Chai Seniors is an innovative programme that aims to meet the needs of the seniors within the Greater Johannesburg community. Our motto is "less oy, more joy!"
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, defined the golden years as a time to increase, not decrease, one’s activity. DID YOU KNOW that depression and apathy are not inherent elements of the aging process, and that in many societies respect for the elderly is a societal norm? It is a shame that some seniors are neglected and alienated from the general community. Chabad cherishes the wisdom of the elderly, and in
keeping with our mission to promote life-long learning, has established our Tiferes Zekeinim "Glory of the Elderly" programme, now known as Chabad Chai Seniors. The elderly are the most rapidly-growing population group and Chai Seniors wants to help fill these years with joy and a sense of caring. We arrange social events, daily lectures, educational programmes and various holiday celebrations. We work with nursing homes, retirement communities and directly with individuals to help them with specific needs, including home and hospital visits, and more. Who are we? Chai Seniors is a division of Chabad House-Miracle Drive and is dedicated to serving all with Ahavat Yisrael - an unconditional love and concern for every Jew, regardless of background and affiliation. Our inter-generational programmes promote the sharing of stories, Jewish experiences and knowledge among the generations. Rabbi Ari Kievman, our director, has been working with Senior Citizens for over 10 years. While studying for his Rabbinical ordination in 2003 at the Machon Lhora'ah in Pretoria he used to visit the Jaffa Old Aged Home twice a week. In New York he was the Senior Rabbi and Chaplain at several Retirement Centres. His experience has taught him that there is much wisdom to be gained by listening and sharing with seniors. Rabbi Kievman has a great deal of knowledge concerning the issues faced by seniors, the difficult situations they often encounter in hospitals and nursing homes, and the struggles they face to live independently. He has done extensive research on many issues relating to geriatrics. Our Activities
Daily Kolel for Men: Includes transport service, refreshments, lunch, a stipend for attendees. Ladies Kolel: Including transport service, refreshments, lunch, stipend for attendees. Individual Visitations to private homes, senior facilities and hospitals. Memory Enhancement & Extra Curricular Programmes Every Monday at Chabad House with professional Occupational Therapist, Cynthia Liptz
Entertainment
ChaiPad Training
Day Trips
Guest Lectures
JLI – Advanced Jewish Learning Courses
Rosh Chodesh Club – held every month
Festival Celebrations – including full luncheons for the various holidays throughout the year attended this year by record 400 seniors
Living Legacy Programmes
Motivational Seminars & Medical Info Courses
Weekly radio show on 101.9 ChaiFM currently every Thursday at 1pm
*Daily Kolel: Jewish thought teaches us that education doesn’t end at a graduation but rather it continues throughout our lifetime. In addition to stimulating the mind, studying Torah allows us to reconnect with our heritage and endows us with feelings of hope, truth and purpose. Come to our Chai Seniors daily lectures and semester courses created around Jewish values and history. At all lectures questions and discussions are welcomed and encouraged. Lessons vary between Talmudic stories, Jewish law, history, ethics and more. This programme is conducted daily (Monday through Friday) at Chabad House. We provide transportation as needed. The morning begins with fresh coffee and refreshments as you chat and catch up with friends. At 9:30 we begin a two-hour study session, topics including the weekly Torah portion and its practical relevance in our daily lives and other contemporary issues examined under the halachic microscope. Following the class is a delicious hot lunch.
*Memory Programs: Suffering with memory loss? Join our Memory Enhancement & Extra Curricular Programmes every Monday, with experienced Occupational Therapist Ms Cynthia Liptcz. To attend the memory programmes click here:
*Guest Lecturers: Medical research has shown that intellectual stimulation is vital to maintaining good mental health. Periodically throughout the year we arrange sessions with guest lecturers. Featured speakers have addressed topics on Jewish history, customs and ethics. For information on future guest lecturers click the upcoming events option. To request a topic for discussion click here:
*JLI Courses: Seniors Module TheJewish Learning Institute, one of the world’s pre-eminent providers of quality adult Jewish education has been a proven success in its methodical and systematic outline of Jewish courses with accreditation (CLE, CPD etc.). It is structured as a 6-week semester, with courses running once day a week alongside the daily learning schedule. It consists of Its holistic approach to Jewish study considers the impact of Jewish values on personal and interpersonal growth. Drawing on research-based instructional design and cutting-edge approaches to adult learning, JLI's innovative presentation of traditional Judaism is designed to be both intellectually rigorous and highly accessible. In this module we cater the curriculum to be of particular relevance to your life as a senior. Past topics have included Jewish Medical Ethics, the Gift of Shabbos, Toward a Meaningful Life, Talmudic vs Secular Law and many more. For information on upcoming courses click the Study at Chabad tab and JLI. Or click here:
*Kashrut Course:Are you experiencing lack of familiarity in the laws of Kashrut? We periodically offer courses on the basic s of keeping Kosher, introducing the fundamentals of the laws with leading rabbinical experts from the Beth Din, and demonstrate the practical practice of Kashrut observance in our home, including Koshering. We anticipate creating a virtual shopping cart and discussing what would or wouldn’t be allowed providing a visual Kosher shopping experience, as well as taking seniors behind the scenes to see the intricacies of Kosher certification. For information on upcoming kashrut courses click here:
*Living Legacy:We don’t just teach about Jewish life and festivals, we bring them to life. Before each holiday we present a series of creative and stimulating hands-on experiences and events. Shofar Factory for Rosh Hashana, Lulov/Esrog workshop for Sukkos, Olive Oil press for Chanuka, Mishloach Manos packaing before Purim, Model Matzah Bakery before Pesach, Sofer presentation before Shavuos. In months between holidays we present Living Legacy educational exhibits on a variety of other Jewish practices: Tallit/Tzitzit Factory, Mezuzah Day exhibit, Tefillin fabrication, Havdalah secrets, and a Mikvah tour, all led by experts who explain the significance of the mitzvoth.
15/07/2026
🌅 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚! 😊
✨ Looking for a wonderful way to spend your Thursday?
Join us at the 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 for a day filled with friendship, laughter, inspiration, movement and meaningful connection! 💛
📍 *Chabad Seniors Club*
27 Aintree Ave, Savoy
🌟 𝗧𝗢𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪’𝗦 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦
☕ 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 & 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧
Warm coffee, wonderful friends and great conversation.
📝 𝟵:𝟬𝟬𝗔𝗠 – 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗦
💎 Capture your memories and add another gem to your legacy journal.
💪 𝟵:𝟰𝟱𝗔𝗠 – 𝗙𝗨𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗬𝗦𝗜𝗢
🙆♀️ Gentle exercises with Caron & Tali to improve strength, balance, vitality and wellbeing.
📖 𝟭𝟬:𝟯𝟬𝗔𝗠 – 𝗜𝗧’𝗦 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗
With Rebbetzin Miriam
🔬 Discover fascinating connections between the Parsha, science and the universe!
💙 Come for the friendship, stay for the inspiration, and leave with a smile!
😊 Bring a friend—we’d love to welcome you!
15/07/2026
Seniors Havdalah
30/06/2026
🎨 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆
For a long time now, the wonderful Andrea Stein has been leading our Seniors Art Therapy sessions, bringing smiles, laughter, creativity and a real sense of accomplishment to so many of our seniors.
We've seen firsthand how art can stimulate the mind, encourage self-expression, build confidence, and simply bring joy.
We're delighted to share that Andrea is now also available for private art lessons—for all ages, from children to adults and seniors. Whether you're looking to discover a new hobby, nurture your creativity, or arrange enriching sessions for a loved one, Andrea creates a warm, relaxed and encouraging environment.
🎨 Private Art Classes for Seniors
A creative experience in the comfort of your own home!
• No experience needed
• All materials provided
• Promotes cognitive stimulation, engagement and self-expression through colour and art
To find out more or book a session, contact Andrea directly:
📞 083 395 3685
We highly recommend her!
17/06/2026
🌅 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆! 😊
✨ Welcome to another 𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂 day at the 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 — where friendship, inspiration, learning & joy come alive! 💛
📍 Chabad Seniors Program
27 Aintree Ave, Savoy Estate
📆 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘’𝐒 𝐉𝐎𝐘-𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐔𝐏:
☕ 𝐂𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐄 & 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓
Start the morning with warm coffee, friendly faces & uplifting conversation 😊
📝 9:00 AM – 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓
💎 Your story is a treasure!
Write • Share • Reflect • Shine ✍️✨
Because your memories, wisdom & life experiences truly matter.
🎭 9:45 AM – 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐓
🌈 Move • Create • Feel Alive!
A joyful experience filled with music, movement, creativity, laughter & meaningful connection 🎶💃✨
🎥 10:45 AM – 𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐔𝐑 📚
🌟 The Rebbe’s Enduring Legacy
As we approach the Rebbe’s Yahrtzeit, join us for an inspiring journey into his vision, teachings and timeless impact on our lives and the Jewish world.
🍰 Plus, enjoy delicious *Frangelicas Cake* as we learn and reflect together!
A unique evening of 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗨𝗧𝗘, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬, 𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 & 𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 as we mark 𝗚𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗮𝗺𝗺𝘂𝘇, the yahrzeit of the Rebbe.
More than three decades after the Rebbe's passing, his influence continues to shape Jewish life across the globe. His teachings remain as powerful, relevant and transformative as ever, inspiring millions and helping to build the vibrant Jewish world we know today.
🎤 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗚𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗥: 𝗥𝗮𝗯𝗯𝗶 𝗗𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘇𝗿𝗶𝗲
📖 Author of The Secret of Chabad
📖 Author of Undaunted
Rabbi Eliezrie is one of the Jewish world's most acclaimed international speakers and will share personal recollections, powerful insights, inspiring stories and practical lessons from the Rebbe's extraordinary leadership and vision.
✨ 𝗔𝗡 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗙 𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 you will carry with you long after it ends.
🥂 Light refreshments will be served.
🎟 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞: Tinyurl.com/3tammuz26
📢 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬 and invite a friend.
💙 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗜𝗦 𝗔𝗡 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗪𝗢𝗡'𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦!
04/06/2026
🌅 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚! 😊
✨ Get ready for a 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗧𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬 at 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯!
A beautiful day of 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 awaits!
🗓️ 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆
☕ 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 & 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁
Start your morning with warmth, friendship & smiles
📝 𝟵:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠 – 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘀
💎 Add another gem to your 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 — because 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀!
💪 𝟵:𝟰𝟱 𝗔𝗠 – 𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗼
🙆♀️ Gentle, uplifting exercises with *Caron & Tali* to boost 𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 & 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆
☕ 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 & 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧
Start the morning with warmth, friendship & uplifting conversation 😊
📔 𝟵:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠 – 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗦
💎 Your life story is a treasure!
Capture memories, wisdom & legacy — because your story matters ✍️💛
🧠 𝟵:𝟯𝟬 𝗔𝗠 – 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗧
with 𝗖𝘆𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘇
😄 𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗚𝗛 • 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗞 • 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗣!
Fun, interactive mind games to keep the brain active and the spirit bright 🧩✨
🎬 𝟭𝟬:𝟯𝟬 𝗔𝗠 – 𝗠𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗨𝗥
🔠✨ “THE SECRET POWER OF THE ALEF BEIS *א, ב, ג, ד* – LETTERS THAT CREATED THE WORLD” 🔠
Did you know the entire world was created through the holy Hebrew letters?
Discover how each Alef, Beis, Gimmel carries divine energy, meaning & creation itself — a fascinating journey into the building blocks of existence! 🌍📖
🕍 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦
🕯️ Tefillin • Tehillim • BP Checks
Caring for both body & soul 💛
🍽️ 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗢𝗨𝗦 𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛
Great food, warm company & beautiful conversation 🍜😊
🎲 𝟭𝟮:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠 – 𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦
🎉 Laughter • Fun • Friendly competition
Get ready to shout “BINGO!” 😄🏆
🎨 𝟭:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠 – 𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗬
with 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗶𝗻
Relax, unwind & express yourself through creativity 🎨🖌️
🧶 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 / 𝗞𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗣𝗦
📞 RSVP Miriam: 079 418 6769
A space to create, connect & enjoy together 💛
✨ Let’s make today 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹, 𝗷𝗼𝘆𝗳𝘂𝗹 & 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲!
💛 We can’t wait to welcome everyone!
27/05/2026
🌅 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆! 😊
✨ Welcome to another 𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂 day at the 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 — where friendship, inspiration, creativity & joy come alive! 💛
📍 Chabad Seniors SA Program
27 Aintree Ave, Savoy Estate
📆 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘’𝐒 𝐉𝐎𝐘-𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐔𝐏:
☕ 𝐂𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐄 & 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓
Start the morning with warm coffee, friendly faces, uplifting conversation & meaningful connection 😊
📝 9:00 AM – 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓
💎 Your story is a treasure!
Write • Share • Reflect • Shine ✍️✨
Because your memories, wisdom & life experiences truly matter.
🎭 9:45 AM – 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐓
🌈 Move • Create • Feel Alive!
An uplifting experience filled with music, movement, creativity, laughter & joyful connection 🎶💃✨
🎥 10:45 AM – 𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐔𝐑 📚
🇮🇱 Explore the beauty, significance & timeless connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel through inspiring stories, powerful insights & meaningful discussion ✨
15/07/2026
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