Cape Jewish Seniors Association — May/June

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Small things make a difference

Time
It is said that time is a man-made concept. I wonder if this is true? I think time began with The Creation, which we find in all things. The year is measured by the changing seasons, and the earth’s journey around the sun. Our months are measured by the waxing and waning of the moon. And so we number our days, weeks, months and years with the passage of precious time.

For some years now, I have tried to live by the motto that we should live each day as if it were our last, at the same time planning for the future as if we grasp eternity in the palms of our hands. This quote, by an unknown author describes this in a nutshell: –
Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone.
Do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come.
Live in the present and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering

Gratitude
Thank you is such an important word that can so easily be forgotten or half-heartedly said. It is something I really try to always say, whatever the assistance is. Therefore, this newsletter gives me the opportunity to give thanks for so much.
My sincere thanks to our valuable committee and volunteers — words are really inadequate to express how much we appreciate everything you do — you give generously and unselfishly of your time and energy in so many ways at each of our branches. Whether it is daily, weekly, monthly or occasionally, your contributions are certainly valued.

Thanks too, to our members who support us by attending the various functions and activities that we organise. We know that you appreciate what we do for you and this is shown by your continued attendance
Our auxiliary staff deserve so much thanks. They are the support of the professional staff and certainly make our lives much easier by being there and assisting in many ways. This organisation is blessed to have professional staff who certainly go far, far beyond what is expected of them to ensure that each and every member is treated with respect and love whenever they attend any event. Home visits, counselling services and advice are all part of the day and nothing is too ever too much trouble. CJSA is certainly like one big family — our members are incredibly ware, mostly enthusiastic and energetic and many of you have taught us so much about life.
Finally, my thanks and much appreciation goes to all of my colleagues for their interest, suggestions, constructive criticism and continued support. Our weekly team meetings give us time to debate, report and generally give and receive advice. It is an incredibly tight-knit group of professionals from diverse backgrounds, beliefs and ages, each with their own families, each having both happy situations as well as being compromised times too, but united in our quest to always give our best even when there are troubles at home.

It is therefore with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to one of our team who has made an incredible mark on this organisation. Social Worker Yvonne Reynolds has worked with the team for three and a half years, running the Southern Suburbs Branch of CJSA. Her incredible warmth, spirit and zest for life, together with compassion and sense of humour has endeared her to every person with whom she has come into contact. She took it upon herself to introduce Ageless Grace exercise classes which have been greatly enjoyed at every branch. The innovative Volunteers Thank You Brunch last year was her brainchild and a much talked about event. She leaves us to pursue her love of working with the deaf, knowing that we will miss her dreadfully, but wish her well with her new endeavour. Thank you, Yvonne, for all you have meant to all of us — we are certainly richer for having had you in our lives — you will always be in our hearts.

Diana Sochen, Executive Director

Just for Today

Smile at a stranger
Learn something new, then teach it to someone
Tell someone you’re thinking of them
Don’t hold a grudge
Don’t be afraid to say “I’m sorry”
Look beyond the face of a person into their heart
Make a promise, and keep it
Stand up for what you believe in
Cherish all your TODAYS

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Births
Eleanor Farber—Grandson
Sadie Graziani — Great grandson
Audrey Katz — Great grandson
Rene Kleinman — Great grandson
Bar/ Batmitzvah
Ettie Buch — Great Grandson
Dinky and Lester Braun — Granddaughter
Engagements
Henny Bernstein — Granddaughter
Ida Surovsky — Grandson
Marriage
Denise Bernstein — Granddaughter
Diana and David Sochen — Daughter
Birthdays
Janie Casper 90th
Doreen Levinsohn 90th
Bessie Gordon 90th
We extend our sincere condolences to members who have recently lost family members:
Harold Gochin — Wife, Adelaide
Michael Jaffe — Sister
Wendy Johnstone — Brother
We extend our sincere condolences to family of members who recently passed:
Joan Knopp
We welcome New Members to the CJSA family:
Shirley Levitt, Cecile Lilian Pelman

Special Events and Outings. Booking essential

Fri 4 May 10.30 Milnerton, Wed 16 May 10.00 Southern Suburbs and Fri 25 May 10.30 Sea Point Men’s Schmooze: A morning with Adv Paul Hoffman speaking on Ramapholia and accountability R10
14 May Southern Suburbs Outing to Chardonnay Deli R20
17 May Shavuot Tea in Claremont with Rebbetzin Ann Harris speaking on the African Jewish Congress
18 May Shabbat Supper in Claremont: R80 for members R170 non-members
22 May Twilight Supper Sea Point: Jonathan Bloch talking on local market 2018 – R60
24 May Milnerton Twilight Supper with Adv Michael Donen R60