Scene Around

Here we go again...

The German government revealed a 10 percent rise in anti-Semitic incidents in 2018. (Surprise, surprise.) I recently read this headline and pass it along to you:

"The World Jewish Congress stands with our affiliate, the Central Council of Jews in Germany, in calling for concrete action by the government, as well as by police and judicial authorities, in cracking down on anti-Semitic acts and rhetoric across the country.

The German government, under the leadership of Chancellor Angela Merkel, has shown encouraging steps in establishing a zero-tolerance policy against anti-Semitism, but it has become extraordinarily evident that we need more than just words of determination, according to WJC President Ambassador RONALD S. LAUDER. He added that combating anti-Semitism demands its own specific solutions and responses, and it requires the input and dedication of all levels of authority and society at large.

An alarming pattern of anti-Semitism is spreading across Europe, from France to Germany to Sweden and elsewhere on the continent. We must all work together to not only prevent such incidents and penalize the perpetrators, but also to instill deep education and awareness among youth about the horrors and dangers of anti-Semitism and xenophobia.

A recent poll by the European Union's Agency for Fundamental Rights found that 89 percent of Jews in Europe believe that anti-Semitism is on the rise, and more than one-third have considered emigrating. (Good luck getting into the USA these days!)

Just as concerning, a subsequent Eurobarometer survey found that four out of 10 European non-Jews do not believe that anti-Semitism is a problem. (oy, this alone is a problem!) These numbers speak for themselves. We cannot expect these incidents to disappear until we raise awareness among non-Jews of the very real and present threats to their Jewish neighbors. (Do they even care?)

Anti-Semitism is not, and cannot remain, just a Jewish problem. This is an issue that affects all Europeans, and Western society as a whole."

Remembering Jewish History...

On May 10, 2010, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development invited Israel to become a member. The unanimous decision, taken by the 31 member-states, recognized Israel's achievements, economic strength and ability to contribute to the organization and to the world's economy. (Good news for a change!)

On the occasion of Israel's accession, Prime Minister NETANYAHU said, in part: "Our greatest assets are the brains, drive, ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of our people... their enormous talent has made Israel a technological powerhouse with a global impact well beyond its size-in information and electronics, agriculture and water, science and medicine, energy and the environment."

(I agree! If I, or any loved one becomes afflicted with a disease or condition, we're off to Israel for a cure!)

A Jewish Pavilion Mensch...

SHARON LITTMAN is being honored at the Jewish Pavilion Gala on Nov. 3rd at the Westin in Lake Mary. She has been actively involved with the Friends of the Jewish Pavilion for the past five years and has worked on the committee and chaired the gala in the past. She is well known for her decorating and organizational skills.

Sharon has the ability to develop warm and loving relationships with seniors. When she first started volunteering with the elders at Savannah Court in Maitland, she used to co-lead a sing-along called Notes and Floats, where root beer floats were served.

Over time, the activities staff noted Sharon's superb interpersonal skills and the focus of the group shifted to a weekly conversation with Jewish Pavilion volunteers.

On Monday afternoons, you will find Sharon at Savannah Court serving root beer floats and conversing with seniors. Several residents have told her that her visit is the highlight of their week.

Sharon normally visits along with PAM RUBEN, who is also on the Friends Board.

All that jazz (and NO Rap!)...

On Sunday, June 30th, our wonderful ALAN ROCK once again emcees the musical program at the Altamonte Chapel from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m.

Featured will be super talent, TERRY MYERS, along with his wonderful musicians, RON MILLS on piano, GREG ZABEL on bass, and GREG PARNELL, on drums.

(The donation is $13. Talent like this is worth so much more!)

JCC Summer Sundays...

On June 23rd from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., there will be a Family Pool Party at the Maitland JCC with games, and of course, swimming and lunch sponsored by Papa Johns!

To register for this super-fun event, phone MARNI CHEPENIK at 407-621-4056.

(I want to attend! Gotta lose weight for my swimsuit to fit!)

JCC39ers Cinema Sundays...

On June 23rd, at 2 p.m. in the JCC Senior Lounge, the movie "Molly's Game" starring Jessica Chastain, will be shown.

Refreshments will be available.

JCC39ers Meet & Mingle Mondays...

At 1 p.m. in the JCC Senior Lounge, co-President, SHELDON BROOK will present "Jerry Seinfeld on Broadway."

Refreshments will be served.

(No calories!!)

Shout Out...

(Yes, you guessed it! I'm eating out again! Well if you ever tasted my cooking you would understand!)

Recently I went to Chili's Restaurant in Winter Park with my Grief Group friends.

A new waitress, KARENN CASTRO served us. Not only was the food great (and reasonably priced), Karenn was great, pleasant and efficient, and very beautiful.

(So beautiful, in fact, that I must wear makeup on my next visit. I can't handle competition!)

One for the road...

Christine and Daniel fall in love and decide to get married - but only on condition that Christine becomes Jewish. So she goes to see Rabbi Levy for some advice. 

Rabbi Levy tells her, "You will have to learn how to keep a kosher home, light shabbes candles, keep two sets of dishes and a few other simple things." 

"That sounds easy to me, rabbi," says Christine, "I can easily do that." 

Then Rabbi Levy says, "The last thing is, you must go to a mikva." 

"A mikva?" says Christine, "what's that?" 

"It's a pool of water," answers Rabbi Levy, "and you must immerse yourself completely for a few seconds." 

"I'm sorry, rabbi, but I have a phobia about putting my head underwater. I'll go into the water up to my chin but I won't put my head under the water. Will that be OK?" 

"I suppose it will do," replies Rabbi Levy, "you'll be mostly Jewish but you will still have a 'Goyisha kop.'"