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

A frequently asked question...

"How could God have allowed the Holocaust?" A good answer according to Rabbi ALAN LURIE, "We can be mad at God for the Holocaust or for other human tragedies, but this is like a teenager who begs you to let him drive a car, promising to be responsible, gets drunk, crashes into a telephone pole, and then blames you for giving him the keys.

If we agree that humanity must have free will, we must accept the consequences of its decisions. As Elie Wiesel wrote, 'After the Holocaust I did not lose faith in God. I lost faith in mankind.'"

Some good news for a change...

I read this in a current issue of the World Jewish Congress Digest and pass it along:

The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany announced that Germany has agreed to increase its funding for social welfare services for Holocaust survivors by $88 million, bringing Germany's global allocations for 2019 to $564 million.

'The significant increase for social welfare service secured by our negotiating team will lead to more home care, food support, medicine and transportation services for Jewish Holocaust survivors around the world,' said Claims Conference President JULIUS BERMAN.

In addition, 55,000 Holocaust survivors in Central and Eastern Europe will see an increase in pension and more child survivors who were living in hiding or under false identity will be eligible to receive payments.

Just a note...

I heard from SARAH GARFINKLE, senior strategist, West End Strategy Team:

As the Jewish community grieves and moves forward from the recent tragic events, Jewish college students at dozens of Hillels on campuses across the country gather together for vigils and memorials.

Jewish Pavilion Mensch...

I just received this from the Jewish Pavilion:

"We are proud to honor SUSAN BERNSTEIN as our volunteer of the year at JP Connections on Dec. 6 at The Hilton Hotel in Altamonte Springs (along with JUDY SUBERMAN.)

'Susan has been such an outstanding volunteer that we recently hired her as our program director in Longwood, Lake Mary and Sanford,' said NANCY LUDIN, CEO of the Jewish Pavilion. Ludin added, 'Susan has extensive Judaic knowledge. She is superb at leading services and her ability to sing and play guitar makes her extra special.

Susan relates beautifully to the seniors, staff and volunteers. She is extraordinarily efficient and well organized and a tremendous addition to our staff.'"

(There are super-special people in the world. Susan Bernstein is one of them!)

Speaking of special people...

ELIZABETH TAYLOR (not the famous actress, but also a beauty) has a heart of gold for people and especially for animals. She makes her fabulous home a haven for dogs in need and, with the current lucky dog named GEORGIO she is housing, she and her wonderful spouse, Byron, have decided to keep him and give him a "fur-ever" home... and be his "mommy" and "daddy" for life.

Roth Family JCC...

According to JCC Executive Director ROBBY ETZKIN, there will be a School's Out Days event at the Jewish Community Center in Maitland.

This will be for children in grades K thru 6 and consists of games, sports and much more.

The dates are Nov. 19th-Nov. 21st.

Prior arrangements must be made.

What elegance...

I just returned from a "Tea party," yes, a genuine Tea party held by the Red Hatters Sassy group.

Thanks to our lovely queen, VERLIE NORRIS, and MUSETTE NUTT, a group of us gathered at The Corner Rose Tea Room in Pine Castle for an elegant luncheon of tea, crumpets, finger sandwiches and all the trimmings that come with such an elite venue.

(That was a first for me and now I feel like British Royalty!)

JCC 39ers Cinema Sundays...

On Sunday, Nov. 18 in the JCC Senior Lounge, the movie will be "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Refreshments are available.

JCC 39ers Meet & Mingle Mondays...

At 1 p.m. in the JCC Senior Lounge on Nov. 19, BOB STARK Homecare presentation-Aging in Place.

Refreshments will follow.

A truly special event...

Elizabeth Taylor and dog Georgio

On Saturday evening, Nov. 17, at The VFW Apopka Post 10147, 519 South Central Avenue, Apopka, there will be a spectacular dinner and show charity event fundraiser. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and showtime is 6:30 p.m.

Talents like JT & Jenn, beautiful showgirls, celebrity entertainers that sound like Sammy Davis, Jr. (a landsman), Roy Orbison, Frank Sinatra, and many more will delight you.

For information, phoe 407-889-8266.

One for the road...

When Suzy was six months pregnant with her third baby, her three-year-old son Sam comes into her bedroom just as she is ready to get into the shower. 

Sam says, "Mommy, you're getting fat." 

"Yes, darling," says Suzy, "but remember, mommy has a baby growing in her tummy." 

"I know," Sam replies, "but what's growing in your tuches?

(Oy Gevalt! Is that kid in trouble!)