"The prayer Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris, of blessed memory, delivered at President Mandela’s 1994 inauguration"

As we move forward in the Yemei Hasefirah, we continue on a daily focus of growth and tikkun hamiddos. Can you think of something someone did for you that stands out as an example of exemplary character?

In South Africa, religious leaders of all the major faiths are invited to deliver prayers at the inauguration of a new president. It has been a tradition since the inauguration of President Nelson Mandela that the presiding chief rabbi is among those officiating at the ceremony. I’ll always remember the prayer my predecessor, Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris, of blessed memory, delivered at President Mandela’s 1994 inauguration. As a young yeshivah student at the time, it gave me such pride to see a representative of my people among the dignitaries lending their weight to this landmark occasion. It was a powerful kiddush Hashem.

A decade later, I was appointed Rabbi Harris’s successor. Following my appointment, there was a transition period during which Rabbi Harris continued to officiate while I was slowly initiated into the role. It was during this transition that new national elections were held in South Africa and President Thabo Mbeki took over from President Mandela. By right of office, Rabbi Harris was invited to deliver the prayer on behalf of the Jewish community. But he deferred to me and asked me to do it, even though I had not yet begun my term of office.

Rabbi Harris said to me at the time that, for the good of the community, it was important for me to deliver that prayer as a way of introducing myself to the government and to South African society, because the next presidential inauguration would still be five years away. And so he forewent the honor himself. It was such a gracious gesture, and as a young incumbent chief rabbi, so empowering. It displayed his selfless dedication to the best interests of Klal Yisrael.

—Rabbi Warren Goldstein, Chief Rabbi of the Union of Orthodox Synagogues of South Africa

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 857)