From Rhodes to Rhodesia, Weddings, Freemasons and Synagogue Services

 Mention of a Jewish Wedding or prayers at a synagogue can conjure many different memories, though 2 different booklets I came across this week are from a distant land in what feels like a different world, a setting likely to never repeat itself. These 2 publications were published in 1958 and 1963 by the Sha'are Shalom Synagogue in Salisbury, Rhodesia, the colonial names for the current Harare, Zimbabwe. Salisbury found itself home to an unlikely group of immigrant Jews in this period, with a steady but small stream of immigration occurring from the small but ancient Jewish Community of the Isle of Rhodes.

In the 1930s, with Rhodes belonging to Italy since 1912 and the decision of Benito Mussolini to align with Hitler, antisemitism was rising and ever-present and there was a steady flow of the Jews to outside of Rhodes. While many Jews from Rhodes made their way to Western United States and elsewhere, a small group found refuge in Rhodesia, founded a congregation by 1931 and by June 1st, 1958, they consecrated a new building for use as a synagogue by the Jews from Rhodes, named Sha'are Shalom.

The first publication I acquired is a wedding service which took place in the Sha'are Shalom synagogue, less than 3 months after its consecration. The ceremony was led by the local Rabbis, Rabbi Dr Manfred Papo (formerly of Vienna) and Rev. Rabbi Samuel Rodrigues-Pereira, the latter's father being the Rabbi at Montefiore Synagogue in Ramsgate Kent. The pamphlet includes the entire wedding ceremony, including the reading of the Ketubah, Birkat Kohanim and Sheva Berachot following their traditional customs, alongside English translation throughout.

The Second publication is a curious Service, of the Provincial Grand Lodge of S. Rhodesia at the synagogue. As was common in times bygone, many Jews were members of local masonic lodges, which were generally of the few organizations where antisemitism didn't preclude a Jew from becoming a member. The order of service described includes an interesting procession, and alternating songs between members of the lodge and members of the synagogue assisted by the Choir of the Synagogue. Prayers for the Dutch and English Royal Families were made, the Torah was read, a sermon was given by the Rabbi, Rabbi Manfred Papo, and the service concluded with the recitation of God Save The Queen.