Lifestyle/Community
UJW’s reputation extends beyond our borders
Described by some as “the best-kept secret in the Jewish community” but recognised and lauded by late President Nelson Mandela, the Union of Jewish Women, with active and dedicated branches in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London and Pretoria, has been at the forefront of empowerment, education and philanthropy, since its inception in 1931.
LYNNE RAPHAELY
It has enriched and enhanced the lives of hundreds of thousands of South Africans, both in the Jewish and wider communities; and as an affiliate of the International Council of Jewish Women, its reputation has extended beyond our borders.
The enthusiasm and dedication of our members know no bounds. Our Jewish projects include Kosher Mobile Meals, which provides cooked nutritious meals to 160 elderly persons and panic buttons to some recipients; weekly Friendship Club lunches; and upgrading of facilities at Sandringham Gardens. Cape Town’s Malach Fund is a bridging support service for those in immediate need until Jewish Community services can assist – support ranges from help with Shabbat dinners to financial support to cover rental, food and toiletries.
Durban’s monthly Friendship Club at Beth Shalom provides birthday gifts, bingo prizes and outstanding teas, and pre-Rosh Hashanah and Pesach braai luncheons and annual Chanukah parties are also held here.
PE hosts the monthly Club 42 for seniors, providing entertainment and delicious treats, and arranges an annual children’s Chanukah party. The East London branch supports both shuls as well as Highlands House, Glendale, Oranje and Arcadia.
Pretoria’s donation of two hi tech hospital beds with hydraulic lifting facilities for Jaffa Retirement Home’s frail care centre, was well-received.
UJW is involved in many outreach projects – too many to mention in detail. We assist crèches in townships with construction needs and play equipment, with early childhood development programmes and meals.
We supply granny- and child-headed households with food and clothing; we host empowerment schemes for women; we run numerous feeding schemes and soup kitchens and after-care centres for vulnerable children; we assist those in need after disasters such as fires and flooding; we pack parcels for Rape Crisis victims; we give soup to hospice patients; we donate winter woolies, beanies, blankets… the list goes on and on.
Our annual Toni Saphra Bursary is open to women regardless of race, colour or creed who already hold an undergraduate degree and whose proposed post-graduate degree will equip them to render social service in SA.*
Although every day sees our members performing mitzvot, Sunday’s International Mitzvah Day will once again see all UJW branches in action – solar powered lamps will be distributed in squatter camps; parties will be given at various homes, including Selwyn Segal, PE’s Gelvan Park Aged Home and Beth Shalom
Kiddies from a children’s home will be treated to a “train ride”; backpacks containing school essentials will be given to underprivileged crèche children going to “big school”; a crèche will be painted; food and gift parcels will be distributed and, as always, there will be outpourings of love to many lonely folk.
Join our vibrant organisation and make a difference.
(Anyone wishing to apply for a bursary can contact Barbara on (011) 645-2591).