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

Hollywood has a lot of Jews! ...

For instance, while watching the STEPHEN COLBERT television show recently, his guest was actor ADRIEN BRODY.

I first saw Adrien in the movie "The Pianist" and I fell in love with him and his rare talent. He won an Academy Award for that performance as Best Actor. Of course he has appeared and acted in other movies but "The Pianist" stood out for me.

Of course, Adrien Brody is Jewish, the son of a Polish-Jewish man and a mother who was half Catholic from her dad, and Czech-Jewish from her mother.

Adrien was born in Woodhaven, Queens, New York City. He attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and performing arts. He also attended Queens College.

(I attended Tilden H.S. and Brooklyn College. Close enough!)

An "insult" comic? Sure, there were plenty. But this one stands out.

I refer to Donald Jay Rickles (Don Rickles to you!)

Don was a terrific stand-up comic who often used insults, but was always very funny. He was also a wonderful actor.

He was born in New York City (Nu? Of course!) and lived to be 90, passing away in 2017. He was also a member (sort of) of the Rat Pack because of his friendship with Frank Sinatra.

Don was also born in Queens, N.Y., the son of a Jewish immigrant from Lithuania (his dad) and a mom, also born in New York, the daughter of Austrian-Jewish immigrants.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the motor torpedo boat tender USS Cyrene as a Seaman First Class and was honorably discharged in 1946.

Don was sometimes introduced by his nicknames "The Merchant of Venom" and "Mr. Warmth."

(And while I mention Don Rickles, I feel I must mention Frank Sinatra, who helped Don get started. By the way, Frank wasn't Jewish but he was a devoted lover of Israel and the Jewish people and came through whenever he was needed!)

The Jewish Pavilion always in fashion ...

I recently heard from the Jewish Pavilion head, NANCY LUDIN, about this wonderful event.

Kindness is always in fashion. The Jewish Pavilion is honoring Julie Levitt Bain (who I wrote about in the Jan. 21 issue) on Feb. 24th at a fashion show at Dillard's at the Altamonte Mall at 9:30 a.m.

To register for the fashion show ($25 minimum) visit. Go to: https://ipay.ticketspice.com 2022 fashion show.

Proceeds benefit our elders in long-term care.

The Jewish Federation ...

The Federation is in search of bold Jewish women ...

To further explain, they are looking to honor extraordinary Jewish women who have made bold choices fueled by courage.

Don Rickles

These women are the epitome of empowerment. They have reinvented themselves in a major way because of adverse circumstances and have an inspiring story to share. (During this pandemic we all have inspiring stories to share.) Submit nominations to cfeverman@jfgo.org

JCC Seniors on the go ...

Monday, Feb 14th @ 1p.m.(Valentine's Day)- enjoy a Gentle Be Moved class.

Monday, Feb 21st (President's Day)– Join the group for lunch at noon.

Contact Barbara Goldberg ASAP at barbgoldberg27@gmail.com if you will be attending.

One for the road ...

An angel observing this happening addressed God angrily, "Lord, the rabbi is playing golf on Yom Kippur, you cause the wind to give him a hole in one, and you call this a punishment?"

God smiled. "Sure it is," he said. "Who can he tell?"