Scene Around

'Confronting Anti-Semitism in America"...

The following (in part) is from The Huffington Post some months ago. It is very enlightening:

"No one is born hating, but, tragically, some are taught to hate, whether in the name of racial purity, religious doctrine, political dogma, ethnic stereotyping, sheer jealousy... you name it.

To state the obvious, Jews have never been immune from these age-old cancers. Nor is it the case today.

Recently there have been bomb threats against Jewish community centers across the country. Other Jewish institutions, organizations, synagogues, schools... have been on the receiving end of menacing calls and messages. Cemetery desecrations of Jewish headstones in St. Louis and Philadelphia have occurred. Nazi graffiti and slurs have been encountered in Buffalo. Swastikas have been burned into the hallway carpeting in front of Jewish student's rooms in a school dormitory. The list goes on.

Yes, they coexist with another reality, namely, that most American Jews live comfortable and secure lives in a land where pretty much every door is now wide open to them, and where a recent survey, conducted by the Pew Research Center, showed that Jews are the most positively viewed religious group in the United States. But that's of little solace to those who have experienced, directly or indirectly, the impact of this wave of bigotry and viciousness."

(Someday I'll write about my frightening childhood, where I had to learn "Hail Mary's" and "Our Father" to survive. That is for another time.)

Here we go again...

Last week, just watching television got me, and probably most of you, very upset with the happenings in Charlottesville, Virginia, where a group of White Supremacists and neo-Nazis gathered to hold their "Unite The Right" rally. The night before the rally, they marched with lit torches shouting "blood and soil" which is a Nazi slogan. The next day, as they gathered near the statue of Robert E. Lee that they claim was their reason for the rally (they didn't want it moved to another location), they shouted "You will not replace us. Jews will not replace us."

Unfortunately, shouting wasn't all they did. Many became violent when confronted by anti-demonstrators and police. Unfortunately people were injured and one was killed. Also, a police helicopter crashed killing two more.

(Perhaps they would not feel so empowered, as former KKK leader, David Duke did, if they heard tougher words from our great country's leaders.)

Enough scary stuff, I need to smile...

On Sunday, Sept. 10th, beginning at 5 p.m., the "Dazzling Divas" will be doing a fundraiser show at Temple Beth Am, 3899 Sandlake Road in Longwood. The cost for the dinner and show is $20 per person. Phone 407-670-4418 to RSVP.

The show is called "Cabaret Extravaganza" and will feature the fabulous KENNY LEE, BJ, CRYSTAL, GERALDINE and ALONDRA. Also appearing will be AMANDA as Elton John.

(I always enjoy the Dazzling Divas, in spite of the fact that they are all better looking than me... and they are much younger!!!!)

A reminder...

On Sunday, Aug. 27th at 2 p.m. sharp, "The Krooners," a singing group that brings musical programs to groups and organizations in the area, will perform for all of us (everyone is invited) at this free event followed by an ice cream social.

It will take place at Congregation Ohev Shalom, 613 Concourse Parkway South in Maitland. For further directions or information phone president BERNY RAFF at 407-767-6763 or COS at 407-298-4650.

Another reminder...

Also on Sunday, Aug. 27th, talented JEFF RUPERT will appear at the Altamonte Chapel, 825 East SR 436, Altamonte Springs. Joining Jeff will be RICHARD DREXLER on piano, MARTY MORELL on drums and BEN KRAMER on bass. The show starts at 12:30 p.m. and goes until 2:30 p.m. Musicians and vocalists are welcome to "sit-in" second set. For further information, phone 407-339-5208.

A Jewish Pavilion Mensch...

I received this email from the Jewish Pavilion and pass it along to you:

Special thanks to WALTER GOLDSTEIN, program director at the Jewish Pavilion who has brought so much joy to "our moms and dads" in Orlando through his music.

Walter "Sky" Goldstein is a professional DJ and singer when he is not working for the Pavilion. He brings his gorgeous voice and musical talents to over a dozen Orlando senior communities each month. The community will have the opportunity to hear him sing on Sunday, Oct. 15th at Music Fest 2107 at Lake Brantley High School. Visit www.jewishpavilion.org to learn more about the festivities.

One for the road...

It's Monday morning and Nathan is in shul praying. "Oh God, please help me. I'm in terrible trouble. My shmatta business is making heavy losses; I owe $100,000 to my main supplier; the Internal Revenue is demanding immediate payment of my last two years of tax; mine Sadie is about to leave me; my ..." 

Just then, Nathan hears the man next to him praying, "Oh God, please help me. I'm really in trouble. My older son is about to marry a shiksa; my younger son is gay, my unmarried daughter is pregnant; my wife wants a sex-change; my..." 

Nathan takes out his wallet and removes $100. He then turns to the other congregant and says, "Enough already of your tsouris. Here, take this money and go away. I need God to concentrate solely on me."