Scene Around

Before I write any further: let me say OOPS! ...

I wrote in a recent column that Amy Schneider, a contestant on "Jeopardy" was Jewish. She claims not to be. So sorry! (She also claims not to be a man.)

Great Jewish talent ...

The Marx Brothers were an American family comedy act that was successful in vaudeville, on Broadway, and in motion pictures from 1905 to 1949.

Harpo, Groucho, Chico and Zeppo were the names we knew them by. All have since passed away.

(I loved them all ... but especially Groucho, who had a television show of his own.)

More great Jewish talent ...

Gerald Norman Springer (you know him as Jerry Springer) is a British-American broadcaster, journalist, actor, producer, and former lawyer and politician. His parents were German/Jewish refugees. His grandparents were all killed by the Nazis. At age 4, Jerry and his parents emigrated to Queens, N.Y.

Jerry grew up to be mayor of Cincinnati, and host of his own television show. And now he is being called Judge Jerry! (Quite a successful man!)

I received this letter recently from WJC ...

As you know, WJC stands for World Jewish Congress. The letter goes as follows:

"At this very moment, the WJC is tackling one of the most dangerous new fronts in the fight against anti-Semitism.

Across the internet, disgusting hate merchants are selling anti-Semitism for profit, using major online platforms to sell some of the most vile products we have ever seen.

Online marketplaces have failed miserably at providing proactive oversight of the products that third-party sellers peddle on their platforms. There can be no excuse for anyone to profit from merchandise that advocates hatred and violence toward Jews or any other group, or that mocks the Holocaust.

Any website that turns a blind eye to such merchandising is obviously not doing enough to stop the continued spread of the many lies and threats that have found their way into the mainstream.

The WJC is taking swift and sure action to stop the sale of these detestable products, and our advocacy is already yielding positive results. We are deeply gratified that as a direct result of the intervention of WJC, online mega-retailer Amazon recently removed more than 920 items of Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism. That represents 88 percent of the 1,047 items offered. But we cannot let up, even for a moment. We must continue to apply pressure."

(Thank you to the World Jewish Congress for all you do to protect us!)

Magen David Adom...

I received this letter a while ago, and I want to pass it along to you ...

"Like a walk in the park," Captain ZIV SHILON of the Givati Brigade of the Israeli Defense Forces told his men as they undertook a mission to sweep a section of the Gaza border for explosive devices. (It wasn't anything like a walk in the park.)

The mission was near its end when Captain Shilon approached a gate at the security fence at the Kissufim checkpoint, to let the last group of tank forces back into Israel from Gaza. He took a deep breath and reached for the gate.

The explosion ripped through his body with such force he initially thought he had torn both of his hands off. Medics rushed him to the hospital. He was bleeding profusely.

Captain Shilon was unconscious for 4 days. 'In the first two weeks, I went through 8 surgeries hanging between life and death,' he recalls. His bleeding was so severe he needed 56 units of blood transfusions, nearly enough to replace all the blood in his body twice.

"Magen David Adom is the only organization in Israel that collects blood," he explains. "That blood for sure saved my life."

(This was a tough story to tell but with a happy ending!)

JCC Seniors on the Go ...

According to BARBARA GOLDBERG, the following programs are planned:

On Monday, Jan. 31st there will be Bingo and discussion.

On Monday, Feb. 7th, Maitland performance arts will bring the music duo of ROBERT and JON, each Monday of the month.

Before I forget ...

I want to thank GENIE BLAHER, for telling me about the show that moved me to tears ... "Fiddler on the Roof."

I am taking your advice and following your instructions. Thank you again!

Jewish Federation Weekly Wellness Corner ...

Performing random acts of kindness isn't just good for the one who receives it, but also for the one who does it. When we perform acts of kindness, we tend to feel better about ourselves and it can bolster our self-esteem.

An act of kindness could be as simple as holding the door, saying thanks, or referring someone you know who needs help to Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando. From counseling, to our emergency food pantry, to our RIDE program, JFS Orlando is here to help. Call them at (407) 644-7593 or visit JFSorlando.org.

Orlando Senior Help Desk ...

The Jewish Pavilion's Orlando Senior Help Desk hears from many older adults who worry about not having local family who can help them as they age. They also hear from adult children concerned about parents who live too far away for their children to help when needed. Many seniors make the choice to relocate to live near their adult children, while others decide to remain in Central Florida and hire care-management companies to assist them.

When faced with these difficult choices, please remember you're not alone. The Orlando Senior Help Desk is here to assist you in exploring these issues and more at 40