Scene Around

"Is it time for the Jews to leave Europe?"...

I received this letter from the World Jewish Congress recently and pass it along to you in part:

"They called us 'dirty Jews' and said 'You don't need your jewelry anymore. You've been wearing it for too long. Now it's ours,' said Diana after she and her husband, both Holocaust survivors, were viciously beaten by two thugs in Amsterdam. As a result of the attack, her husband lost his sight and both are confined to wheelchairs.

Now Diana has fresh scars of hate to add to those she received from the guard dogs at Auschwitz more than 70 years ago.

Alarmingly, amidst fears that Jews are being targeted because of their Jewishness, a debate is raging in France and around Europe as to whether or not Jews should stop wearing kippot in public. One prominent leader in the French Jewish community argues they should hide their Jewishness... 'at least until these barbarians calm down.'

These are historic times for Jews all over the world, particularly in Europe, where the epidemic of anti-Semitism continues to explode... making this perhaps the most dangerous time to be a Jew since World War II.

History teaches us that complacency leads to disaster. We must act now!"

All Jews are responsible for one another.

(There have been many anti-Semitic incidents in the United States as well, including right here in Central Florida. I urge you to either phone the WJC in New York City at 212-894-4770 or go online to http://www.worldjewishcongress.org. to see what can be done about this before it goes any further.)

A different kind of "hate"...

I go through these emotions every time the Dazzling Divas schedule a show here in Central Florida.

Why do I hate them, you ask? Okay, I'll tell you.

The Divas are all better looking than me. Their legs are shapelier than mine. Their outfits are prettier than mine. They are all younger than me. Their breasts are larger... wait a minute! THESE DIVAS ARE ALL MEN!!!!

Actually, the Dazzling Divas show is without a doubt, the best show in town and NOT TO BE MISSED!

Kaye Starr presents with Mr. Kenny Lee...

"Spring Fling With The Divas" on Sunday, April 17th at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando, 825 North Maitland Avenue, in Maitland.

The doors open at noon and the show begins at 1 p.m.

There will be a buffet and drinks included in the show price of $20 per person.

The show will feature the talents of B.J. Stephens, Crystal Vahzz, Ramona, Chantel Reshae and Geraldine Jones, as well as Kaye Starr and Kenny Lee. Cameron will be the guest star!

For ticket information, phone Kaye Starr at 407-963-4291.

(Looking forward to seeing you all there!)

On the subject of great entertainment...

Jerry Herman's hit Broadway shows will sing and dance their way onto the Winter Park Playhouse Mainstage through April 23rd. Performances are on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. and select Wednesday, Friday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. It's titled "Showtune!"

Showtune! is an internationally popular Off-Broadway musical revue of the well-loved music and lyrics of the incomparable Jerry Herman. Herman is the composer and lyricist for some of Broadway's greatest shows and recipient of the 2009 Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the theater.

Showtune! features an assortment of selections from hit Broadway musicals including Hello Dolly!, Mame, La Cage aux Folles, Mack and Mabel, and more!

Shout out...

I recently dined at Giovanni's Italian Restaurant on Aloma Avenue in Winter Park. The food was great but the server was even greater... (and great looking!).

His name is JOSHUA CLOUTIER. He was so wonderful about seeing to all of our needs and comforts. He really deserves this shout-out!

One for the road...

Benjamin woke up one Saturday morning in a bad mood. When he came down to breakfast, he put on his yarmulke and sat across the table from his visiting sister, Sarah.

"I'm not going to shul today!" he said to Sarah emphatically.

"Yes you are." Sarah replied calmly.

"No I'm not... I don't think I really want to ever go again!" Benjamin said with obvious irritation. "The people down there don't like me, they ignore me sometimes... they don't appreciate me at all... and I won't go back."

"Yes you will," said Sarah, "because you're the rabbi!"

(This struck me soooo funny! Sorry.)