Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Whoever saves one life...

I just watched the movie "Schindler's List" on television. I had seen it in the movies many years ago. I must admit, I was even more touched and disturbed than the first time.

For those of you who don't know about Oskar Schindler, (although I can't imagine that any Jew wouldn't have that knowledge), Oskar Schindler (28 April 1908 - 9 Oct. 1974) was a German industrialist and a member of the Nazi Party, who is credited with saving the lives of 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his enamelware and ammunitions factories, which were located in occupied Poland and the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.

Schindler was honored by Israel as a Righteous Gentile. He is buried in Jerusalem.

(How lucky I was to be born in the U.S. but I worry about the recent rise again of anti-Semitism. Not so much for me, but for my children and grandchildren... and I ask "where was God during the Holocaust?")

From the Huffpost...

I recently read this article about anti-Semitism and pass it along:

"For close to two decades, we have been blowing the whistle on the rising tide of anti-Semitism. When asked the source, our answer has always been the same: Look in three directions-the far left, the far right, and the jihadists.

When neo-Nazis came out by the hundreds in Charlottesville and chanted blood-curdling diatribes evoking the Third Reich, many Jews rushed to condemn them, and rightly so. Whether appropriate or not, some celebrity Jews even chose to brandish the yellow Star of David.

For some time, we had thought it was more ominous in Europe, where, unlike here, extremists were also organizing under the banners of political parties, such as the Golden Dawn in Greece, Jobbik in Hungary, and the National Front in France. They have been seeking to gain influence through the ballot box, in addition to their activities in cyberspace and on the streets. In some cases, they lionize 20th century fascists, call for registries of Jews, disparage or even deny the Holocaust, and rant about Jewish power and influence. It turns out that they have a fair number of kindred spirits in the U.S., who march in the streets declaring that 'Jews will not replace us' and pining for 'blood and soil,' (the English translation of the Nazi belief in Blut und Boden.)

So, by all means, let's express our utter revulsion when Nazis march..."

(I'm just saying... not meaning to be political!)

Something more pleasant...

On Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, at 2 p.m., the Congregation Ohev Shalom Seniors will hold a meeting at the synagogue, 613 Concourse Pkwy South, Maitland. The featured entertainer will be JACK MICCI performing a fantastic tribute to the Golden Oldies. (Not oldies to this "oldie"!)

Jack Micci is a versatile singer with a four-octave voice range and also a talented guitar player. Admission is $5, COS Seniors; $8 for nonmembers. All are welcome. Following the entertainment, there will be delicious refreshments (including my favorite cookies! Yum!)

For more information, phone either co-president, BERNY RAFF, 407-767-6763 or JERRY LEIBMAN, 407-694-0546.

More celebrating...

The JCC 39ers will hold their annual Holiday Party on Monday, Jan. 1, at the JCC. The Holiday Party will be a catered brunch held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The menu will include lots of good food: lox, bagels, kugels, salads, and much more. And no calories! (I wish!!) Musical entertainment will round out the festivities. Advance reservations are required. Contact CLAIRE at 407-699-0956 for more details.

And speaking of wonderful talent...

I read this in the Jewish Pavilion newsletter recently:

"PENNY GOLDSTEIN D'AGOSTINO, has been a Jewish Pavilion volunteer as a singer, service leader, and committee member for more than eight years and was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2015.

She and her husband, DAVID, own and operate Infinity Financial Group in Altamonte, where she is a specialist in organizational management, forensic accounting and taxes. It is this forte that brought her into the Jewish Pavilion offices, where she now acts as the CFO and managing director. Penny says, 'I only planned on staying in the office for a month or two until we found someone else, but I love the work and the organization so much, I just can't bring myself to leave.' That's ok with the Jewish Pavilion. They are happy to have her!"

(Let me add that she is a sweetheart and extremely helpful, always.)

One for the road...

Penny Goldstein D'Agostino

To avoid a catastrophe during a raging storm, the captain of the Kosher Yenta, the largest and most expensive cruise ship ever launched, decided to dock at a small port on a Caribbean island. But it was too far down to the dock below for the ship's standard gangplank to reach, so passengers who wanted to leave the ship were asked to use a makeshift narrow piece of wood as a passageway down to the dock. 

All of a sudden Sadie, aged 70, appeared at the top of the plank. The captain just stood there motionless, wondering whether she would make it down safely as there was no room for anyone to assist her. But to his great relief, Sadie edged along very slowly and eventually made it down to the dock. However, as soon as she got down, Sadie looked back up to the top of the plank and shouted, "It's OK mommy, you can come down now."

(Actress Betty Davis once said that getting old was not for sissies. Boy, was she right!)