Madrich & Narrative Coach
Hi ! My name is Baruch Joffe.
I graduated from King David Linksfield in Johannesburg South Africa in 1986.
I went on to obtain my B.A degree - majoring in Law and Psychology- from the University of the Witwatersrand.
I then traveled to Israel and after a number of years of Study in Yeshivah Ohr Somayach both in Israel and South Africa, I was privileged to be awarded my Semicha (Rabbinical ordination) from Rabbi Zalman Nechemia Golberg Zt""L. It was during my University studies in Johannesburg approximately 35 years ago -where I
began unofficially my career as a Caregiver and Therapist. My Bobba and Zaida were in the old age home in Sandringham gardens in South Africa and I used to visit them often. The way I connected with my Zaida was to sing the Lecha Dodi together with him . He would get so much nachas that he would laugh and cry at the same time. On those visits to Sandringham Gardens, I visited other residents as well. I would talk to them and try give them some encouragement and listen to their stories. I once asked my Bobba if I should become a lawyer or a Rabbi. She said in her English yiddish accent, " become a lyer." Well I became a Rabbi instead. I was fortunate to have grown up with the feeling as did all my cousins, that Bobba and Zaida were special figures in our lives and that they were the source of our Jewish roots and traditions. I was so fortunate to have grown up in a home where both my parents showered me with unconditional love.It gave me the basis of strength to reach out to assist and encourage others.
Rabbinical Work
It was during the period of time when I was studying in South Africa for my semicha, that I moved to Capetown. After obtaining my semicha, I spent five years leading the Sommerset West Strand Hebrew Congregation. I remember Abe Friedman who was then in his nineties, coming early to shul and donning his tallit with great reverence. When the Sommerset community were in the process of moving the Shul to a more peaceful location up in the mountains , I took the opportunity to lead the Muizenberg Cape town community for a short six month tenor. Whilst in Cape Town I also taught Jewish Studies In the Yeshiva college and had the wonderful privilege to teach Abe Friedmans grandson. It was during my Kolel studying with Rav Steinhaus in Cape town when I discovered my passion for Torah learning, teaching and counseling. I became a volunteer bereavement counselor for the organisation called Nechama in Capetown
Aliya and the elderly
My family and I moved back up to Johannesburg after having spent eight years in Cape Town. It was in Johannesburg that I took a position with the Kashrut department of the Beth Din as a factory inspector. It was three and a half years after taking this position that Tanya -my wife- and I decided to make Aliya in 2008. It was in 2010 where I joined up with an organization as a caregiver for the elderly and in 2014 began working privately in this role.
At about this time I began studying Narrative Therapy under Chana Rochel Frumin the founder of the School of Narrative Therapy in Jerusalem. I obtained my certificate as a Narrative Coach on the 12th of May 2019. Since then I have run a support group for caregivers based on narrative therapy principles. In November 2024, I merited taking up the position of Madrich (Guide) at the enrichment center for brain care in Beit Tovei Hair, guiding the mens group in Shiurim davening and various stimulating therapies. I offer coaching and emotional support for seniors, family members and caregivers.
I have come full circle from the time I would sit with my Bobba and Zaida in Sandringham Gardens; listen to their stories and give them encouragement and reassurance. As I weave my new story together their memory and the memory of my dear father Z'L, remain the source of my devotion love and strength.
My hobbies include reading, and practicing Tai Chi.