Scene Around

Before I even start this column, I want to say that I am writing it well in advance of Hurricane Irma and I hope all of you (and your pets) came through safe and sound.

A saying that caught my eye...

It rings true to me. It's attributed to a lady named HILARY COOPER:

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

Lebanon bans movie...

I read this in a recent issue of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) Digest:

"Following pressure by anti-Israel campaigners, Lebanon's Interior Ministry has banned the screening of the film 'Wonder Woman' because Israeli actress GAL GADOT plays the lead role.

According to the news site al-Jazeera, a ministry source said it had issued an order to ban the movie based on a recommendation from the General Security directorate.

Though "Wonder Woman" had passed the country's normal screening procedures, the anti-Israel BDS campaign put pressure on the government to block the film, describing it as 'the Israeli soldier film.'

Gadot, who is from Tel Aviv, was a combat trainer in the Israeli Defense Forces for two years and crowned Miss Israel at age 18. Campaigners had previously tried to block Lebanon's screenings of the film 'Batman vs superman' which also features Gadot, but were unsuccessful.

'It's very frustrating,' TONY CHACRA, managing director of the movie's distributor, told Reuters. 'The movie has nothing to do with Israel.' While Tunisia and Qatar have also banned the film, Chacra added that various Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Oman, would screen the movie.

"Wonder Woman" is based on a comic book character introduced in 1941 who fights villains, rescues victims and unearths evil plots.

(I guess they think Wonder Woman is also Jewish!)

Meet & Mingle Mondays...

That's what the 39ers of The Roth Jewish Community Center in Maitland call its weekly meetings and program, followed by refreshments and socializing. On Sept. 25th, beginning at 1 p.m., "Broadway Video Volume 1" will be presented by SHELDON BROOK. (Whenever Sheldon hosts a program it is extremely entertaining. Don't miss it!)

And speaking of the JCC 39ers...

There will be a "Dine Around Town" on Thursday, Sept. 28th at 1 p.m.

It takes place at Duffy's Grill, 525 E Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs.

Phone FLO GOLDMAN at 407-859-5982 to RSVP if you plan to attend.

An artist in our midst...

I recently received my first issue (everyone's first issue) of J Life, Orlando's Jewish Lifestyle Magazine whose publisher is the beautiful and talented SAMANTHA TAYLOR.

Among the many articles was the story of PEARL HALIKMAN, a wonderful gal who is a native of my favorite country (been there to perform three times and will be there again very soon) Brazil... also spelled Brasil.

Pearl, who is married for more than half a century to KING HALIKMAN, who was born in Brooklyn, (my hometown) and the mother of two sons, eight grandchildren, and a great-grandchild, has done many things in her 77 years, including sales, hairstylist and owner of her own beauty shop.

Now that all are grown, Pearl felt a need to create... and create she did.

Always having a talent for art, she has really filled her days with her wonderful creations. (Some of them are featured in the J Life magazine. I recommend you pick up this terrific magazine and enjoy all the features, especially the one about Pearl!)

A reminder...

On Sunday, Sept. 24th, the Altamonte Chapel will have a great performance from 12:30-2:30 p.m. The donation is $10.

JOHN DePAOLA and DAVE MACKENZIE pay tribute to the Cannonball Adderley Quintet. "This is an encore performance from last year's great concert," according to our own ALAN ROCK, emcee.

Joining John and Dave will be CHRIS ROTTMAYER on piano, CHARLIE SILVA on bass and WALT HUBBARD on drums.

The Altamonte Chapel is located at 825 East S.R. 436 in Altamonte Springs. The phone number is (407) 339-5208.

Shout-outs...

While dining at The Outback on Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, recently, two members of the wait staff were outstanding with their service and personalities. They are VICTOR ALICEA and ALLISON CURRY.

One for the road...

Paul is in Adrian the dentist's chair. "Now open your mouth wide, please," says Adrian. 

Paul does what he's told. Adrian looks inside Paul's mouth and says, "Oy gevult, that's the biggest cavity I've seen in years, oy gevult, that's the biggest cavity I've seen in years." 

"I heard the bad news the first time," says Paul, gloomily, "there was no need to repeat yourself." 

"I didn't repeat myself," says Adrian with a mischievous smile. "That was an echo."