Energetic Benevolent remains a communal pace-setter

MICHAEL BELLING

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL BELLING

Pictured: Judy Wainer, the new chairman of the Johannesburg Jewish Women’s Benevolent Society (left), with the outgoing chairman, Maureen Disler.

The first was presented to Michael Goldin of Goldman Judin Inc; they have been the honorary JWBS attorneys for 70 years. Joyce Segerman received her award for 60 years’ service to the organisation and Marlene Bethlehem, president of the JWBS, has been a member for 50 years.

Bethlehem called Michael Judin, who joined the firm as an articled clerk at the age of 17 and was now the senior partner, “not only a great lawyer, but a great friend to the Benevolent”.

Segerman said the Benevolent was the organisation she really wanted to be part of.

Presenting the award to Bethlehem, JWBS Vice President Annette Angel, referred to her “tremendous achievements in serving the community”, as well as to her distinguished tennis career, that included a Wimbledon plate trophy.

“Tennis might be Marlene’s ‘racket’, but the Jewish Women’s Benevolent Society is her passion,” Angel said.

“Not everyone can change the world, but everyone can change a world. Marlene used her abilities to change many people’s worlds,” she said.

In her response, Bethlehem urged: “Don’t be afraid to dream, because dreams can be achieved. Thank you Benevolent for making my dreams come true.”

Outgoing chairman, Maureen Disler – the only person to have served two terms as chairman of the JWBS – said the Benevolent played a pivotal role in the community in many areas, from accommodation to food, clothing, transport and educational assistance.

It also offered special services, such as the warm hospitality, entertainment and catering at the 55 Club, occupational therapy, the Befrienders Group and blankets, clothes and books in Alexandra and Soweto. It was also responsible for the Sandringham Gardens library.

In her treasurer’s report, Loraine Ware commented on the healthy state of JWBS finances, which had enabled it to assist more people than in previous years.

Rabbi Jonathan Fox, minister to the JWBS, said it assessed the needs of its recipients and helped them in a way they could benefit immediately. One example of this was the Befrienders Group, where help was offered by shopping, transport and more.

“This is tailor-made chesed and a joy to many,” he said.

Michael Sieff, CEO of the Chevrah Kadisha, brought greeting from all the organisations with which the JWBS worked. He pointed to the relationship of well over 100 years between the Chevrah and the JWBS. 

“The Johannesburg community is that much richer for all the efforts you make,” he said.

JWBS Life Vice President Natalie Koren, presented her daughter, Linda Schneier, with a medal on Schneier’s election as an honorary vice president.

Among the awards were two 40-year service certificates, given to Belle Katz and Marge Peiser, and a different long service award was presented to the JWBS drive, Samuel Mohale, who joined the organisation 40 years ago..

The office bearers elected for the next year are: Marlene Bethlehem, president; Judy Wainer, chairman; Leigh Brouze, first vice-chairman; Doreen Zurel, second vice-chairman; Jackie Feldman, treasurer; Glynne Wolman, assistant treasurer; Loraine Ware, secretary; Sheri Hanson, assistant secretary; and Maureen Disler, immediate past chairman.