The 5th annual Beit Shemesh braai - vasbyt until next Pesach !

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For the fifth year running, the Telfed Beit Shemesh regional committee held its annual braai on the big, shaded, grassy plot in Kibbutz Tzora.  Ex-Southern Africans from as far afield as Ra'anana, Gush Etzion, Ma'aleh Adumim, Jerusalem, Kiryat Arba and Modi'in joined those from the greater Beit Shemesh area, to swell the numbers of participants to over 200!

The jumping castles were, as always, a great hit with the children, who were kept very busy as fathers coaxed their coals into bright flames, burning like tens of beacons scattered all over the Tzora lawn.  The smell of braaied steaks filled the air.  Spontaneous games of soccer and cricket ran through the day, with children visiting the petting zoo and dairy and the adults joining the Tzora winery tour.  A highlight for those children, who came early enough, was to witness the birth of a cow in the dairy compound.

Excitement was palpable as two teams battled to win the Telfed Israel-South Africa Quiz.  With questions ranging from singing all the lyrics of "Ag Pleez Deddy" to "what year was Telfed founded?" (Answer 1948). The winning team was awarded a welcome prize – ice creams (kosher for Pesach of course) for all.

Sandra Braude was the lucky winner of the fine Tzora wine that was raffled amongst the revellers.  "What a wonderful way to end a perfect day!" she proclaimed. 

"I wish to congratulate the Beit Shemesh regional committee and its chairman, Jonny Klompas" said Maish Isaacson, Chairman of Telfed.  "It is no small feat to run a successful Telfed event for 5 years in succession.  Gathering new and veteran olim for a fun social get-together is the perfect recipe for success.  We hope that the Beit Shemesh braai will continue as one of Telfed's major annual regional events for many years to come."

Howie Gordon, past Habonim shaliach, ensured the smooth running of the braai and provided a constant flow of great South African music. “Some of the founding members of Kibbutz Tzora were the Habonim Garin members from South Africa and we always welcome this yearly influx of sunshine, braaivleis and S. A. Olim" said Howie.

Jonny Klompas, Chairman of the Telfed Beit Shemesh regional committee, closed the proceedings with the wish that "we will see everybody and more, again, next year Pesach.  Mark it down on your calendar now – first day of Chol Ha'Moed Pesach 5772, on the grassy area of Kibbutz Tzora.  See you there!”