| Shalom and welcome from the Nairobi Hebrew Congregation! The "NHC" is now the only operating synagogue in Kenya, but we offer the full spectrum of Jewish holiday observances and a wide range of community activities. Apart from the synagogue we also have a Communal Hall for social and cultural events, and an outstandingly beautiful garden. The Jewish community in Kenya was established in 1904, and recently celebrated its Centennial with great festivity. Like other Jewish communities around the world, Kenya's includes Sephardi and Ashkenazi Jews from countries as diverse as Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, Israel, Yemen, Iraq, India, Morocco and South Africa -- and native-born Kenyan Jews. Our community is a microcosm of the Jewish Diaspora, as are the stories of how each one of us arrived in Kenya. Some of our members are newcomers living temporarily in Kenya, while others have lived here for many years. We are young and old, parents and children, families and singles. We rejoice in our diversity and in our unity. The numbers have gone up and down, the backgrounds have varied at different times, but the energy and drive of its members and the dedication of their Jewishness have kept this congregation going and enabled it to survive and even flourish. The flame of Jewish life continues to burn in this beautiful corner of Africa. Jewish visitors are welcome to visit NHC or join us for Shabbat and holiday services. Shabbat services start at 6:30 pm on Friday, and 8:30 am on Saturday. NHC is located off Uhuru Highway at University Circle. Due to security considerations, visitors must contact the office before arriving and bring identification with them. The office is open from 9:00-13:00, the phone numbers are 222-770 and 219-703, and the e-mail is info@nhc.co.ke. If you are interested in joining the congregation, you can pick up a membership application form at the office. On behalf of all our members, I hope to see you soon at NHC. Sincerely, Dr. Vera Somen
|
