Scene Around

Anti-Semitic rise in U.S...

I read this in the latest issue of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) digest and (although in part) feel you should be aware:

"A recently released report lists a total of 941 cases of reported anti-Semitic attacks in the United States for 2015, compared to 912 in 2014.

These included physical assaults, vandalism, harassment and threats. Specific attacks include Hasidic Jews being fired at with paintballs and air rifles while on their way to synagogue, and statements such as 'Jews should go back to Auschwitz' and 'Hitler was right.'

At colleges and universities, anti-Semitism nearly doubled in 2015 compared to the previous year. A total of 90 incidents were reported on 60 college campuses in 2015, compared with 47 incidents on 43 campuses in 2014. Campus incidents accounted for 10 percent of the total incidents reported in the U.S. in 2015.

The report, released by the Anti-Defamation League, also pointed to an 'explosion of hate online,' with increasing levels of anti-Semitic sentiment expressed on social media."

(Anti-Semitism is still at a historic low, but we must be aware.)

Remembering Jewish history...

SANDY KOUFAX, pitcher for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers, garnered national attention when he decided not to pitch Game 1 of the 1965 World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur.

(Good for him!)

Attention seniors and/or their care-givers...

Call Emily Newman, Jewish Pavilion senior resource specialist, when you experience issues pertaining to seniors.

She is an experienced social worker, a great listener and an expert on options available to seniors and their families.

Emily will provide information, guidance, and referrals at no charge. Call 407-678-9363 or go online to .

Not to be missed...

Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando is bringing to Orlando's Dr. Phillips Center, a five-time Tony Award winner for 2015, including for Best Play.

"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime" is hailed as "One of the most fully immersive works ever to wallop Broadway" by The New York Times, this "dazzling" (Associated Press) adaptation is the Tony Award-winning new play by Simon Stephens, adapted from Mark Haddon's best-selling novel and directed by Tony winner Marianne Elliott.

Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain; he is exceptionally intelligent but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor's dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an earth-shattering discovery and a journey that will change his life forever.

The play will run from Tuesday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 6 in the Walt Disney Theater. Phone 407-839-0119 for directions and details.

The Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center is located at 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando.

A reminder...

On Sunday, Oct. 30th at 12:30 p.m., KID DUTCH will entertain at the Altamonte Chapel with his New Orleans Music.

Special guest ALLAN VACHE will join Dutch and his pianist, JULIAN BOND, bassist, CHARLIE SILVA and drummer, STAN MULDER.

The Altamonte Chapel is located at 825 East SR 436 in Altamonte Springs. The phone number is 407-339-5208

One for the road...

Ruth takes one look inside her 10-year-old son Daniel's bedroom and immediately goes downstairs to confront him. "Daniel," she says to him, "I thought you told me that you had thoroughly cleaned your room. I've just taken a look at it and it's still a big mess. What have you got to say about it?"

"I really don't know why you're making such a fuss, mom," Daniel replies. "After all, I never actually told you my room was clean."

"Oh but you did, Daniel," says Ruth.

"No, mom, you're wrong there," says Daniel. "What I actually told you at 5:10 p.m. this afternoon was, 'OK mom, I'm done with the cleaning of my room.'"

Ruth can't help but smile. "OK smarty pants," she says, "I should have remembered that you want to be a lawyer when you grow up. You're obviously going to make a brilliant lawyer."