The norm for me each year as Rosh Hashanah approaches is to begin planning for Summer. I adore the awakening of the Spring flowers and the wonder of the floral displays that we are so fortunate to enjoy around Cape Town. This year was no different – we planned the flower trip to welcome Spring, but to everyone’s dismay the warmer days did not materialise. The weather remained really winterish and, as everyone got ready for their Yom Kippur fast, one of the worst storms hit Cape Town. I do not remember a storm of this magnitude, and those who braved the ungodly elements to the Kol Nidre service really had to be commended. Fortunately, many could tune into the online service for spiritual upliftment.
Choices are what make us different. There are those who enjoy their own company and are happy to spend a lot of time on their own. On the other hand, there are so many who really thrive when they are stimulated and able to socialise and interact with one another. This is where CJSA plays an important role in our community with the programmes we offer and the warm space available for members to meet and form friendships. We invited members to give feedback on their experiences of membership, and the responses we received were wonderful. One such response can be read below:
“Cape Jewish Seniors Association (CJSA) gave me the opportunity to start a new chapter in my life, when I joined them towards the end of 2022.
I had been through a very difficult time during Covid and lockdown, especially being alone, and knew that I needed something in my life to uplift my spirits and give me some purpose. That’s when I was introduced to the wonderful Sea Point social worker who inspired
me with her warmth and compassion to start a new chapter in my life and join the CJSA.
There are outings to various places and restaurants around Cape Town, where everyone has a good time, and different activities are offered every day. You can pick and choose as you wish – various card games, board games, Yiddish mornings, topical discussions. Chair yoga every week, which I love, and also mosaic and art classes. We had a morning with the Shalom Choir and a light lunch – the singing was fabulous, and everyone joined in. There are Zoom activities to participate in, and I’m sure there are many more that I haven’t mentioned, but whatever your age or the state of your health, there is something for everyone.
There are more activities that I want to participate in, but all I can say is that my life has changed for the better, in so many ways. I am more positive in my outlook, have met many people, and made new friends.
The lovely social worker is always on hand to help in any way possible, and comes with us on the outings with our fantastic driver. They are two of the most caring, kind and compassionate people I have ever met.
All those who work there are wonderful, caring people, and you certainly won’t be lonely or isolated when belonging to the CJSA. Join now – you won’t regret it!”. (Andrea)
We have much on the go during the next couple of months, starting with our three-night getaway to Goudini, a special Shabbat Supper in November, and an Art Exhibition, where the beautiful work being done by our members will be on display – all dates to be finalised.
Smile a while:
• On Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.
• Some people try to turn back their ‘odometers’. Not me. I want people to know why I look this way.
• I’ve travelled a long way and a lot of the roads were not paved.
• Ah! Being young is beautiful but being old is comfortable.
• Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
• May you always have Love to share, Cash to spare, Tyres with air, and friends who care.
Have a great month.
Diana Sochen, Executive Director
Social and Personal
We congratulate our members who have had joyous occasions during the last month.
Marriage: Shirley Cohen – Grandson in London Welcome to new members: Brigette Flanagan, Vivian Hertzberg, Barry and Mary Levenson, Roslyn Rubenstein, Marion Yudelman
Well wishes to those who have been under the weather: Felicity Berman, Carrie Clift, Anne Ger, Freda Jacobs
Our wishes of strength to those who have recently lost loved ones:
Family members of Dave Wittels
Cecile Buirski – Son
Family of Vivienne Brooker
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 November 2023 issue – Click here to start reading.
• To advertise in the Cape Jewish Chronicle and on this website – kindly contact Lynette Roodt on 021 464 6736 or email advertising@ctjc.co.za. For more information and advertising rate card click here.
• Sign up for our newsletter and never miss another issue.
• Please support the Cape Jewish Chronicle with a voluntary Subscription for 2023. For payment info click here.
• Visit our Portal to the Jewish Community to see a list of all the Jewish organisations in Cape Town with links to their websites.
Follow the Cape Jewish Chronicle: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
