History of Our Homes – ChaiSouthAfrica

Members of the Jewish Ladies Communal League started an orphanage for 8 orphaned Jewish children in a house in Hillbrow. Due to circumstances at that time there were more applications than the space allowed and in 1906 the children were moved to premises in Kensington.
Only children who had lost one or both parents and were between the ages of 4 and 11 were considered. Boys had to leave the home when they turned 14 and girls at the age of 15.
By 1917 there were 58 children in a home designed to accommodate 32.
In 1921 the orphanage accepted 50 war orphans from Eastern Europe and the shortage of space became acute. In 1923 Arcadia was acquired from Sir Lionel Phillips and the first 142 children moved in. Admissions continued unabated until 1939 when numbers rose to 400 due to the children from Europe fleeing the Nazi persecution.
Gradually, as life returned to “normal” new policies in social services shared the advantages of keeping children at home with their parents. As social services started providing these financial means, and over time, the numbers of residents dwindled.
Today, only those children whose parents cannot care for them are accommodated at Arcadia.
Home to 25 residents.

Established in 1911 as the Cape Jewish Orphanage.
The institution was founded to care for Jewish children in need, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment.
In 1921, Isaac Ochberg rescued 187 Jewish orphans from Ukraine and brought them to South Africa. Most of these children were cared for at Oranjia, while the remainder were placed in the Arcadia Jewish Orphanage in Johannesburg.
The Ochberg children represent a proud period in the history of both South African Jewry and Oranjia.
In 2000, the institution was renamed Oranjia Jewish Child and Youth Centre to reflect its expanded mission and services.
Home to 12 residents.

Officially opened on June 30, 1912. This followed the Chevrah Kadisha’s decision in 1911 to establish a home for the Jewish aged, with the land purchased in early 1912.
The home was initially named the Witwatersrand Jewish Aged Home – Beit Moshav Zekeinim and began with 12 residents.
In 2000, Sandringham Gardens merged with the Chevrah Kadisha, Johannesburg’s largest Jewish welfare organization.
Home to 346 residents.

Established in 1920 by the Jewish community of Cape Town to provide a “Jewish home from home” for its aged members.
The first application for admission was received on February 21, 1920, and the first recorded resident, Mrs. Barnett, was admitted on May 27th.
A significant expansion was undertaken, with the cornerstone of a new building laid on May 5,1934 by Morris Alexander. The building was officially opened on October 28, 1934, by Councilor Louis Gardner, Cape Town’s second Jewish mayor.
Home to 157 residents.

Established in 1956 by Leon and Fanny Segal, in honor of their son, Selwyn, who had a disability.
It was integrated into the Chevrah Kadisha in 2005, becoming part of the largest Jewish welfare organization in South Africa.

Established in 1966 by a group of dedicated individuals who recognized the need for a supportive environment for Jewish adults with intellectual disabilities.
The first residence, known as The Homestead, was renovated and adapted to offer independent living with minimal supervision.
In 1971, a major expansion project laid the foundation for the Glendale home as it exists today. By 1986, increasing demand led to the construction of an additional wing, further enhancing the facility’s capacity.
Today, Glendale Home comprises five residential wings along with dedicated spaces for social engagement, therapy, and activity workshops.
Home to 43 residents.

Established November 15, 1970.
The facility began with approximately six residents in a converted house.
Over time, it has expanded thanks to the support of the Jewish community in Durban.
Home to 64 residents.

Rosecourt Foundation was established to provide supported accommodation for Jewish adults with special needs. The foundation operates three group homes.
Rosecourt House, opened in 1986 provides accommodation for 10 residents, Vriende House, opened in 2000 provides accommodation for 8 residents, and Rosecourt Terrace opened in March 2010 provides accommodation for 8 residents.

Established in 1988 to provide a supportive and comfortable living environment for elderly members of the Jewish community.
The initiative was inspired by a conversation where the late Rabbi Sydney Katz and community leader Alan Gordon discussed the need for a dedicated retirement home in Pretoria. Their vision was realized through the efforts of Bernard Levy, Sidney Lewinsky, Myra Edges, and others, who contributed to the establishment of Jaffa House.
Home to 77 residents.

Officially opened on October 30, 1988, by Durban Jewish Social Services (DJSS).
It provides a supportive and loving environment for adults with special needs, offering comfortable accommodation and comprehensive care.
December 2023 the Jewel House residents moved into their new home on the Beth Shalom property.
Home to 13 residents.

Established November 2002.
Extensive research revealed that there was a need for a suitable facility for Jewish individuals who were mentally ill.
The Lodge is a residential facility, situated on the beautiful and secure grounds of Sandringham Gardens. Due to demand, Sandringham Square, situated opposite the Lodge, was opened to provide additional accommodation to mental health residents.
Home to 71 residents.