Scene Around

Some good news for a change...

I just read this in the World Jewish Congress (WJC) digest and pass it along to you:

"Anti-Semitic incidents in France decreased by 64 percent in the first half of 2016 compared to a year ago, according to GILLES CLAVREUL, France's interministerial delegate for the fight against racism and anti-Semitism.

He credited the decline to his government's policing around Jewish institutions.

Following the murder at a kosher supermarket in January 2015, some 12,000 have been posted in and around Jewish neighborhoods and institutions. ' The security measures put in place around synagogues and Jewish schools have had a discouraging effect,' on potential attacks, he added.

Clavreul said that the drop began in June 2015 and continued into the first seven months of this year. 'If this tendency continues, we could drop below the 400 mark of incidents per year... one of the best results of the past 15 years.'"

Remembering Jewish history...

Dec. 18, 1946, was the birthday of director and producer STEVEN SPIELBERG.

In 1993, Spielberg received critical acclaim for "Schindler's List," the true story of the industrialist who saved 1,100 people from the Holocaust.

"Schindler's List" earned him his first Academy Award for Best Director and the film also won for Best Picture.

Visiting Central Florida...

ELANA and RICH PLOTNICK of Virginia are here for winter vacation and to visit with Rich's mom.

With them are their wonderful children, DAVID, who spent this past summer in Germany doing research at the University in Mainz on a NSF scholarship. While there he was able to spend time traveling with friends and had a great time. David is looking at biotech companies, preferably in San Francisco, but willing to go anywhere. He is a brilliant young man.

Sarah is a sophomore at Tufts majoring in quantitative economics. She is looking for a summer job, preferably as an intern in Boston using economics. She is also brilliant (and beautiful).

The fact that these children are so special is that their parents, Elana and Rich are special.

(Of course I'm partial as they are related!)

A reminder...

On Sunday, Jan. 8th, at 2 p.m., The Faith & Jazz Big Band will perform at the next meeting of the Congregation Ohev Shalom Seniors.

No reservations are required. Refreshments will be served.

Congregagtion Ohev Shalom is located at 613 Concourse Parkway South in Maitland. For directions and other information, phone President BERNY RAFF at 407-767-6763.

Another reminder...

The Jewish Pavilion Gala "Gems & Jeans 2017" will take place on Sunday, Jan. 8th at 5 p.m. at the Sheraton Orlando North Hotel, 600 North Lake Destiny Drive in Maitland.

For additional information, phone the Jewish Pavilion at 407-678-9363.

Chanukah on the park...

The highlight of every Chanukah for the past few years (for me) has been the grand Menorah lighting and unity festival presented by Chabad Lubavitz of Greater Orlando. This year's celebration, held on Sunday, Dec. 25th, was no exception!

Thank you, Rabbi DUBOV and all those who participated to make such a joyous occasion!

It was great seeing so many people taking part, but I especially enjoyed seeing GRADY, a puggle (combination Pug and Beagle), a dog owned by JASON and MADISON FELDMAN, who wore a yarmulke!

(Yes. You read that right! What a cutie pie he is!)

One for the road...

Instead of Chanukah gelt this year, Victor's bubbe decides to buy him a present.

She finds a menswear shop that was having a half-price sale and buys a luxurious rollneck pullover for him. Unfortunately, the pullover was for a size 14 neck and Victor was a size 18.

When Victor receives his present, he immediately tries it on. He then writes a thank you note to his bubbe. This is what he wrote: -

"Dear Bubbe, Thanks a lot for the beautiful pullover. I'd write more but I'm all choked up."