I was recently privileged to be part of an incredible programme initiated by Momentum Fellowship from the USA who encourage women from all walks of life, affiliations, observances and ages to come together to make a difference, transform themselves, transform families and communities. They empower and inspire women to positively impact Jewish people and beyond through Jewish values and the rich beauty of Jewish heritage, engaging with Israel to foster unity without uniformity. There were 100 Jewish women from numerous Cape Town and Johannesburg organisations, productively working together in different groups to ensure that we identify new ideas through changing our perspectives, and so take our organisations to new levels.
Not only were we given the gift of the expertise and professionalism of the facilitators who encouraged us every step of the way, we will also receive assistance via six online sessions during the next couple of months with facilitators of our choice. Added to that, each cohort head has been afforded five sessions with an individual coach to assist us with the choices and plans we make. We worked extremely hard, but had fun while doing so, and were spoiled with lovely accommodation at the Houw Hoek Hotel and delicious food provided by Stanley Norrie and his team.
I was offered the opportunity to join the programme and thought long and hard before registering as I felt sure that the learning opportunity was more suited to younger adults and that I was not going to get the full benefit from participating, nor would I be able to give the best to my organisation. How wrong I was. Granted, I was probably the most senior participant there, but there is no doubt that it was most beneficial for our organisation and myself personally. It also confirms that, without any doubt, one is never too old to learn or extend oneself and that we should all endeavour to live our best lives, taking every opportunity to grow.
The unbelievably cold, wet weather has not dampened the spirits or attendance of our members during the last few weeks. We have enjoyed fantastic outings and participated in Mandela Day activities at each branch. We joined hands with the Sunflower Group from Athlone to knit for various charities in the Southern Suburbs, and hosted an interbranch morning in Milnerton, at which Helen Lieberman, who started Ikamva Labantu 60 years ago, spoke about the work done by the organisation, and showed a documentary which highlighted the women who have assisted her. Our members brought along donations of non-perishables and other items. Rabbi Goldstein, a sofer, demonstrated the art of writing on a Torah in Muizenberg, and Michael Bagraim’s presentation and positive stance on the Government of National Unity was well received by large groups at both our Sea Point and Milnerton branches.
Bookings have also opened for Goudini for 25-28 March 2025. Don’t delay in making your booking for this fun-filled three-day trip to the spa in Rawsonville.
As we start looking towards spring and the heralding of Rosh Hashanah and the festivities that form part of our annual calendar, may we continue to pray for the safe return of all hostages and the end of all the atrocities associated with the war.
Diana Sochen
Executive Director
Social and Personal
We congratulate our members who have had joyous occasions during the last month.
Births: Barbara Kahn – Grandson
SPECIAL BIRTHDAYS: Bennie Katzenberg – 101, Wilfred Back – 91, Urving Treger – 80
Bar Mitzvah: Vonny and Roy Bernstein – Grandson, Henny Bernstein – Great-Grandson
Bat Mitzvah: Ruben and Sheila Wagenheim – Granddaughter
Welcome to new members: Norman Breskal, Ross Lichtenstein, Irene Nurick, Ros Lurie, Barbara Mandel, Christine Botha, Harry Faktor, Gill Markowitz, Adrienne Berkowitz, Yvonne Levine
Well wishes extended to those who have been under the weather. You have been in our thoughts: Debbie Epstein, Muriel Sendzel, Rene Musikanth, Freda Tucker, Bernice Kaplan, Lilian Sheldon, Shirley Kaplan, Norma Mendelowitz, Hilda Wilck, Esther Mair, Carrie Clift
Wishes of strength for all those who have lost loved ones: Abe Casper – niece; Roni Snitcher – brother; the family of Lily Singer, who participated in our activities for many years
Cape Jewish Seniors Association
Director: Diana Sochen, 021 434 9691, director@cjsa.org.za
Admin: Amanda, 021 434 9691, admin@cjsa.org.za
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