Scene Around

Memories ... Memories ...

My late mom, born in Canada, once told me that she was a terrific dancer and even won a silver cup for winning a Charleston contest! Okay! That's where I got my dancing talent. (I was a professional dancer in New York before I became a mom ... then gave it up and became a singer.)

I was successful in each field ... working with very famous people. As a dancer living in Brooklyn, N.Y., I performed on Broadway. As a singer, I worked in Las Vegas and all over the States and the world. I often performed with the late Eddie Fisher in Vegas and Manhattan and even here in Florida. Eddie was Jewish, of course. When married to the late Debbie Reynolds he had two children, a daughter and a son. His daughter, CARRIE FISHER is an actress and was once married to PAUL SIMON, who is Jewish. He is a fabulous musician and also an actor. You may remember him as a musical duo with ART GARFUNKEL, also Jewish. "Simon and Garfinkel."

(I still sing all over, especially in Manhattan and even Brazil, but not these days with COVID-19 still around. My agent, a Brazilian native, who is also Jewish, still tries to book me there. NO WAY!!)

Some very sad news ...

A few months ago I heard from the World Jewish Congress about mourning the death of Neal Sher. Neal was an indefatigable fighter for Holocaust memory and Jewish rights ... and he was a close ally and friend of the WJC for many years.

As director of the United States Justice Department's office of special investigation, Neal Sher helped bring perpetrators of and accomplices in the Holocaust to justice.

In 1987, on his recommendation, the U.S. Justice Department barred Austrian President Kurt Waldheim, an unrepentant erstwhile Nazi whom the WJC had exposed as a participant in WWII war crimes, from entering the United States.

May he rest in peace.

Another sad loss ...

This one is personal. My dear brother-in-law, Rabbi Avram Morhaim of Massachusets, passed away.

Avie was the kindest and sweetest person to me. He was married to my dear departed spouse, Irving's, sister, Vicki, a wonderful and beautiful woman who was a fabulous singer!

In fact, Rabbi Avie performed the marriage for me and Irving many, many, many years ago.

(Irv is gone for more than 61/2 years. We were married for 55 years before he died. That's why the "many, many, many." But I'm still only 32! OH SHUT UP!)

Know Your Rights! ...

In this wonderful Democratic country of ours, we have free speech.

The first amendment provides that "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech."

This means that you have the right to express your opinions without being censored or restrained.

First amendment protections extend to all individuals in the United States, regardless of age, citizenship, or immigration status.

The first amendment protects your right to free speech only from government interference.

(I will have more about free speech as I learn more about free speech.)

JCC Seniors on the Go ...

A message from leader, BARBARA GOLDBERG:

ON Monday, Feb. 21 - Join the group for lunch at noon. You must let them know if you are attending. They also have a special program at the Holocaust Center at 1pm.  Call or text Barbara at 609 902-3077 or Sheri at 407 766-3166. 

On Wednesday, Feb. 23- - The Fantasticks at Orlando Shakespeare Theater for those who have paid for tickets. Tickets will be given out at the theater, starting at 1 p.m. by Shari. A separate email will be sent to those attendees. There are no more tickets available from Seniors on the Go.

The PJ Library ...

On Sunday, Feb. 20, at 11 a.m., at the Orlando Philharmonic, the Story time Series presents "Ferdinand The Bull".

This is an enjoyable cultural family experience that is an event generously underwritten by ED and MARIAN BROMBERG.

For further information, phone the Federation at 407-645-5933

One for the road ...

"Mrs. Grossman", the psychiatrist explains, "There's nothing physically wrong with your son. But I'm afraid he does have an Oedipus Complex."

"Oedipus schmedipus," Mrs. Grossman says. "Just as long as he loves his mother."