Sandringham Gardens
Caring for the Aged
85 George Avenue I Sandringham I Johannesburg I 2192
Contact: Esme van der Walt
Phone: 011-532-9600
Website: www.jhbchev.co.za
Sandringham Gardens has been caring for the Jewish aged in Johannesburg for over 100 years. Our residential facility is haven and home to 400 senior citizens, many of whom are, sadly, in need of long-term hospitalization.
For those in the residential section who are well enough to enjoy the wide range of amenities on offer, regular entertainment, outings, in-house functions, religious lectures and a beautifully maintained “heimish” shul, with services 3 times daily, are on hand. Also available are a hairdressing salon, library and Nosh Bar which supplies delicious snacks at excellent prices. Tasty and nourishing food is prepared by the professional catering team who pay faithful attention to special dietary requirements.
Naturally, healthcare is an essential component in a facility of this nature and the Community Medical Centre provides professional and excellent coordinated medical care to those in need of it. Physiotherapy, radiography, dentistry, speech and hearing as well as a fully equipped pharmacy, are all part of the Centre. There are 5 full time General Practitioners and a large nursing staff. Access to visiting specialists is arranged.
Our remarkable residential facility is a warm and caring place and sits amidst beautifully cultivated and maintained gardens which, weather permitting, the residents enjoy enormously.
Unfortunately, more than half of our residents are partially or fully subsidized by the Chevrah Kadisha Group as they are unable to afford the modest accommodation fees. It is for this reason that continuous fundraising is essential for the Home.
Our History
“It was at the Annual General Meeting of the Chevrah Kadisha held on August 27, 1911 that the General Body empowered the Committee to carry out a scheme of establishing a Home for the Jewish Aged. A Special General Meeting of the Chevrah Kadisha was held on February 18, 1912 at the Hebrew High School – the business of which was to confirm the purchase of a suitable piece of land for the establishment of a Jewish Aged Home. The Home was called “Witwatersrand Jewish Aged Home – Beit Moshav Zekeinim” and was officially opened on June 30, 1912. There were 12 residents – 8 men and 4 women”.
Over time and for many years, Sandringham Gardens has operated independently, though always with strong ties to the Chevrah Kadisha, but on the eve of Rosh Hashana 5761 / 2000 these two century-old welfare institutions merged, thus completing a time-cycle that began in 1911.
Megan Jacobson, a Sandringham Gardens resident, always regretted not having a Batmitzvah, so in honor of her 70th birthday, she was given the opportunity to fulfil her wish. Megan was determined to learn Hebrew and so Rebbetzin Malka Shalpid, taught Megan to read, write and speak.
On Shabbat, family and friends filled the Sandringham Gardens Shul to capacity as they celebrated this significant milestone in Megan’s life. In Shul she recited her own version of Psalm 23 and at the brocha she spoke of her life’s journey. Radiographer, Doula, Dancer, Librarian, member of the Chev’s World of Work facilities team. Colorful, smiling friend to so many. Mazeltov on this special occasion!
