Scene Around

Haven't they suffered enough?...

I read this in last month's World Jewish Congress (WJC) digest. It upset me but it is something we must be aware of. I pass it along to you:

"World Jewish Congress Holocaust Memory Commissioner CHARLOTTE KNOBLOCH has called it 'intolerable' that so many Holocaust survivors today have to live in poverty and urged the world to take action.

Speaking at the Wannsee Ville in Berlin, where in 1941 the Nazis decided to implement the 'final solution of the Jewish question,' she said: 'It'd not sufficient to commemorate those who perished in the Shoah or to condemn this singular crime. We also need to address the dire situation that so many survivors are facing today.

I call on politicians, businessmen and civil society leaders in the countries concerned to act now to help these people. The survivors of the Holocaust are entitled to lead their lives in dignity.'

Ms Knobloch, the president of the Jewish community of Munich and upper Bavaria who as a child survived the Holocaust in Germany, highlighted the fact that two-thirds of Holocaust survivors still alive are women who are drawing small pensions and that some countries levy taxes on special payments going to Shoah survivors.

'The abysmal situation in which many survivors find themselves today is something the world must not accept. These people became the victims of the most perfidious crime against humanity, and many of them have dedicated their entire lives to the fight against racism, anti-Semitism and in favor of freedom, peace, democracy, tolerance and human dignity.

Now, they are entitled to receive the support from those whose rights they defended.'

According to STUART EIZENSTAT, the United States special adviser on Holocaust issues to Secretary of State JOHN KERRY, in New York City alone, of the 60,000 survivors, 50 percent are living in poverty.

In Israel about a third are, and in the countries of the former Soviet Union that number is 85 to 90 percent.

Move over Zero Mostel...

I loved Zero Mostel. Yes I did! I also love Rabbi DAVID KAY. Yes I do!

(Don't get nervous, folks. I mean I love Rabbi Kay's talent, his personality, his entertainment abilities, as well as his calm and caring personality and gentleness with his congregants.)

I saw "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum" with the wonderful funnyman, Zero Mostel many years ago and loved it. I also saw "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum", a production of Theater at the J, at the Roth Family JCC of Greater Orlando in the Harriett & Hyman Lake Cultural Center Auditorium very recently.

Our own David Kay played the Zero Mostel role of Pseudolus... and he played it to perfection!

David has a great voice, we all knew that. But who knew he had the comedy moves, the style, and the joy of the starring role!

Surely, had he auditioned for the role written by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, with music by Stephen Sondheim, years ago, he would have given Zero a run for his money!

(Inspite of becoming a widow just recently after more than half century of marriage, and feeling so very depressed because of it, I found myself laughing out loud! Thank you for that, Rabbi Kay and the entire wonderful cast. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.)

Shout-Out...

At "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum" (the one at our JCC) I was fortunate enough to be helped by the best usher ever. Her name is CHELSEA CAMACHO. She made sure I was seated comfortably and I thank her for that.

A special reminder...

In just a couple of days, namely Sunday, Nov. 8th, The Jewish Pavilion's "A Taste In The Park" will take place from noon until 3 p.m. at the Maitland Civic Center.

With food galore, a kid's zone and entertainment, it sounds like a MUST way to spend the day.

For information, phone Jewish Pavilion Executive Director NANCY LUDIN at 407-678-9363 or go online to http://www.jewishpavilison.org.

(Hope to see you there.)

Straight from Las Vegas...

(I had many gigs in Las Vegas during my big band days and even recently, about a year ago, I had a gig with a pianist at one of the lounges. My pianist, a nice looking young man, said he never heard of George Gershwin! He tried to explain that he was only 23 years old. I responded "please I heard of Rachmaninoff!"I refused to perform with him.)

Also straight from Las Vegas will be BOBBY WILSON.

The son of R&B legend, Jackie Wilson, Bobby comes to Mount Dora for one night only. His show is called "The Music of Mathis."

On Saturday, Nov. 21st at 7 p.m. Bobby will entertain us.

Tickets are $17/$22/$32 VIP

For location and more information, phone 352-383-2165 or go online to http://www.MountDoraLive.com.

(You don't want to miss this!)

One for the road...

The only cow in a small Russian village stopped giving milk, so the villagers went to Minsk and bought a new one.

The cow produced lots of milk and the people were so happy, they decided to buy a bull to mate with the cow in order to produce more cows like it. (Lots of baby cows that will grow up to give lots of milk!)

But the cow wanted nothing to do with the bull, constantly moving away when the bull approached.

So the people asked their wise rabbi what to do.

After some reflection, the rabbi asked, "Did you buy this cow from Minsk?"

"You are truly wise," said the townspeople. "How did you know?"

The rabbi answered sadly, "because my wife is from Minsk."