What a tragedy...

As the mother of a naval lieutenant commander whose whereabouts are never completely known to me, I admit I panicked when I heard the first newsbreak over television about the attack at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C.

I immediately sent my son a text and after assurance that he was safe, I calmed down but still was horribly saddened at the event that could have and should have been avoided. 

Of course, with the demise of 12 innocent precious people, now (and only now) a proper investigation is being held. Who dropped the ball? Who has blood on their hands?

(Or will we go back to business as usual?)

On a much lighter note...

It’s that time of year... time for the opening of the 23rd year of the fabulous Congregation Ohev Shalom Seniors Meetings, under direction of President BERNY RAFF.

On Sunday, Oct. 6, 2 p.m., in the Congregation Ohev Shalom ballroom, 613 Concourse Parkway South, Maitland, there will be a very special event. The Primrose Players will entertain with a 90-minute production titled “Hollywood.”

Featured will be KEN CHARLES, ANNA LEE and SUZANNE MARIE.

The terrific production will be followed by an all you care to eat ice cream social with all the trimmings. (YES!)

The price is absolutely FREE and you can invite your friends to a wonderful afternoon of entertainment and delicious desserts!

Why not tell them it isn’t free and you treated them? Then they will “owe” you!

(Only kidding, of course!)

Caring folks...

I’m sure I’ve said before... I love to hear about and write about good people who do good things in our community. I recently received this email from NANCY LUDIN, executive director of the Jewish Pavilion:

“MORRIS and SHEILA RASHY are an incredible team.

For years, the couple has been leading weekly Shabbat services for the Jewish Pavilion at Consulate Health. Not only does Morris conduct a great service, but he does it with so much pizzaz.  Morris is a superb entertainer. He sings, dances and plays musical instruments. Pictured (see above) is Morris blowing the shofar. He brought tears with his first note “Tekiah.” “Residents were so moved by the sounding of the shofar at their skilled nursing facility where they depend on the Jewish Pavilion to reunite them with their heritage.”

An easy fast...

I feel this way every year and every year services seem to get better and better thanks to wonderful Cantor BETH SCHAFER of Temple Shir Shalom.

True, Yom Kippur is a time of atonement, reflection, fasting... not an easy time, nor should it be, but the services at Temple Shir Shalom seem to make the fast easier for me.

Cantor Schafer has never been in better voice and her words from the heart give such meaning. I was moved to tears.

The Bunny Club...

I received the following email:

“In memory of Bunny Rosen... The Bunny Club has been established by the Jewish Pavilion. Her family requests that donations in her memory be made to the Jewish Pavilion.

The fund will be used to enrich Jewish holiday celebrations in 54 long-term care facilities in the Orlando area.

“Bunny was a beloved volunteer who went out of her way to insure that residents enjoyed festive holiday meals. She often prepared the brisket and matzo ball soup herself so that she could be certain that holidays were extra special. Her compassion and warmth were boundless. She will be sorely missed.”

(Bunny was always especially kind to me. I will never forget her.)

Donations can be mailed to The Jewish Pavilion, 421 Montgomery Rd #131, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714.

Be a vendor or sponsor...

Speaking of the Jewish Pavilion, they will be sponsoring a Health Fair and Community Expo on Sunday, Oct. 27 at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs.

I plan to write about this important event when it gets a little closer but now there is a chance for vendors to sign up early, especially for a good location. Also, sponsors (3 levels) are encouraged to get involved.

To do so, phone NANCY LUDIN at 407-678-9363 or contact her via email at nancyludin@jewishpavilion.org.

Look what’s coming to town!...

Mamma Mia!” a terrific hit on Broadway, is making its way to the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre and will be performed from Thursday, Oct. 3 through Wednesday, Oct. 9.  Show time is 8 p.m.

The show is based on the songs of ABBA, composed by the male former members of the band. Although the title of the musical is taken from the group’s 1975 chart-topper “Mamma Mia,” the plot is fictionally set on a Greek island paradise.

BJORN ULYAEUS and BENNY ANDERSON, who composed the original music for ABBA, were involved in the development of the show from the beginning.

Set scenes include song hits “Super Trouper,” “Lay All Your Love On Me,” “Dancing Queen,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Take A Chance On Me,” “Thank You For The Music,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes It All,” Voulez Vous,” and “SOS.” The story is about a mother and her daughter and three (count ‘em— three) possible dads!

It is a fun show, guaranteed to make you smile!

For ticket and other information, contact the Bob Carr Ticket Office at 407-246-4262 or go online to

Change of venue...

The event on “Hatred Directed Against Israel and the United State,” sponsored by Zionistas, has changed the location of the meeting. It is still meeting on Oct. 15 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., but will be held at the Woman’s Club of Casselberry, 251 Overbrook Drive, Casselberry.

One for the road...

At a senior citizen’s club in Miami Beach, the widow Esther Birnbaum, notices a very handsome and distinguished gentleman sitting alone over to the side. She approaches and starts a conversation with him:

“Are you new here?” she asks. “Yes,” he replies, “I just moved down from Joliet, Ill.

“And may I ask what you did there?” she inquires. He answers, “I served 25 years in prison.”

“Don’t take offense,” she says, “but what crime did you commit that earned you 25 years?”

“I murdered and dismembered my wife,” he replied.

“Ah,” says Esther, “so you’re single!”