Shalom, Salam, Peace, dear friends,
Thanks for reaching out and checking my website!
My name is Sa’ar Kahi Shaked. I was born in Israel in 1975, a decedent of Ashkenazi Jews who fled to the Holy Land during the 20’s-30s of the previous century. I grew up in Netanya, a Mediterranean coastal city with much beauty and charm. My family worked in construction, so, as a youth, I worked in the family’s building sites, where I had the chance to meet Palestinians and learn some Arabic. This early experience, which was formative even then, became more relevant with the years. Like most Israelis, I’ve served in the IDF, as a Tank commander and instructor.
Like many of my generation, after my army years, I travelled to India, to seek spiritual awakening and guidance. It was there, in 1997 at Dharamshala, North India, that I received the calling to become a Rabbi. It took me seven years to conclude the task. I returned to India again in 2004, for a pilgrimage tour, just before my ordination to the Rabbinate in 2004.
Between my rabbinic ordination to my arrival in South Africa, I was involved in community and educational work, as well as in peace and reconciliation activism. I served synagogues, schools and NGOs, developing my capacities in the public realm.
I arrived in South Africa in 2013, at the invitation of Beit Emanuel Progressive Synagogue, to serve as their Rabbi and Spiritual leader, a position I held till 2023. During these 10 years, I’ve learned much about the South African context, its similarities and differences from Israel/Palestine. I’m still learning and it is still a challenge. Yet, I believe that this country has much to contribute to the people of the Middle East, setting an example of restorative justice and nation-building. I often spoke in public about these political matters, in the face of internal criticism.
As for the search for knowledge – here are the paths I’ve taken: The first is the academic path, in which I’ve learned about the culture and mindset of Western civilization. I’ve followed the path of Hebrew and Jewish wisdom, the third is my engagement with traditional knowledge systems, starting in my early years with the Eastern traditions of meditation and spiritual practice, and more recently – engaging with local indigenous knowledge. Toward the end of 2023 I took Twasa, which means initiating into Sangoma, traditional African healing. In my case I did it in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, under the supervision of Gogo Maduna Majozi.
Although I invested in this quest my entire adult life, I’m well aware that the path has no end and that I’m still learning. The great path of spirit has no beginning nor end. There are universal truths, beyond religion and national identity. There is the reality of human suffering. One can and should be involved in the ongoing journey to reduce suffering and bring people together around our shared Humanity.
I thank you for visiting this website and wish you everything of the best,
Ngiyabonga! Enkosi! Dankie! Thank you!
In friendship,
Rabbi Sa’ar Khai Shaked.
