Scene Around

Who knew?...

I surely didn't and I knew her! Actress GOLDIE HAWN was raised Jewish by a Jewish mom and non-Jewish dad. She's been on television lately as "Rowan and Martin's Laugh In" has returned to the small screen. She was then primarily a dancer and a comic.

(I should have realized she was Jewish because she was sooooo cute!!)

Speaking of cute ...

Here is another cute Jewish girl, actually adorable in every way!

Her name is LAUREN NICOLE YOUSHA.

Aha! The Yousha name was a dead giveaway, right?

Okay, she is my granddaughter. She just became of legal age (21) so I wish her a happy birthday and many more!

(How can she be my granddaughter, age 21, when I am only 25? (OH SHUT UP!)

On to serious matters, anti-Semitism ...

I read this in the current issue of the World Jewish Congress digest (WJC) and pass it along:

"The WJC co-hosted a webinar on the challenges facing the Jewish community in France, in the fourth of a series of lectures organized in partnership with the Consulate General of France in New York and the Museum of Jewish Art and History in Paris.

'Being Jewish in France today: The Challenge of anti-Semitism and the Promise of the Republican Spirit,' featured opening remarks by WJC President Ambassador RONALD S. LAUDER and French Ambassador to the United States, PHILIPPE ETIENNE.

Amb. Etienne expressed appreciation to President Lauder for his 'support, strong leadership, and actions' in the fight against anti-Semitism. He discussed several initiatives French authorities have undertaken to combat anti-Semitism, including the adoption of the National Plan Against Racism and anti-Semitism, education of students about anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial, and coordination with social media companies to combat hate speech online.

Rabbi PETER RUBINSTEIN, the director of Jewish Community at the Bronfman Center for Jewish Life at the 92nd street Y, and Rabbi Delphine Horvilleur, the co-leader of the Liberal Jewish Movement in

France, headlined the webnar as keynote speakers. Rabbi Horvilleur called for a unified stance against all types of hatred, saying it is a 'huge, huge mistake' to disconnect the fight against racism from the battle against anti-Semitism. She added that 'there's no way to fight this terrible disease if we don't fight this war side by side.'

Rabbi Rubenstein emphasized that the fight against racism is really the fight against white supremacy (sound familiar?) and if Jews are 'perceived to be a part of that cadre of white supremacy, the fight against racism is a fight against the Jews.'

The webinar took place against the backdrop of a significant increase in anti-Semitic incidents in France, including several high-profile attacks against Jewish individuals and establishments. According to the French interior Ministry, attacks against Jews accounted for over 60% of hate crimes in 2019, which is nearly a 27 percent increase from 2018.

The webnar was the final installment of a four-part series 'France and Judaism: 2,000 years of intertwined History' which began last year."

About Israel ...

Over the last few months, Israel has confronted the coronavirus pandemic in a remarkable manner. It identified the threat earlier than most, enacted stringent measures and bolstered its healthcare system, which has garnered international praise.

Israelis have once again proven that they are strong and resilient, able to confront the crisis as one nation.

At the same time, the pandemic has created a certain tension between the Jewish state and Jews in the Diaspora. Many felt frustrated because during their hour of need they were prohibited from traveling to the state to see their second home.

In order to contend with the dramatic challenges of 2020, the Jewish world must prepare and organize anew.

Some good news ...

I recently heard from super-talented CAROL STEIN and her equally talented spouse, LEE WOLFSON.

They were on a South African Safari and also recently celebrated their wedding anniversary on Oct. 13.

Mazel tov!

According to Carol "The world is such a different place this year." (Tell me about it!!!!)

The Jewish Federation ...

Register by Oct. 25th to help pack the JFS food pantry for folks in need.

Phone the Federation at 407-645-5933 for further information.

A list of suggested donation items for the pantry at JFS will be emailed to registered families. Donations can be dropped off to Beth at Jewish Federation.

One for the road ...

Jews believe that a fetus is a fetus until it gets out of medical school.

(I agree wholeheartedly said the mom of a doctor!)