What had the Joburg Jewish community buzzing after the weekend of 28th March?
- Someone invented Pesadika croissants.
- A midnight rave – glowsticks and all – broke out at the Nosh Bar at Sandringham Gardens.
- The Union of Jewish Women (UJW) Johannesburg’s new youth arm, Dor L’Dor, hosted its very first event, and it was a huge success.
You guessed it. NPO newcomers Lara Chatzkelowitz and Shannon Miller hosted their first event, a fun-filled quiz night, and officially launched Dor L’Dor (a Hebrew phrase meaning generation to generation).
As one of South Africa’s oldest NPOs, the Union of Jewish Women has a long and beautiful legacy of showing up for those who need it most. Through initiatives like Bags for New Beginnings, the Alexandra Feeding Scheme, the Sewing Empowerment School, and more, UJW Johannesburg has built a track record of care that’s both practical and deeply impactful.
But what makes a legacy like this truly powerful is its ability to keep moving forward. UJW Johannesburg is not simply looking back on years of meaningful work. It’s continuing to build on them. And for that work to keep growing, it needs a new generation to come through with fresh energy, new ideas and the same spirit of service. Not to replace what came before, but to honour it by carrying it forward.
Cut to Genesis Conference Room 1 on Saturday night, 28 March 2026, packed with people of all ages and stages for what the invite aptly described as a “pre-Pesach chametz bonanza”. Shouts of glee echoed through the hall as raffle winners, quiz champions and auction bidders claimed their prizes.
With renowned quizmaster Dayle Robyn on the mic, generous sponsors including Fila, The Sip Store, Cellini, SMD Technologies, Bright Star Lighting, Pick n Pay and Calaska Trading 29 behind the prizes, the evening was proof that giving back can be a jol. A very special thanks to the UJW stalwarts who helped with ticket admin, organised a lot of the prizes, manned – or rather woman-ed – the door, sold raffle tickets, and kept the night moving.
Catered by the team at Phat Larry’s, and hosted at Genesis Shopping Mall, the event marked the first of many for the passionate pair behind Dor L’Dor.
What’s next? Well, if after reading this you feel that same urge Lara and Shannon felt at the beginning of their journey, send a message to shannonashk@gmail.com. Whether it’s as a potential member, friend, sponsor or collaborator, they’d love to hear from you. Because it’s only when we work together, that we can really change things for the better.
