Looking forward…

Who would have thought that we would still be in lockdown, 16 months after the initial closing of practically everything for all.

So many important calendar days that we usually share together have passed in a blur, as we try to keep safe and well; and also warm during this particularly cold winter period.

Vaccinations
Hopefully every person over the age of 60 has made the effort to have their vaccination — we have endeavoured to ensure that all our members have been able to get vaccinated, offering transport, assistance to register and help getting to a designated area when possible. This offer is ongoing.

Zoom sessions
The dreadful Cape winter storms have increased the feeling of anxiety and negativity as we have kept ourselves at home. Our social worker team are providing extra support and care; and the weekly programmes that are on offer go a long way to making everyone feel part of the community and in touch with each other. We have learnt so much about ourselves and our community; and members of CJSA have grown and extended themselves, as have the CJSA team who have worked consistently to deliver interesting new programmes that can be enjoyed by everyone, via Zoom.

In addition to the exercises, videos and social mornings, our bi-weekly quiz mornings are gaining popularity, and our weekly sessions with computer boff Steve Sherman are really fantastic, giving excellent tips on both computer and cell phone apps.

Our weekly Yiddish mornings are growing weekly under the guidance of our three fabulous teachers — Sybil Castle who hosts an encouraging beginners’ group; and Veronica Belling and Rochelle Winer who offer an outstanding class to our intermediate group.

Last year would have been our 18th year of Ot Azey, but we were unable to host it due to Covid. This year, we are planning an abridged Ot Azey virtual birthday morning from 10am — 11.45am on Friday 13 August, with many of our contributors and alumni from previous years’ three-day live events joining us online.

Shabbat meals
Shabbat meals continue to be popular and the orders have increased as lockdown level 4 came into being again. Our band of volunteers are truly magnificent, turning up each week for duty come rain or shine — always with a smile and so willing to be part of this service. Our special midweek meals to those who need them are also much appreciated.

Volunteering
Many members are doing volunteer and outreach work from their homes, by knitting beanies and scarves for the needy, and in particular to assist One-to-One project for the physically and mentally challenged. Such a beautiful mitzvah from CJSA.

Our new project
We are embarking on the planning of a new project at the beginning of August. Lisa Frangs, a private music and movement teacher living in Cape Town; and Ashleigh Lowes, community musician and Gender Equality Programme Leader at Sage Gateshead in England, are completing their BMusic Degree. They will be working together with our seniors, and seniors at the centre in Gateshead, for a number of sessions; after which we will combine and hopefully do a concert together. Another exciting first for CJSA in our new Zoom format.

New CJSA booklet
The CJSA team have also been working on an advanced directive for End of Life Issues. This booklet will be ready for distribution soon. We will also have a link available so that it can be accessed online. It is fairly lengthy, but has a number of sound points about ageing for people to consider.

High Holy Days
We are heading towards the High Holy Days — still unsure of how we will be celebrating this special period in our Jewish calendar this year. One thing is certain though — the need for Kiddush Wine. CJSA’s special supply is ready and available for you. Please contact our office on 021 434 9691 or email Amanda at admin@cjsa.org.za to place your order. Each bottle costs R80.00, and if you purchase three or more, we will deliver.

Enjoy the month of August, hopefully with the weather improving and a hint of spring flowers popping up all over the peninsula. Stay well and be safe.

Diana Sochen
Executive Director

Social & Personal
Even during the lockdown period, there have been numerous occasions to celebrate.
Births
Anita Stoch — Great Granddaughter
Bar/Batmitzvah
Norma and Sidney Schlomowitz — Grandson
Joe and Shulamit Rozowsky — Granddaughter
Eddie and Moonyeen Castle — Granddaughter
Engagements
Eldred and Eva Polikoff — Granddaughter
Woolfie and Glickie Bloom — Granddaughter
Marriage
Woolfie and Glickie Bloom — Grandson
Our sincere condolences to members and families of members who have recently passed away
Our condolences to Maureen Nates on the passing of our member Pearl Levin

Ot Azey
This year, we are planning an abridged Ot Azey virtual birthday morning.
Friday 13 August
10 am – 11.45 am
For information on how to attend Ot Azey online, check our weekly schedule.
If you do not receive the weekly schedule, please contact Amanda on admin@cjsa.org.za

CJSA Kiddush wine
Available throughout the year for your Shabbat Meals and more.
Contact our office: 021 434 9691 or email Amanda at admin@cjsa.org.za to place your order.
Each bottle costs R80.00, and if you purchase three or more, we will deliver.

Charles Summerfield and Yvgenia Metelkina delivering Berkies Kosher Shabbat Meals. Click here to watch video.

Charles Summerfield and Yvgenia Metelkina delivering Berkies Kosher Shabbat Meals. Click here to watch video.

Cape Jewish Seniors Association
Director: Diana Sochen, 021 434 9691, director@cjsa.org.za
Admin: Amanda, 021 434 9691, admin@cjsa.org.za
CJSA on Facebook

• Published in the PDF edition of the September 2021 issue – Download here.

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