Scene Around

Praise for Israel...

I read this recently in a copy of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) digest and pass it along:

"Speaking at a meeting organized by the Israel Council on Foreign Relations,which operates under the auspices of the WJC, Bulgarian President RUMEN RADEV noted that the Jewish community of Bulgaria remains an integral part of the country's society. He also stressed that Israel and Bulgaria "now enjoy better relations than ever."

The event came at the end of Radev's official visit to Israel. During his address, the Bulgarian president stressed that "in Bulgaria, there is no negative image of Israel. Bulgarians have warm feelings toward Israelis.

"I think Israel is an example of a model state," Radev added. "We see this in the hi-tech sector and the military. This model of keeping the citizens engaged, giving them the feeling that everyone has a part of the country's future, this is the strength of your model and I think it could be beneficial to many other countries."

Asked about moving Bulgaria's embassy to Jerusalem, the president said that "recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is the important issue," but emphasized that "Jerusalem is only one element of the peace process. We are committed to facilitating an open, ongoing dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians."

Radev also spoke of the heroic refusal of Bulgarian society to allow the Germans to deport Bulgarian Jewry in 1943, the 75th anniversary of which was marked earlier by the Bulgarian government, the Jewish community and the WJC.

"Bulgarians opened their hearts and homes to the Jewish community," Radev underscored, expressing regret that the Jews of Thrace and Macedonia, which were under Bulgarian occupation during the war, were deported to their deaths in Treblinka."

(Where are all those Holocaust deniers now?)

Just a little personal note...

I make it a habit to watch the Johnny Carson show and the Ed Sullivan show on television every night. I was watching the current Tonight show, but I didn't recognize any of the guest stars! (Ok, so I'm elderly (almost!)

Sounds like my kind of fun...

The Roth Family JCC in Maitland has a program called "HANGTIME," where kids can enjoy a game room, ping pong, board games, Lego and more.

The fall session is from Aug. 13th to Dec. 21st.

For more information, phone the JCC at 407-645-5933.

The program is for children in grades K thru 5.

(Att: ROBBY ETZKIN, I'm just a little older. Can't you make an exception?)

A special volunteer...

I'm referring to a lovely lady named BERNICE DAVIDS.

For many years, Bernice and her beloved spouse, Joe (who passed earlier this year), have been volunteering with the Jewish Pavilion.

They not only attended most functions and numerous programs, but also came into the office regularly to help with mailings, program preparation and other necessary tasks. Even in her grief, Bernice has reached out to the Jewish Pavilion to see how she could help them. Her commitment and dedication to them has been unending and is much appreciated.

(A life well lived, Bernice, and you are much appreciated by all.)

A fabulous performance...

The show "Gigolo" officially opens the 2018-2019 Mainstage Series at the Winter Park Playhouse.

It opened on July 27 and will run through Aug. 19.

For tickets and other information, phone the Winter Park Playhouse at 407-645-0145.

The Winter Park Playhouse is located at 711-C Orange Avenue, Winter Park. (This show is NOT to be missed!)

The JCC39ers Cinema Sundays...

On Aug. 12 in the Senior Lounge of the Roth Family Jewish Community Center in Maitland, the movie "The Imitation Game" with BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH will be shown, beginning at 2 p.m. Refreshments are also available.

More JCC39ers...

On Meet & Mingle Monday, Aug. 13, "Senior Finances," presented by SUSAN TAYLOR & Associates will be discussed. Refreshments will follow the program, which starts at 1 pm in the Senior Lounge.

One for the road...

Max and Leah visit a plastic surgeon. When asked what they would like done, Max replies, "It's her tuchus, doctor, her backside is getting so large that I can no longer get my hands around it." 

"So," says the doctor, "you would like me to perform a tuchus reduction?" 

"No, no," replies Max, "I need a hand enlargement."

(Oy vay! This reminds me of the time I went to Florida Hospital and asked for a facelift. They gave me a heart valve instead!)