Highlands House is a unique 108-year-old institution in the Western Cape that offers a haven for Jewish older people. We provide more than just a place of residence: we position ourselves as a vibrant hub of Jewish life, where our traditions, culture, and sense of community converge.
Our Home enjoyed another year as a beacon of Jewish celebration and learning. An early highlight was the Tu B’Shevat tree planting ceremony Rabbi Green led in the coffee shop garden, a poignant act symbolising growth and renewal. Residents have been enriched by insightful shiurim and talks from esteemed leaders such as Rabbi Matthew Liebenberg, Rabbi Malcolm Matitiani, and Rabbi Pini Hecht, who offer diverse perspectives on Jewish thought and practice.
In March, the festive spirit of Purim was palpable in our Lifestyle Centre. Residents put on a colourful fashion show and were delighted by the visit of young learners attending Herzlia Gan Aviv. Generosity was also in the air, with donated Purim gifts from the community bringing joy to all – a cheerful party with a live band performance added to the festive atmosphere. We regularly invite and welcome a diverse mix of entertainers, community groups, and social organisations into this space to enrich our weekday activities programme.
In October, we enthusiastically celebrated Sukkot in our own Sukkah. Residents gathered in its shade to partake in traditional rituals and enjoy camaraderie. Special Shabbat dinners marked the High Holy Days, particularly Rosh Hashanah and Pesach nights, providing residents with opportunities to connect with their heritage and spirituality and partake in meaningful social engagements. We are fortunate to house a shul on our campus, where residents can participate in prayers, minyans, and special services and enjoy a delicious brocha on Saturday afternoons.*
As 2024 draws to a close, Highlands House is gearing up for a joyful Channukah celebration, which will include the annual staff fashion show (which we look forward to all year!) and is sure to elicit laughter, joy, and fun engagement among our professional team and our residents. To mark Channukah, we launch our annual resident newsletter called Highlands Happenings, our unique tradition of learning and recording resident and staff stories, experiences, and creativity, and show our appreciation for another year in community with one another.
By offering a rich tapestry of experiences woven into Jewish ways of life, Highlands House ensures that its residents live fulfilling and meaningful lives with expert care. Our commitment to our warm, welcoming, and engaging atmosphere makes 234 Upper Buitenkant Street an extraordinary place to call home.
We invite the community to come to enjoy a delicious piece of cake and their favourite beverage in our coffee shop this summer, overlooking the magnificent Table Mountain. We provide delectable baked goods to order for your function or impress your family visiting during the school holidays.
*We welcome sponsorship for our Saturday Brochas and are pleased to say we received sponsorship on several weekends this year to mark a significant life event or share Shabbat with a loved one who resides here.
Highlands House http://www.highlandshouse.co.za | Tel: +27 21 461 1100 | info@highlandshouse.co.za
• Read the December 2024 / January 2025 issue in magazine format here.
• 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.
• Email us to sign up for our newsletter and never miss another issue.
• Please support the Cape Jewish Chronicle with a voluntary Subscription for 2024. For payment info click here.
• Visit our Portal to the Jewish Community to see a list of Jewish organisations in Cape Town with links to their websites.
Follow the Cape Jewish Chronicle: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
