Scene Around

A family tribute...

I am writing this column on 9/11. When the World Trade Center's Twin Towers were hit by terrorists, three of the New York City firemen who died were Jewish. One of them was cousin Alan Feinberg. Alan was Battalion Chief of the 9th Battalion, Engine 54, Ladder 4 NYC. He was 48 years old, the husband of Wendy and the father of then 18-year-old Tara and 15-year-old Michael. Alan was rescuing victims in Tower 1 when it came crashing down. He was a wonderful husband and father with many loving family members who will always miss him.

Finally, a Shabbat service...

I read this in World Jewish Congress Digest (WJC), and pass it along to you: The nearly 900-year-old Kadavumbagam synagogue in the remote coastal Indian city of Cochin recently held its first Sabbath service since 1972.

Congregants came from four continents for what could be the last such observance in a region whose once-thriving Jewish communities have mostly migrated to Israel. Only about 30 Jews remain.

Jewish life along India's Malabar Coast dates back to the ancient spice trade that drew explorers from across the sea. However, Malabari Jews began leaving for the Holy Land in the 1950s, seeking better economic prospects and religious fulfillment. Some synagogues and Jewish cemeteries were handed over to the municipal authorities, often falling into neglect, or became the victims of redevelopment.

A reminder...

On Sunday, Sept. 25, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. there will be a jazz jam at the Altamonte Chapel, 825 E. SR 436, Altamonte Springs.

Drummer GREG PARNELL will perform and will be joined by JEFF BUSH on trombone and BOB THORTON on piano. ALAN ROCK is emcee. For further information, phone 407-339-5208.

Another reminder...

"All Hands on Deck," based on Bob Hope's 1942 USO tour to the troops, will be performed at the Winter Park Playhouse, 711 Orange Ave, Suite C, Winter Park, through Oct. 9th.

For ticket information, phone 407-645-0145.

Speaking of shows...

Theater at the J will present "Bye Bye Birdie" from Sept. 29-Oct. 9 at the Harriett & Hymen Lake Cultural Auditorium, Roth Family JCC, 851 N. Maitland Ave, Maitland. (See the article on page 1 of this issue to learn more about the play!)

A Jewish Pavilion mensch...

I received the following email from the Jewish Pavilion and pass it along: MARION BROMBERG has been visiting seniors weekly when in town at Health Center of Windermere since 2000. Marion has forged wonderful relationships with many of our elders. "She is the ideal volunteer, dependable, compassionate and giving", says NANCY LUDIN, executive drector. Ludin adds "Finding a diligent program director on the south side of town has been challenging because the 26 senior communities served are far apart and the number of volunteers and Jewish residents is small." Therefore, Marion has had to work with 5 different Jewish Pavilion program directors over the years, and she has worked exceptionally well with all of them. Marion has even helped orient new program directors when they come to Health Center of Windermere.

When Marion and ED BROMBERG moved to this community, they became active and philanthropic from day one. They are generous supporters of every Jewish agency in town. You will never attend a gala without seeing their smiling faces.

Shout out...

I love BARBARA A. DIANA, certified ophthalmic technician at the office of wonderful eye surgeon Dr. ANDREW AZIZ.

Why do I love her? That's easy! She has integrity and principles and is determined to always do the right thing for her patients no matter what.

One for the road...

A Martian lands on 2nd Ave on the Lower East Side of New York. He goes into a Jewish bakery and asks, "What are those little wheels in the window?"

"Those aren't' wheels," says the storekeeper. "They're called bagels. Here, try one."

The Martian bites into the bagel and says "Hey! This would go great with some lox and cream cheese!"