After four months of renovations, the first service in the new Temple Hillel in East London was held on Friday the 7th September 2007, one week before the High Holy Day celebrations.

A consecration ceremony was held on Sunday 18 November 2007, attended by about 70 people. Special guests included Rabbi Hillel Avidan from Durban, Steve Lurie, chairman of the SAUPJ, Mike Sacks from Port Elizabeth, Dr Tsilli Reisenberger, our visiting rabbi from Cape Town, and Hymie Buchalter, the local cheder teacher. The Rabbi and President of the East London Hebrew Congregation were represented, as were the Chevra Kaddisha, Union of Jewish Women and Hebrew Order of David.

The consecration service, conducted by Rabbi Avidan and Dr Reisenberger, included speeches from Steve Lurie and Dr. Alan Koopowitz, President of the East London Progressive Jewish Congregation.

Dr Reisenberger held a candle lighting ceremony in which everyone was invited to participate. The local choir performed, and a lunch was held in the new "George Schlachter Committee Room", catered by the ladies of the community.