Scene Around

A proud Navy mom ...

While watching television the other night (what else is there to do during the "pandemic"?), I watched one Navy musical movie after another. The first one was titled "Hit The Deck," starring Alvin Morris, a nice Jewish boy! You probably knew him as Tony Martin.

The second movie musical about the Navy is titled "On The Town." The talents behind it were Basia Cohen (Betty Comden), Adolph Green and Leonard Bernstein, among others. They, of course, were all Russian Jews.

Who else could be responsible for "New York, New York, a wonderful town. The Bronx is up and the Battery's down. The people ride in a hole in the ground..."

(Fabulous song. Fabulous city, New York City, my hometown! I've returned every year to perform but never went to visit my old neighborhood in Brooklyn where I grew up. However, It's on my bucket list and that bucket is starting to get rusty!)

And speaking of the pandemic ...

An extremely talented musician, pianist and songwriter, MICHAEL KRAMER, just composed a song about it. It's titled "Wear That Mask" and it is sung by him with his great piano accompaniment.

You can see and hear it by going to: https://.www.kveller.com/this-jewish-grandpa-made-the-best-mask-wearing:psa-ever/

ENJOY!

Michael is the best musician around and I was lucky to perform with him in NYC and here in Central Florida.

And speaking of Jews ...

JESSE EISENBERG was just a guest on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. And at the same time, JON STEWART was a guest on Stephen Colbert's TV show and after Fallon's show, SETH MEYERS had JAKE TAPPER as a guest on his TV show.

Jesse, Jon and Jake ... all Jews!

Another famous Jew? ...

While still living and working in New York City, I had the pleasure of meeting an actor that my late husband, Irv, resembled. His name was Bernie Schwartz. You would recognize him as Tony Curtis. (My spouse was THAT handsome.)

Also speaking of coronavirus ...

As coronavirus rages on throughout the world, Magen David Adom is working hard to contain its spread in Israel by identifying those who have the disease and preventing them from infecting others. But the pandemic has ravaged their supplies in the process.

For Mogen David Adom to win the war against the virus, they need help to purchase high-tech equipment, and simple protective gear like gloves, facemasks and personal protection suits. Please help if you can. Here are ways: Donation, of course, or the overseas program... going to Israel and driving an ambulance, etc. To get involved in some way, contact Friends of Mogen David Adom at 561-835-0510 and receive information.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando ...

Would you believe: A Rosh Hashanah virtual cooking class?

On Monday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. our Jewish Federation has teamed up with 24 other federations across the country to bring us a Rosh Hashanah Virtual Cooking Class with Chef MICHAEL SOLOMONOV. It is free. The chef's special holiday meal will include kale, apple, walnut and Sumac-onion Tabboulah, Honey glazed chicken and Apple cake.

Registration begins soon. Watch for Fed Friday details.

Attention, Jewish Singles ...

(That's me!) Jews in their 40s, 50s and 60s (oops. That's NOT me) will be brought together for programs and events in a safe, relaxed environment.

Right now, the Federation is gathering names for a Zoom get-together.

To learn more about this, contact the Federation's CAROL FEUERMAN at 407-645-5933.

The Roth Family Jewish Community Center ...

The JCC will try to fill the void left by distance learning with an innovative new program, Academic Enrichment @ the J. It is open to students of all faiths in grades K-12. It is childcare with an educational component. It is a safe and supportive environment under the direction of an educational support staff member.

There will be social distanced study with no more then 8 students at a time and they will have the staff member's guidance.

For further information and cost, phone the JCC at 407-645-5933.

Also thru the JCC ...

The program is called "Virtually Israel." You can "travel" to Masada free on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 5 p.m. (My spouse and I actually visited Masada a few years before he died. It was breathtaking!)

This virtual tour will include much more than sightseeing. You will also learn some insider info about Masada from the tour guide, ROTEM SHAHAR, whose deep knowledge of all things Israel makes it a rich learning experience. Phone the JCC to register at 407-645-5933.

Also phone the JCC for 39er information and meetings.

One for the road ...

Two Jews, Morty and Saul, are out one afternoon on a lake when their boat starts sinking. Saul says to Morty, "So listen, Morty, you know I don't swim so well."

Morty remembers how to carry another swimmer from his lifeguard class when he was just a kid, so he begins tugging Saul toward shore. Morty asks Saul, "So, Saul, do you suppose you could float alone."

Saul replies, "Morty, this is a hell of a time to be asking for money!"

(You mean he wasn't asking for a loan? Oy Vay!)