Jaffa – much, much more than a mere ‘retirement home’

SUZANNE BELLING

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SUZANNE BELLING

Pictured: Jaffa’s Memory Garden.

“Pretoria needs its own retirement home,” she said. She was overheard by the late Rabbi Sydney Katz zt”l and Alan Gordon, president of the then Pretoria United Hebrew Congregation. The idea had previously been mooted to no avail.

However, through the efforts of Bernard Levy, president of the Pretoria Council, representatives of Jewish organisations and individuals, Karp’s comment

was translated into the reality which is Jaffa today.

“Jaffa should actually stand for Just Amazing Fabulous, Fantastic, Accommodation,” resident Anne Eichhorn told SA Jewish Report.

At the beginning a team of Levy, Sidney Lewinsky, Myra Egdes (former editor of the Pretoria Jewish Chronicle), Karp, Alec Wapnick and Norah Ginsberg pooled their myriad talents – in fundraising, eliciting government co-operation and public relations and hence Jaffa was born at 42 Mackie Street, in the suburb of Baileys Muckleneuk.

Today, under the helm of executive director Mark Isaacs, who succeeded Ronny Silbermann and the late Len Klein in the post, Jaffa has become “the heartbeat and social pulse of Pretoria Jewry”, according to Karp.

There are 81 residents and 70 members of staff in this luxury lifestyle accommodation, set in magnificent surroundings, opposite a bird sanctuary, park and art gallery, with beautifully tended gardens, security, medical attention, all kosher meals, tea breaks, visiting lecturers, shiurim and entertainment, as well as a library, bingo and film evenings, a Yiddish group and other activities.

Jaffa is often the chosen venue for functions, book launches and weddings.

 “You can choose your lifestyle,” Isaacs told Jewish Report. “We have hotel rooms for families of residents who participate fully in chagim and seders.

“We are within walking distance of the Pretoria Hebrew Congregation and Bet Menorah and also have shul services on Friday nights on the premises.”

Rates are very reasonable and arrangements can be made for those who cannot afford the full fees

“Originally Jaffa was established for Pretoria residents, but now we have attracted people from all over the country,” Isaacs remarked.

“It is five-star accommodation,” said one hotel guest. “Everything is carpeted and there is absolutely no institutional feel about Jaffa.”

Under the watchful eye of mashgicha Michelle Kacev and catering manager Roy Levinson, formerly of the Chevrah group, superb meals are prepared.

For those who go out to work or are out for the day, takeaway or picnic lunches are prepared, which is especially useful on Pesach.

Some of the residents work. Resident Jack Bierman has his own clothing alteration business on site, while Mervyn Horwitz, an iconic communal figure and honorary life president of Jaffa, still attends to his business on a regular basis.

Residents can be admitted from the age of 60, while the oldest resident is Norah Ginsberg at 101, reaping the benefits of what she sowed as one of the founders of Jaffa.

Shelley Worms is the official driver who takes residents shopping and to the gym, using the home’s bus when there is a demand.

One of the most popular staff members is social worker Jill Shaskolsky, who has a personal relationship with all in the home and brings her Chihuahua to work every day, to the delight of the residents.

“It is wonderful here, we are like one big happy family,” she said.

One of the most novel and delightful features of Jaffa is Rochelle’s Garden, which resembles an archetypal enchanted garden, the brainchild of occupational therapist Daleen Botha. It was designed by Wally and Hermione Karpas in memory of Rochelle and Herman Karp and Lianne Lipshitz, through the generosity of Nolan and Leora Karp and family.

Figurines, fountains and sculpted water creatures abound among the beautifully tended flowers and herbs, intended to jog the memories of patients suffering memory loss from the adjacent frail-care section.

Resident take turns running Wendy’s Shop, which stocks novel and handcrafted gifts, kosher snacks and toiletries.