A select group from the Cape Town Jewish community’s Board of Governors and other leaders recently attended a ceremony to put up a mezuzah to bless a new facility prior to residents moving in.
When a mezuzah was affixed to the doorway of Spes Bona on a bright September morning, it marked more than the opening of a new residence. It marked the rebirth of a historic landmark, a place that has stood for over a century, and now stands renewed as a home of dignity and compassion for the aged of our community.
“For we Jews, this period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is a time of judgement. But we can rest assured that Hashem will judge our community well for what has been achieved here,” reflected Rabbi Osher Feldman, Chair of the Rabbinical Association of the Western Cape, as he blessed the doorway of the restored building.
Built in 1915, Spes Bona had long stood as a silent witness to generations past, once a women’s residence, later a home for university students. But after more than a century, time had taken its toll. The once stately building had fallen into a state of neglect and disrepair, its grandeur fading, its potential dormant. That is, until Jewish Community Services stepped forward, not merely to purchase a property, but to preserve a legacy and restore a purpose.
Under the leadership of Paul Berman, Chair of Care Services, and with the steadfast support of Philip Krawitz, outgoing Chair of the Board of Governors, and donors, an ambitious vision took shape: to create a sanctuary for the aged, a place of warmth, care, and belonging, rooted in our community’s timeless values of compassion and respect.
“This building stood proud once, but it had lost its way,” Paul reflected. “We saw in Spes Bona a chance to give it back its soul, to restore its dignity, and to let it once again serve those who need it most.”
The transformation of Spes Bona is nothing short of remarkable. What was once derelict has become magnificent once more, a seamless blend of historic grace and modern comfort.
Every inch of the building was renewed. A new roof replaced the old asbestos tiles; a new lift shaft now provides accessibility to all floors; and new electrical and plumbing systems bring the property up to the highest safety standards.
Inside, every room – 53 in total – has been refurbished, each one infused with warmth and light. Modern bathrooms, wheelchair-accessible facilities, and two fully equipped kosher kitchens (for meat and milk) ensure comfort, respect, and observance.
The gardens, once steep and unusable, have been transformed into terraced green spaces supported by gabion walls, serene, accessible areas where residents can stroll, sit, and take in the breathtaking view of Lion’s Head.
A solar system with battery backup ensures that the home remains powered and sustainable, while a new clinic, administrative offices, and security systems provide safety and care.
“It’s not just a building,” said Hazel Levin, COO of Care Services. “It’s a home, a real home, for 44 residents who until now had nowhere to go. Today, they have a place to belong, to be cared for, and to live with pride.”
The unveiling ceremony highlighted the effort, dedication, and vision that made this transformation possible. An official opening event is scheduled for 9 November 2025 once all residents have moved in.
“This project is a triumph of heart and purpose,” Paul Berman concluded. “In restoring Spes Bona, we did more than revive a building. We revived dignity. We revived belonging. And we reminded ourselves that the greatness of a community is measured by how it treats those who need it most. This is a gift from our generation to the next, proving that when compassion meets conviction, even the most neglected places can shine again in all their majesty. This of course would not have been possible without the extraordinary donations received, but we still have a way to go to cover the shortfall.”
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