Scene Around

More super talents ...

Sure, sure ... you knew MAURY POVICH was Jewish. (I didn't). I knew he was married to CONNIE CHUNG, and she converted to Judaism. What I didn't know, is they are both super kosher and attend synagogue regularly and Connie also speaks Yiddish fluently!

Now, BERNIE SCHWARTZ I knew! (I even had a crush on him!) What? You didn't know I was talking about Tony Curtis? Well, Bernie was his real name. (We met, we smiled and laughed, but nothing more! (Oh well!).

I was friends with Joan Rivers when she lived in Brooklyn and I knew BARBRA STREISAND, although we attended different high schools. She was also a Brooklynite!

I never have been to Hawaii. BETTE MIDLER was born in Honolulu. Hers was the only Jewish family in her neighborhood! (Unfortunately, I never had the privilege of meeting her.)

And speaking of Judaism ...

I read this recently in a copy of World Jewry Digest and pass it along in part:

"WJC President Ambassador RONALD S. LAUDER, welcomed the announcement that the State of Israel and Morocco have agreed to normalize relations. The WJC has a long history with Morocco's Jewish community, the Conseil des Communautes Israelites du Maroc.

President Lauder declared "The WJC is pleased to see continued progress across the Middle East and North Africa region as Morocco follows the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan in normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel. This agreement is the latest evidence of shifting societal attitudes toward Israel in the region, and I hope that this move will encourage others to follow their lead."

And speaking of Israel ...

I also read this recently in a letter from BETTY EHRENBERG, executive director, WJC, North America:

" Israel is the only Jewish state in the world. But it is so much more. No matter what country we live in as proud citizens, Israel is our homeland, our safe haven and the beating heart of the Jewish people. At the World Jewish Congress, we take every opportunity to highlight the immense pride and admiration we all share for Israel's remarkable and inspiring achievements over the course of more than seven decades. Like you, we stand in solidarity with Israel and continue to marvel at its resolve and resilience as we celebrate its amazing accomplishments and contributions to the world in so many arenas."

(Wow! So well said!)

The Roth Family JCC, Maitland ...

Their Junior Olympic-sized swimming pool is the hub for Aquatics activities for everyone from preschoolers to adults. The pool is heated to 82 degrees for year-round enjoyment! Get in your daily workout with lap swimming or sign up for a Water Aerobics Class.

Kids in grades K-5 can develop their competitive skills by joining the Sharks Swim club. They offer private swim lessons for all ages and group swim lessons for ages K4 and Pre-K. All JCC swim teachers are certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors who teach and coach Red Cross swimming techniques.

For more information, phone 407-645-5933.

For Jazz Lovers (like me!) ...

This information comes from our own talented ALAN ROCK:

The following programs are scheduled for Blue Bamboo, 1905 Kentucky Ave., Winter Park. May 7, 8 p.m. and May 9, 3 p.m.: Ricky Sylvia & The Buzzcatz presents: The Chairman & The King - The songs of Frank & Elvis. Ricky Sylvia and The Buzzcatz pay a musical tribute to Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, covering hits from two of popular music's biggest icons.

May 8: John DePaola and Friends offers you, "Kinda Blue, Kinda Miles." Joining John are Dan Jordan on saxophone/flute; Dave Mackenzie on saxophone, Charlie Silva on bass, Walt Hubbard on drums, and Jim Roberts on piano.

May 15: 8 p.m.: Jeff Rupert Quartet: Join us for a fabulous night of jazz with Jeff on saxophone, Marty Morell on drums, Ben Kramer on bass, and Richard Drexler on piano.

May 16: 3 p.m.: Central Florida Jazz Society Presents: Michael Kramer Fundraiser Concert. A special gift to the Central Florida Jazz Society scholarship fund. Featuring Michael Kramer on piano, Ben Kramer on bass, and Greg Parnell on drums.

These are the only events sent to Alan. For additional information PLEASE send him your information

As more venues open, and let him know what's happening, he will expand this jazz information. 

The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando ...

The Federation wants to hear from you as they plan their 2021 and 2022 schedule for Adult Jewish Learning classes and programs. Your response will be greatly appreciated. Phone JULIA BERGER, Coordinator of Adult Jewish Learning at 407-645-5933.

My favorite show of all ...

(That's why I keep repeating it!) On Saturday, May 22nd, at the VFW, 1520 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Longwood, beginning at 5 pm with doors opening, The fabulous Dazzling Divas will perform! The show begins at 6 pm. And it features the beauty and talents of BJ Stephens, Crystal Viasse, Ramona, Geraldine Jones,

Josslyn Jones and my darling friend, Kenny Lee. This show is NOT to be missed! It is also the "Birthday Bash" for Kenny! (I'm sure he's younger than me. Isn't everybody? DON'T ANSWER THAT!)

The Best Ever ...

The other night I went out for dinner with dear friends, Jill and Richard. Jill chose

Francesco's Ristorante at 400 South Orlando Avenue #104 in Maitland. Wow! I'm so glad she did! Not only the food, but the service was sublime! From our hosts Deanna P. and Iyanna P. to the chef, Francesco (yum), everything was perfect.

And especially to our server, Arianna Herrera, who was sublime, the best, the kindest, the sweetest and... oh well, I just loved her! Aside from the wonderful food and service (as if that wasn't enough) there was live music and singing by talented entertainers. They specialize in Italian songs to go along with the theme of the restaurant but when they heard that I was also an entertainer, and that I was Jewish, they played and sang "Hava Nagilah" (what an enjoyable event).

And speaking of food ...

On May 14th, the Winter Park Playhouse will feature a show titled "Five Course Love." This is a hilarious comedy, not to be missed. For further information, phone 407-645-0145.

One for the road ...

It was a very cold, miserable day and it was snowing hard. An old unstable Jewish man, trying to cross the street, gets hit by a car and is near death.

A neighbor of his, passing by at that moment, rushes over to him and asks how he could help?

The old man says weakly, "Call me a priest."

"But," the neighbor says, "I thought you were Jewish."

"I am," said the old man, "but I don't want a rabbi to have to come out in this bad weather."