highlight. Two floating trophies are awarded each year to a winner in each category. Judging from the wonderful ambience in the many Succah's that were visited, we can only conclude that the congregations' delight must have been greatly enhanced by sitting in such a beautiful atmosphere during Succoth. It takes almost an entire day for the team of judges to traverse Johannesburg, from Cyrildene to Northcliff, Sandton, Randburg, to Edenvale and all that lies is in between. The awards for the Kosher Poster competition as well as the Succah Competition are presented at a special afternoon tea held at the HOD catered by Gary Friedman. Every year a guest Rabbi is invited to speak and entertainment is provided.
•	The Sheila Muznitsky Trophy. This prestigious annual award is for dedicated exemplary service to a Shul. In 2010 the Executive of the Federation presented the trophy to the Linksfield -Senderwood Ladies Guild.
•	Hashgacha is provided annually for the tea room at the Jewish Women’s Benevolent Society’s Annual Morning Market.

2. OUTREACH PROGRAMMES:

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One of our aims as stated in our organization's Manifesto is to promote and foster Yiddishkeit in the community. To this end our members are kept informed of various events and are sent regular newsletters containing information about the upcoming Chag. As part of our outreach program, various exciting Seminars have been held which included programmes for brides and the newly married on various topics such as Kashrus, Cooking Demos, Financial Fitness and other Jewish Women’s issues. We are also in contact with country communities via our Newsletters etc.

Practical Handbook for Brides and Grooms.

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We are very proud to be able to present every bride with a booklet “Practical Handbook for Brides and Grooms.” The booklet is aimed at providing practical details about organizing a wedding. The booklet offers advice to the bride from floral arrangement to style of dress appropriate for an Orthodox wedding as well as information on Kashrut and Mikvah.

Senior Citizens Weekly Shiur

•	We thank Mrs. Winnie Gourarie for her time and effort in providing excellent shiurim every Monday at 10.30 a.m. for senior citizens in our offices at the HOD Centre. We could certainly increase attendance if we had volunteers to give lifts on a roster basis.

3. REPRESENTATION IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY:

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The Federation of Synagogues Women's Guilds is represented on the Co-ordinating Council of National Jewish Women's Organisations of South Africa. This organisation is made up of the top leadership of all the national women’s organisations. In fact, we are the representative voice of Orthodox Jewish women and are respected for our stance on Orthodox values. We try to ensure that all activities and projects undertaken fall within Orthodox Jewish parameters. As a member of this council we have attended many meetings that pertain to various aspects of communal concern. We have been hard at work to help break the silence that surrounds the social ills which now plague us. We are currently involved with projects to discourage ALCOHOLISM and DRUG ADDICTION among the youth of our Jewish community.

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DOMESTIC ABUSE has reared its ugly head in the Jewish community across the board in both secular and religious homes. With this scourge comes the concomitant child abuse and rape. We play an active role on ‘Shalom Bayit’ a subcommittee of the Co-ordinating Council of National Jewish Women’s Organisations. We assisted in organizing general public seminars which show where help can be found.

4. THE KOSHER CONSUMERS ORGANIZATION:

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The Kosher Consumer organisation is active and receives numerous queries almost daily. There is always a constant flood of complaints re the price of meat, chicken, fish and cheese. Jointly, with members of the management committee of the UOS and the Beth Din, we met with all the butchers in an effort to alleviate the problem. Unfortunately, I cannot report that our efforts have met with great success. As kosher consumers we are exceedingly grateful to the Beth Din and the Kashrut Department of the Union of Orthodox Synagogues for the continuous and painstaking investigations conducted on behalf of the Jewish community Our organisation provides an address where the disgruntled consumer can and does call to air their frustrations.

5. IN CONCLUSION: TOMORROW'S CHALLENGE- Future Perfect

Let me categorically reiterate that the raison d'etre of our organisation has always been to promote traditional Orthodox Jewish values. We remain firmly committed to a positive and vibrant contribution to our Shul communities

Immense changes have taken place in the structure of the general host society. Education is open to all. Women have entered the workplace and are to be found in most of the professions. They have acquired skills in many areas of the economy. Surely we should be doing everything possible to channel this valuable expertise into enhancing the administration of our Shuls and the UOS. The potential from the calibre of women involved at high-powered executive management is unfortunately being lost as nothing is being done to encourage their participation, obviously this within the parameters of Halachic principles.

Consequently, a non-apologetic, affirmative stance towards woman is vital in an era where our community is shrinking. It is perhaps noteworthy that in America and Australia women sit, inter alia as Presidents, and Treasurers of Boards of Orthodox Shuls. In Israel, women have the right to sit on the religious councils. Indeed, as we plan strategies to face the challenges for the future, it is not only the women of today that we need to include, but any forward planning should also be taking cognisance of the young lady of tomorrow. Their vision and energy can only augment and strengthen the group as a whole. It is this explicit and bold forward thinking that will indeed ensure the next generations' committed involvement in Orthodox Jewish communal life.

We express our sincere thanks to Chief Rabbi Goldstein, Rabbi Kurtstag, Rosh Beth Din, the Dayanim of the Beth Din, the Kashrut Department, the President, Chairman and fellow committee members, as well as to the dedicated hardworking staff of the Union for the pleasant and productive manner in which we work together.

On behalf of the Federation of Synagogues Women's Guilds of South Africa we wish the incoming committee Hatzlacha Rabba. May the Al-mighty bless you all with courage, wisdom and vision to lead the community forward over the next few years.

With Torah Greetings,
Devorah Nates
PRESIDENT