By Diana Sochen, Executive Director CJSA
On reflecting about CJSA and our members during the past month, I started to think and understand how difficult it is for many who are living life alone without the support of immediate family, close friends or neighbours.
We are about to celebrate Pesach and while for many, there are families with whom they can share the festival, so many are alone. It is at times like these that CJSA comes to the fore, because our organisation is like a family, and families care for one another. We endeavour to find hospitality for all members who otherwise would have been on their own; and we thank the shuls and families who come forward to assist our members to feel ‘at home’.
It is a happy thought that old age or retirement is a period of tranquility and serenity, but not a realistic one. It can be a period of many stresses and strains. It is small wonder that many find it difficult and look for the comfort of friends who care.
Our professional staff understand the adjustment that has to be made with diminishing health, reduced income and new environments. We know that seniors should not be underestimated as they have the benefits of maturity and credit for life experience gained in family situations and in community work. We are mindful that the older person is able to learn new skills.
Our programmes are planned with care to include something for everyone. Whether it is an activity that is a regular on the calendar of events, or a once off event, we really do take the trouble to think about each event and the suitability for the particular group.
CJSA’s motto, ‘For the Seniors, by the Seniors’ enables each one to participate fully. This includes volunteering or just joining an activity. Everyone is welcomeds, respected, and missed when they miss out if they are regulars.
The CJSA team enjoy sharing good times and simchas with members, however they are also mindful that many of our members have very real problems which are skillfully attended to by the social workers. We are often asked “What do we do all day?” In a nutshell, WE CARE and in this frenetic world, it makes such a difference to anyone who crosses the threshold of any of our branches.
The Cape Town community is truly unique. There are so many interesting activities on offer almost every day and evening of the week. If one is able to, it is possible to be involved and stimulated. Unfortunately not all seniors have the opportunity to enjoy these activities. Those who drive have a distinct advantage as many others are no longer mobile and our drivers are not always on duty, especially over weekends. If you are prepared to do a mitzvah and offer a lift when you attend an activity, recital, talk or any community function, it would be greatly appreciated by our members. Give the office a call to offer your services and we are certain that there will always be members who would grab the chance to be part of the community action.
This is good and sums it up well!
Senior citizens are constantly being criticized for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary. We know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not blame others.
HOWEVER, upon reflection, we would like to point out that it was NOT the senior citizens who took:
The melody out of music,
The pride out of appearance,
The courtesy out of driving,
The romance out of love,
The commitment out of marriage,
The responsibility out of parenthood,
The togetherness out of the family,
The learning out of education,
The service out of patriotism,
The Golden Rule from rulers,
The nativity scene out of cities,
The civility out of behavior,
The refinement out of language,
The dedication out of employment,
The prudence out of spending,
The ambition out of achievement or
God out of government and school.
And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others
And, we do understand the meaning of patriotism, and remember those who have fought and died for our country.
Just look at the seniors with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts as they stand at attention with their hand over their hearts!
YES, I’M A SENIOR CITIZEN!
I’m the life of the party…… even if it lasts until 8 p.m.
I’m very good at opening childproof caps…. with a hammer.
I’m awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.
I’m smiling all the time because I can’t hear a thing you’re saying.
I’m sure everything I can’t find is in a safe secure place, somewhere.
I’m wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, and that’s just my left leg.
I’m beginning to realise that ageing is not for wimps.
Yes, I’m a SENIOR CITIZEN and I think I am having the time of my life!
Testament to the poem are the wonderful photos that we display this month. There have been numerous outings and functions that have been thoroughly enjoyed by those who participated in what we had on offer.
We wish everyone an enjoyable and special time as the Pesach seders are celebrated, the story of freedom from slavery is read, and the wonderful meals shared.
Diana Sochen
Executive Director
Social & Personal
We congratulate our members who have had joyous occasions during the last month.
Birth: Janice Bloch – Great Grandson; Marcia Orlin – twin great grandchildren; Eve Weinkove – granddaughter; Barbara Kahn – granddaughter
Batmitzvah: Jeff and Rene Borstrock – granddaughter
Birthday wishes: Golda Sher – 90; Jessie Trackman – 97
Engagements: Hannah Sofer – grandson
Welcome to new members: Marlene and. David Rogoff; Mary De Beer; Thelma Pluke
Well wishes to those who have been under the weather: Pearl Selikowitz
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 April 2023 Edition – Click here to start reading.
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