The Chevrah Kadisha is the oldest Jewish organisation in Johannesburg and the largest Jewish welfare organisation on the African continent.

As old as the city of Johannesburg itself, the Chevrah Kadisha, established in 1888 during the Gold Rush, has fulfilled the dual role of burial and welfare since inception.  Its sound principles and wise approach to welfare have made it a model and example for all Jewish organisations to follow.

Over the years the Chevrah has been called upon to assume many additional community responsibilities and has accepted each challenge with courage and humility.   Today, thousands of Jewish people depend upon the Chevrah every month for food, warm and safe housing, education for their children and healthcare for their families.  The organisation, which continues to attend to all Jewish burial in the city, also devotedly cares for those who are elderly, ailing, disabled and helpless.

The problems of relief and rehabilitation addressed by the pioneers of the Johannesburg Chevrah Kadisha were visionary, far-reaching and complex.  The modern-day Chevrah, despite having expanded its boundaries extensively, has remained faithful to the high ideals and moral, ethical and spiritual tenets prescribed by its most esteemed founders.