Scene Around

Of all places, Germany?...

With the remembrance of the Holocaust, the thought of anti-Semitism is never far from my thoughts. I know about its revival in many parts of Europe... but in Germany? I read this in the latest edition of the World Jewry Digest (WJC). I know the thought of anti-Semitism is upsetting but its better to know and be aware. Read on:

"WJC President Ambassador RONALD S. LAUDER was joined by German Chancellor ANGELA MERKEL, President JOACHIM GAUCK and other German leaders at a major rally against anti-Semitism that took place in front of Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate on Sept. 14.

More than 10,000 people attended the rally, organized by the Central Council of Jews in Germany, to bring international attention to the sharp rise in anti-Semitic attacks and the growing hostility toward Israel that have taken place in Germany and many other European countries following Israel's legitimate action in Gaza.

Ambassador Lauder, addressing the crowd in English and German, said: "For the last 70 years, Jews and Germans have lived together in peace. But something has changed. This summer, all the progress of the last 70 years has been darkened by a rising tide of anti-Semitism. As we stand together, Jews and non-Jews, strong and united, this is our message ,,, We will never accept anti-Semitism here in Germany or anywhere else. We will never allow our children to live in fear because of their religion. We say no to intolerance, no to bigotry and no to anti-Semitism."

(Never Again!)

Also in the current WJC...

"Born Betty Jean Perske in Brooklyn (Yah, Brooklyn!), New York, daughter of Jewish immigrants from Poland and Romania, the legendary stage and screen star, Lauren Bacall, was best known for her sultry voice and marriage to actor Humphrey Bogart. She died in her Manhattan apartment of a heart attack at the age of 89.

Bacall performed in more than 40 films, including her first at the age of 19 in 'To Have And Have Not' playing opposite Bogart. Other starring film roles included 'The Big Sleep' and 'How to Marry a Millionaire.'

A New York Times obituary quoted Bacall as saying that she felt 'totally Jewish and always would.'

Lauren Bacall was a first cousin of former Israeli president, Shimon Peres.

"Totally Jewish too"...

There is a chapter missing from Jewish history. While most people know the stories of the Jews of Europe, the Middle East and the Americas, few are familiar with the colorful and captivating stories of Jews in the Far East.

Rabbi MARVIN TOKAYER and ELLEN RODMAN, Ph.D. have written "Pepper, Silk & Ivory: Amazing Stories about Jews and the Far East" to bring this exciting and overlooked part of the Jewish experience to life. Rabbi Tokayer first served as a U.S. Air Force chaplain before becoming the rabbi of the Jewish Community of Japan, a position he served in for eight years before being named Lifetime Honorary Rabbi. During that time, Tokayer was the only English-speaking, university-trained rabbi from India to Japan and everywhere in between. In the most unexpected ways, Jewish history includes the Far East too; it's a part of the world with no anti-Semitism or persecution and was blessed with the concepts of tolerance and cultural pluralism," coauthor Ellen Rodman says.  "Every part of the Far East has a relationship with Jews. Their stories remind us all that in the most unexpected and amazing ways, 4,000 years of Jewish history also includes Asia," coauthor Rabbi Tokayer said.

"Pepper, Silk & Ivory can be purchased at among other booksellers.

For more information, visit: http://www.peppersilkandivory.com.

A reminder...

Former Central Floridian and famous comedian, singer, musician, songwriter JIM STAFFORD will be performing at the Mount Dora Community Building as a headliner during the Mount Dora Music Festival, tomorrow evening, Saturday, Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for the event are reserved,$30 & $45; VIP, $60; There will also be a "Meet & Greet."For more details, phone either 352-383-2627, 352-385-1010 or go online to http://www.mountdoramusicfest.com

Another important reminder...

On Sunday, Nov. 16 from noon to 5 p.m., The Second Annual Holiday Boutique will be held at Congregation Ohev Shalom, 613 Concourse Pkway, Maitland.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, phone 407-298-4650.

Matzo ball soup (yum)...

Once again my spouse and I were out for dinner, this time at Toojay's in Altamonte Springs. You know we ordered matzo ball soup first!

(Some folks are addicted to drugs... we need our fix of matzo ball soup!)

Our waitress, CYNTHIA GLAZE was the best, the sweetest, the kindest... and she even assured me that my matzo ball soup had NO calories!

(Don't correct her! She made me so very happy!)

More than one for the road...

Being a senior citizen myself (I know. It's hard to believe) I came across some senior citizen jokes and I pass them along to you:

1. Being old is like being a dog. The high points of the day are scratching, peeing and watching for the mailman.

2. Because of financial hardship, Mrs. Cohen is forced to become a streetwalker. After her first day on the job, she comes home exhausted and hands her husband the earnings... $10 and ten cents. "Who gave you only a dime?" her husband demands.

"Everybody!" she replies.

3. An elderly woman climbs three flights of stairs, opens an ornately carved door, and walks into an exotically furnished reception room.

A gong sounds and a beautiful Asian woman appears from behind a beaded curtain and asks softly "Do you wish to meet with His Omnipotence, the wise, the all-knowing, the all-seeing Guru, the Honorable Maharishi?

"Yeah," says the woman. "Tell Sheldon his mother is here."