President of the Benoni Synagogue, which is the largest Jewish community in the East Rand, Bernie and his wife, Barbara Goldman, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at the synagogue on December 5.
The couple moved to Benoni from England over 50 years ago with their two children, Anthony and Geoffrey, while their daughter Joanne was born here.
After 60 years of marriage, Bernie still says that his wife looks as beautiful as she did when she was 16 and that he has never met a woman who comes close to her.
When the City Times asked him what the secret of their long-lasting union is, he said commitment.
“When we got married it was on the basis that it was for good. Although we had some tough times, we always knew that separation was never an option.
“Once you have accepted the truth of that, you just have to find another way of solving the problem,” he said.
The couple plays an active role in the Jewish community with Bernie as president and Barbara as full-time secretary of the synagogue.
The couple has also been always active in the community.
Bernie is a former chairperson of the Benoni Lakes Bowls Club and served on the parent body of the main club for many years.
He was also the chairperson of the East Rand Bridge Club during this time, which is now known as the Northerns Sports Club.
Barbara is a keen bowler and still plays bridge at the sports club.
“Do not get married on the basis that it doesn’t matter if it fails because there is always divorce – it’s not so easy.
“Commitment is forever,” Bernie said.
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Couple celebrates 60th wedding anniversary
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