Scene Around

Dangers of the Internet...

One of the major priorities for the World Jewish Congress (WJC) in 2016 is to put an end to the spread of hate and the recruitment of terrorists on social media sights.

I recently received the following (in part) from Ambassador RONALD S. LAUDER, president of the WJC:

"As we turn a page on the deadly 2015 for Jews in Europe and Israel, I am deeply concerned for the safety and security of Jews in the new year. It's hard to recall a recent time of greater turmoil and instability.

With anti-Semitism running rampant in much of Europe and other corners of the globe, blood spilled in the streets of Israel, an Iranian nuclear deal fraught with uncertainty, and ISIS on the rise and recruiting the young and disaffected via the Internet, the need for a strong and robust WJC has never been greater.

Alarmingly, at the beginning of the recent, deadly wave of terror in Israel, a post of Facebook read as follows: 'Stab Israelis' and that's exactly what happened... dozens of times over.

Obviously, this post should have been removed immediately, but it was not, despite pleas from people of goodwill around the world. Facebook did nothing for days, initially claiming that this clear incitement and endorsement of terrorist activity didn't violate their community standards."

(Let's face it. The voice Facebook gives to terrorist groups and jihadists to incite terror and recruit others to join them is loud and clear. What's with MARK ZUCKERBERG? He is a Jew himself? Of course there are other Internet sites used by terrorists to recruit but one less would be desired.)

Remembering Jewish history...

The ninth of 12 children born to Romanian Jewish immigrants, George Burns, born Nathan Birnbaum, was the son of a substitute cantor. He was born on Jan. 20, 1896.

Following his father's death at the age of 47, "Nathan" went to work to help support the family shining shoes, running errands and selling newspapers.

For nearly 75 years, this beloved American entertainer made people laugh, from vaudeville to radio, television and the big screen. George Burns died in March of 1996 at the age of 100.

Speaking of comedians...

The Roth Family JCC has a Laughter Club! (Really!)

Led by Certified Laughter Yoga teacher DANA KAPLAN, the Laughter Club is a gentle and fun form of exercise that reduces stress and boosts happiness and well-being.

Based on the many scientific benefits of laughter, Laughter Yoga is a global phenomenon with over 10,000 clubs in over 72 countries around the world. Laughter Club is for anybody and everybody of all ages and fitness levels, who wishes to bring more joy into their lives.

(Count me in. I need joy in my life!)

Meetings take place on Mondays from 12:15 to 1 p.m. For further details, phone the JCC at 407-645-5933.

A good laugh, a great smile...

Every year (at the start of the new year) a dear member of our Jewish community makes a fabulous calendar and gives it as a gift. It is one of my most treasured gifts and I keep each and every one, no matter the year!

I'm referring to DORIS PINES, a terrific lady and a good friend. Each year her calendars have a theme. This year's is "Skipping Through The Alphabet, 2016."

Each month features Doris in another pose highlighting a letter... for instance, this month's theme is "A is for 'Adam's' Apple" and shows Doris as Eve holding an apple alongside Adam in the garden of Eden.

Get the idea? August shows Doris in a slinky black dress and that theme is "M is for Magazine Model."

(Okay... okay! No man gets to see this calendar!)

Still smiling and laughing...

For one night only, SAK Comedy Lab will appear at Congregation Ohev Shalom on Saturday, Jan. 16th at 8 p.m.

This promises to be an evening of spontaneous audience participation, and improvisational comedy, good for all ages.

Current and past SAK performers have gone on to star in Hollywood, Las Vegas, Broadway and beyond.

Tickets are as follows: $18, adults; $15, seniors (65+) and students (18 and under).

Contact MERYL at Ohev, 407-298-4650 for details.

One for the road...

Kitty, Frieda and Hannah are in Shalom Hospital's maternity unit, each of them awaiting news of their own daughter's impending birth.

Soon a nurse goes over to Kitty and says "Mrs. Levy, I have wonderful news for you. Your daughter has just given birth to twins. She's fine and you're now the bubbeh of two lovely healthy boys. Mazel tov!"

As Kitty gets up to leave, she turns to Frieda and Hannah and says "Oy, what good news I've just heard. My daughter Natalie has just given birth to twins. But what's very strange about it is that my son-in-law works for the Twin Brothers Fish Restaurant."

Later, a nurse goes over to Frieda and says "Mazel tov to you Mrs. Gold. Your daughter has just given birth to triplets. She's fine and you're now the bubbeh of three lovely healthy girls."

As Frieda gets up to leave, she turns to Hannah and says "Oy what good news I've just heard. My daughter Suzy has just given birth to triplets. But what's strange is that my son-in-law works for the Triple Valley Water Company."

On hearing this, Hannah gets up and says "Oy vay, I'm going to leave with you."

"Why?" asks Frieda.

"Because my son-in-law works for Seven-up!"