Jewish students brighten Selwyn Segal with magical mural

Jewish high school students with an artistic flair teamed up to transform the blank, bland exterior walls of Selwyn Segal in Johannesburg into vibrant, feel-good, magical landscapes in a 2025 project held over the mid and end-of-year holidays. 

“The role came with real responsibility and incredible opportunity. I was able to supervise the team, guide the process, and help others contribute meaningfully to the mural,” said Aliza Abelson, who was “rosh” project. “I learned to accept criticism and incorporate other people’s ideas in a productive way. By the end of the project, I felt that I had grown in confidence and even though I’m only 17 years old, I can contribute in a meaningful way.” 

Working together tirelessly for weeks, the dedicated and talented group sketched, mixed paints, and climbed up and down ladders making sure that every inch of the wall was covered. The bright, welcoming wall draws people in and as staff, residents, and visitors walk past, they cannot help but smile and step closer, noticing the smaller details, colours, and the message behind the image. 

Abelson said the team loved how the wall gradually became a point of connection and conversation. “Looking at that wall now makes me feel happy,” said one of Selwyn Segal’s residents. “It’s much nicer than a plain, boring wall.” The residents are enchanted by the warm colours and joyful summer scenes, while the young artists had a great time creating something lasting and beautiful. 

Abelson was also the winner of the Chevrah Kadisha annual art competition in 2025. “Art is my life,” she said. “It’s how I express myself and communicate ideas that words sometimes cannot. I believe that each person is given unique talents by Hashem. When those talents are used for good, they have the power to uplift others and strengthen the community.” 

Abelson’s great-grandmother, Sybil Abelson, 95 years old, has been a resident of Sandringham Gardens for more than 20 years. “Although there were great prizes on offer, what motivated me most was knowing that the pieces would be displayed around the Sandringham Gardens campus, and I pictured my great-grandmother walking down the corridors enjoying the artwork,” she said. 

Beyond the art itself, being exposed to the work of the Chev was a real revelation for the group, who learned a lot about gratitude and the meaning of community responsibility. 

“As students, we brought enthusiasm and creative energy. The results showed us that when we come together, something truly special is created. This experience deepened my appreciation for communal support, and I have never felt prouder to be a Jew living in Johannesburg,” Abelson said.