Mr Fred Cohen, a young businessman put a tearoom, dancehall, plastic theatre, swimming pool, bushmans cave and roadhouse at the top of the
plateau which would be the weekend mecca for Johannesburg residents. Years later it would also be the scene of the tragic burning of the two
Torahs on Rosh Hashanah, when the Northcliff and District Hebrew Congregation were using the premises for the High Festival Services. Fred
Cohen built roads, reticulated water, started his own bus service, built his own nursery school and even founded his own Building Society for
facilitating building in the area. The hall of Mr Cohen’s sumptuous residence was often used by the congregation for services. Whilst Fred
Cohen was never an active member of the congregation, he never the less encouraged the formation of the congregation and in 1952 was asked
to become the first President of the Northcliff and District Hebrew Congregation in honour of being the “father of the township”. During the
year of 1950 the idea of a Northcliff Congregation and Shul came to being. On the 21 January 1951 the first meeting was held with the object of
establishing a Hebrew Congregation for Northcliff and the surrounding areas. It was an enthusiastic meeting and it was decided that a circular
letter would be sent to the residents of Northcliff, Linden, Blackheath, Roosevelt Park, Honeydew and surrounding areas calling for a second
meeting. There is little detail of this meeting, but at a third meeting on 27 February 1951 a committee was elected and a motion carried
unanimously that the Northcliff and District Hebrew Congregation be formed. The United Hebrew Congregation and Chief Rabbi Rabinowitz was
advised of this decision and the formation of the committee.Regular Friday evening services commenced at the home of Mr & Mrs L
Reichenberg. Men offered their services as “Chazanim” and a warm and happy atmosphere prevailed amongst the congregation. There was
a lack of formality but everyone seemed to get pleasure in the contact and socializing with his fellow Jew in this little populated are of
Johannesburg. The Gabbah – Mr Reichenberg even transliterated the “Yigdal” so everyone could join in the lusty singing of the
finale to the services. Slowly the congregations began to take shape. At a meeting on 1 April 1951 a ladies guild was elected and a decision
was taken for the first time that High Festival services would be held. A membership fee of £6.60 per annum was introduced, and a bank account
was opened.Rabbi Rabinowitz suggested that a young South African who had qualified as a Reverent be invited to conduct the Friday evening
service, namely Reverent Sydney Katz. There was considerable excitement and arrangements were made to hold a special children’s service
on the Saturday morning and an Oneg Shabbat at the house of Mr & Mrs S Rubin, where the Reverent was to be accommodated. Arrangements
were made for the congregation to obtain a loan of a Torah and prayer books. The Reverent was met with an enthusiastic full house at Mr & Mrs
Reichenbergs residence. Reverent Katz was also engaged to conduct the High Festivals. Chief Rabbi Rabinowitz called a meeting in October
1951 and commended Northcliff for making the most remarkable and gratifying progress. He suggested appointing a full time spiritual leader
and Hebrew teacher and recommended Reverent Katz. Subscriptions were raised to £1.10 per family per month and Rev. Katz was appointed.
During 1952 Friday evening services continued to be held at the Reichenbergs residence whilst Saturday morning services were held at the
Maisels home.
