Why a resurgence?...

Almost 70 years after Hitler’s hateful atrocities before and during WWII, why is anti-Semitism still going on? The national director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), ABRAHAM H. FOXMAN gives us some answers. In his words:

“Beginning with 9/11 a new era of ‘anxiety’ hit the world and since then, a wave of anti-Jewish scapegoating has emerged. The combination of international terror, financial collapse, Islamic extremism and turmoil in the Middle East has created the perfect storm for ‘blame the Jews’ scenarios.”

Foxman continues:

“More than 60 years have passed since WWII, and the shame of what the world first saw in pictures of Auschwitz has eroded over time. This is all in addition to what is known as the ‘new anti-Semitism.’ The new anti-Semitism is the term for Jew hatred surrounding Israel. In many cases it is old wine in a new bottle… classic anti-Semitism in the new framework of anti-Israel propaganda. At the same time, it is critical to distinguish between legitimate criticism of the Jewish state and what is camouflage for anti-Semitism.  Old anti-Semitism is very much alive. We still face the many manifestations of anti-Semitism including Holocaust denial, blood libel charges and the desecration of synagogues. The new anti-Semitism also has many characteristics of the old… alleged evil Jewish power and blaming all the problems on the Jews. ADL condemns those who tolerate anti-Semitism and praises those who stand up. We partner with U.S. administrations and with Congress to speak up and act whenever and wherever anti-Semitism rears its ugly head. As we embark on ADL’s special century, we will continue to educate about anti-Semitism in both a historical context and in modern-day manifestations, ensuring that the next generation of young people is not exposed to the hatred and bigotry that affected earlier generations.”

(Imagine a world without hate… I can’t, but maybe someday… .)

With the commemoration of their Centennial in 2013, the ADL seeks not only to celebrate past victories that have helped them become a world leader in the fight against anti-Semitism and hate, but also to secure the strength and growth of their broad programming, bridge-building and advocacy efforts into the future.

To help them envision and build their second century by supporting ADL’s Centennial Campaign you can find out many flexible ways to contribute. To learn more, contact LINDA ZISK, director of national major gifts at 212-885-7869 or go online to .

This dupe was doped…

Oops… I meant to say, “This dope was duped!”

I’m referring to me. It seems I bought a beautiful painting and paid a large sum of money for it because it was created by a very famous person… Lillian Hellman. (Notice, I spelled her surname correctly.)

Recently, I pointed the painting out to a guest in my home. He, in turn, pointed out that the signature on the painting was spelled “Lillian Helman”… with one L. I repeat, this dope was duped!

On the subject of painting:

Among the adult enrichment classes offered at the Roth Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando is watercolor painting for beginners.

Adults of all ages will have the opportunity to meet each Thursday morning for instruction and social time. This is the third time the class will be offered by MARILYN SCHWARTZ of Maitland.

Marilyn comes with years of experience as a painter of various mediums. She is a member of the JCC and enjoys sharing her knowledge and love for painting with other members and community members. (See photo).

This fun and informal class covers basic color techniques, such as flat wash, graded wash, glazed wash, wet-on-wet and dry brush. Each member will be responsible for bringing the supplies and the instructions are free for members and $10 per class for community members. For further information, contact EMILY NEWMAN at 407-645-5933, ext. 244.

The six-week session begins on Thursday, July 11 and goes through Thursday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. in the Senior Lounge of the JCC, 851 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland.

Register at the front Registration desk. A list of materials needed for the classes will be given at time of registration.

Materials needed for “Beginning Water Color Painting Class” will be as follows: Transparent Water color Paint Prang 8 pan oval; Strathmore Water color paper (cold pressed) pad (9x12 or 11x16); package of assorted round and flat watercolor brushes 5 pcis; plastic palettes to mix your colors in; a small round plastic pan with depressions for paint and area to mix paints; Two 32 well sharpened pencils; 12 inch ruler; kneaded eraser; two plastic containers for water; some paper towel sheets and old newspaper to protect tables.

(I suggest you wait until you register to receive the official materials list and purchase supplies. Have fun and be creative BUT DON’T PAINT ME unless you make me thin and gorgeous!)

“Thin and gorgeous” brings to mind…

My spouse and I really enjoyed the “Tea With The Divas” show last week at the JCC. While there, we picked up a yellow flyer with some interesting information. I pass it along to you:

There will be free movies at 10 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday at the Colonial Six Theater, 4672 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando.

The “freebees” started on June 25 and will continue through Aug. 7.

There is always plenty of parking and there will be discounts at the concession stand.  Movies will probably be geared for children’s viewing.

For information, name of featured movie, etc., phone 407-272-3968.

I am very touched…

Kindness and caring, especially by young folks in these times, is very touching and certainly not expected.

So, while shopping recently at Publix Market on Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, a young employee, TAYLOR McGUIRE, noticed me very upset, not able to even see because of the tears in my eyes. (I had heard some sad news just before leaving my house to shop and it got the best of me.)

This wonderful young man rushed to my side, offered me a tissue and steadied me as I grabbed for my cart. His words were kind as well.

(I think I wrote about him long ago, when, at that time, he was also kind and caring toward me.)

(My congratulations to your parents, Taylor. They brought you up right! What a great young man!)

One for the road…

Joseph had just passed his driving test, so he asked his father who was a rabbi, if they could discuss the use of the car.

His father took him to his study and said to him, “Joseph, I’ll make a deal with you. You bring your school grades up, study your Bible a little, get your hair cut and we’ll talk about it.”

After about a month Joseph came back and again asked his father if they could discuss use of the car. They again went to the father’s study where his father said, “Joseph, I’ve been real proud of you. You have raised your school grades, you’ve studied your Bible diligently, but you didn’t get your hair cut!”

Joseph waited a moment and replied, “Dad, I’ve been thinking about that. You know, Samson had long hair, Abraham had long hair, Noah had long hair, and even Moses had long hair....”

Blanche Cifuentas with painting

To which the rabbi replied, “Yes, and they walked everywhere they went!”