Scene Around

Very Disturbing...

I recently received a letter from ALAN KORNMAN about (I repeat) a very disturbing happening at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. I pass it along:

“The Young Democrats of Orange County and Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) were having a rally at Lake Eola on Dec 8, 2017 concerning the moving of our embassy to Jerusalem. My friend and I went to attend and film the rally.

The volume of anti-Semitism filmed is troubling—but once you get past that fact, I was most disturbed by the 100+ people who did nothing.

It was in the rally attendees’ eyes, who did nothing, that still troubles me to this day, because I know if harm had come to me that day, they would be silent and inwardly cheer. 

Next, I think about how many friends and family members these 100+ people have who share identical anti-Semitic worldviews—all of whom are our neighbors.

More troubling than all this is that nobody from the Holocaust Center, Orlando Jewish Federation, or local rabbis found this video compelling enough to speak out publicly.

Why do you think no one from our Jewish community leadership finds this level of anti-Semitism troubling—when it’s in our own backyard? Why do you think our community is silent in the face of hate?”

(I really have no answer. But my heart hurts to see this. Why not watch it for yourself? Click on and see if you, also, find it disturbing.

I faced anti-Semitism and received beatings for being Jewish when I was only age five, living in the Red Hook Welfare Projects in Brooklyn, New York. We can’t let it happen again. NEVER AGAIN!)

We lost a true friend recently...

“King Michael of Romania was a great friend of the Jewish people, who pushed back against Hitler’s cronies and in turn helped preemptively save thousands of lives during World War II,” according to WJC President Ambassador RONALD S. LAUDER. “He was also a true defender of democracy, in the face of the worst totalitarian regimes, and even after forced by the Communists to abdicate and flee to exile, he continued throughout his life to look out for his country and implore Romanians to confront the darkest chapters in their history.”

In the years following the Holocaust, King Michael famously called on Romanians to memorialize the Jews who suffered at the hands of their brethren, declaring, “They will be forever our countrymen, our brothers and sisters... I urge you: Remember them.”

King Michael died a few months ago.

From the Jewish Pavilion...

I’m bringing you (word for word) the article in the latest Jewish Pavilion bulletin:

“Highlighting A Volunteer—SHIRLEY SCHONEBERGER.

Her smile, her warmth, her enthusiasm - they are infectious! 

Shirley Schoneberger has become a beautiful fixture at weekly Shabbat services at Island Lake. She also brings sunshine and smiles to residents at Savannah Court. She is full of positivity and love, and she warms the hearts of everyone she meets. We are so grateful that she shares her spirit with all of us at the Jewish Pavilion and with so many residents in Central Florida. This is why she was honored as Volunteer of the Year last year, and it was well deserved!”

(I want to meet Shirley! She sounds like a perfect friend!)

The Roth Family JCC Wow Wednesdays...

Pillars of the Past (sponsored by Orlando Torah Academy will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 21st from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

It takes an in-depth look at many of our earliest leaders from the patriarchs and matriarchs with Rabbi MICHOEL RENNERT.

Lunch is included.

RSVP to ROBIN MERKEL at by the Monday before.

More JCC News...

The JCC 39ers will hold a Meet & Mingle Monday in the Senior Lounge on Feb. 19th at 1 p.m. The subject will be “Up to date Medicare,” presented by ASHLEY (BRACHA) LIEBOWITZ.

Refreshments follow.

All That Jazz at the Altamonte Chapel...

On Sunday, Feb. 25th, emcee ALAN ROCK will present KID DUTCH and his New Orleans style in a tribute to Mardi Gras.

The performance is from 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. The requested donation is $10 per person.

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

Shout Out...

Not only is he charming, smart, fast, on the ball, and able to make everyone feel special, MICHAEL STEWART, the new waiter at Perkins Restaurant on University and Forsythe, Winter Park, is “drop dead gorgeous”!

(I can say that. I’m old enough to be his mother. His grandmother? BUT NOT A COUGAR!!!!)

One for the road...

Naomi and Ruth are arguing about who has the most religious family. 

“My bubbeh was so orthodox,” says Naomi, “that she only drank her tea from a yahrzeit glass.”

“That’s nothing,” replies Ruth. “My bubbeh only drank her tea from a yahrzeit glass with the candle still in it!

(Oy Gevalt!!)