Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Mark Twain
Diane Hirsch (l) with her dogs and resident, Evelyn Taylor.
Enough with the anti-Semitism...
Frankly, I get disgusted when I hear such news as that which was reported recently by the World Jewish Congress Digest (WJC) about Turkey. I always considered Turkey to be a good friend of Israel. Here is the article in full:
"The World Jewish Congress harshly criticized recent statements (this past summer) made by Turkish Deputy Prime Minister BESIR ATALAY who blamed a conspiracy of the foreign media and the Jewish Diaspora for anti-government protests throughout Turkey,
Atalay was quoted as saying: 'There are some circles that are jealous of Turkey's growth. They are all uniting...on one side the Jewish Diaspora.' He also said that the international media played a key role in what he termed 'the conspiracy,' adding that 'the ones trying to block the way of great Turkey' would not succeed.'
Reacting swiftly, WJC President Ambassador RONALD S. LAUDER said 'It is shocking to hear from a senior Turkish government official such despicable and totally baseless slurs. Mr. Atalay should have the decency to apologize. His remarks are an insult not only to the Jewish people but also to the many Turkish citizens who took part in the protests and who have real grievances.' (Lauder was referring to protests last summer in Turkey.)
Earlier in the summer, Turkish Prime Minister RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN indirectly suggested that Israel was provoking the mass protests against his government. Turkey, a predominantly Muslim country of 76 million, has an estimated Jewish community of 23,000, most of whom trace their roots to the 15th century."
Speaking of anti-Semitism...
There is an incident that I want to tell you about.
It is a sign on a local business in Fort Lauderdale. It read like this:
"WE WOULD RATHER DO BUSINESS WITH 1000 TERRORISTS THAN WITH ONE JEW."
I was shocked and upset until I realized the sign was on Goldstein's Funeral Home!
(I couldn't resist repeating that old joke!)
If you ever wonder what an American icon like Mark Twain thought about the Jews... he said this back before the turn of the last century: "The Greeks and the Romans are gone; other people have sprung up and held their torch high for a time but it burned out. The Jews saw them all, survived them all, all things are mortal but the Jew; All other forces passed, but he remains, What is the secret of his immortality?"
Film Festival approaches...
Plan to join the Jewish Federation for the 15th Annual Central Florida Jewish Film Festival, a cinematic celebration of Jewish life, culture and history. There are five films being shown from November 16-18, They are as follows:
"Zaytoun"(Arabic for olive), Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Orlando Science Center; "When Comedy Went To School," Sunday, Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. at Enzian Theater; "Aftermath", Sunday, Nov. 17 at 1:30 p.m. at the Enzian Theater; "Hava Nagila" (The Movie), Monday, Nov. 18th at 4:30 p.m. at the Enzian Theater; and "The Attack," Monday, November 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the Enzian Theater.
To see all five films and get first priority seating, consider purchasing a Mensch Pass. If you would like to see all five films and get second priority seating, consider purchasing a Series Pass. Mensch and Series Passes can also be purchased at the Roth JCC in Maitland.
Individual tickets can be purchased in-person at the Enzian. But be sure to get your tickets early-they sell out every year!
For further information, directions and who to contact for any questions, phone the JCC at 407-645-5933.
I always love to write about good folks...
Especially when they have good dogs. (I love dogs... and as Woody Allen would say... I love them, I loof them, I lerve them.)
I recently heard from MELANIE BAXT, program director with the Jewish Pavilion. She emailed me the following:
"DIANE HIRSCH has been visiting Jewish residents around Orlando with her two dogs. The picture (see photo) shows her and the dogs dressed for Halloween at the Health Center, Windemere. Diane is pictured with resident, EVELYN TAYLOR, obviously also a dog fancier.
Everyone loves the visits and can't wait for Diane to return. She brings much needed contact and a Jewish connection to the elderly."
And on the subject of animals...
I recently heard from our own talented ALAN ROCK, radio show host on WUCF FM (89.9) and also emcee of jazz programs at the Altamonte Chapel each month. He writes the following:
"Someone very important to me, my sweetheart HEATHER, is embarking on a project that you might want to know about. (I know Heather personally. She is a sweetheart!)
"Heather has developed a TV show called 'Pets Welcome Here,' about America's most exciting high-energy pet adventures. From pet friendly beaches to pet friendly ski trails and everything in between, pets and their people will share in America's most thrilling, engaging and unexpected activities.
"'Pets Welcome Here' will be produced as an hour-long reality style show that will premier as a TV Special. The show will be shooting their first adventures throughout the state of Florida, filled with doggie awesomeness.
"In order to produce her show, Heather has placed 'Pets Welcome Here' on a crowd funding platform called
You'll see an exciting, fun pet video. Learn more about the project and check out some great rewards. If you like what you see, you might want to support 'Pets Welcome Here' in any way you may choose. Also, please feel free to pass this email on to anyone you know who might be interested."
(And so I have!)
Did someone say "SHOPPING?"...
After eating, shopping is my very favorite thing to do. And especially with Chanukah on the horizon and JOANNE BERMAN's fabulous Judaica items.
She and her beautiful silver pieces will be featured at the Lake Mary Heathrow Holiday Shopping on Sunday Nov. 17, at the Westin Lake Mary, Orlando North, in the Grand Ballroom. Expo hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
A fun-filled local holiday shopping experience for the entire family will all be under one roof. Gifts for the holidays and Chanukah and Judaic items will be available for purchase.
Expo features include: Thanksgiving Food Drive & Toys For Tots drop off location, special Holiday Zumba Performances, free cookies & hot cocoa, New Year's restaurant giveaways, free face painting, EXPO raffle.
Admission: free 12 & under, $6 seniors, $7 adults
For more information, call 321-926-3025 or email lmchristmasexpo@gmail.com. Also visit the official Facebook page, or
One for the road...
Max was talking to Louie. "Did you know that I'm one of 18 children?"
Louie said, "No, I didn't. Why do you think your parents had so many children?"
Max replied, "The problem was that my mom was hard of hearing. When mom and dad went to bed each night, dad would ask, "Do you want to go to sleep, or what?"
And mom would say, "What?"
(Gee, when my spouse asked that question he was referring to a snack.)
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