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

That's what friends are for ...

I received a phone call from my dear friend, JUDY, telling me that my all-time favorite movie, "Singin In The Rain" was being featured on television immediately!

Although I have seen it dozens of times, I never tire of it and quickly tuned in.

True, the stars, Gene Kelly, Donald O'conner and Debbie Reynolds were not Jewish, the two songwriters responsible for the fabulous music, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, were... and yes... they were Jewish (and brilliant, like most Jews)!

Basya Cohen, (you knew her as Betty Comden) was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. (like me). She was a successful lyricist, playwright and screenwriter.

Betty was the daughter of Russian immigrants. She grew up to be a successful lyricist among other talents. She attended Erasmus Hall High School (a rival of my school, Tilden H.S.) and New York University. When she graduated NYU she was introduced to an aspiring young actor named Adolph Green, and their partnership lasted for decades. Both received Kennedy Center honors in 1991 among many other honors.

Comden and Green were a creative partnership, not a romantic couple.

Both were married to other people and had families of their own.

A fabulous partnership ...

Adolph Green and Betty Comden were made to work with each other. They were so perfectly suited together!

Born in the Bronx, N.Y., Adolph's parents were Hungarian Jewish immigrants. He wanted to become an actor. With the teaming of Comden and Green, both became outstanding lyricists and playwrights.

That brings me back to the movie "Singin In The Rain." As I watched it on TV, I cried, as I usually do.

I just love this movie!)

And speaking of Jewish people ...

I recently received a letter from RONALD S. LAUDER, president of the World Jewish Congress. Here is an excerpt:

"For more than 85 years, the World Jewish Congress has fought back against those who seek to weaken or destroy the Jewish future.

Through painstaking diplomacy, advocacy, activism, educational initiatives, innovative programs and activities, we confront and combat antisemitism in all its pernicious forms while embracing every opportunity to build human bridges of mutual respect and understanding across the globe."

(They are reaching out to us, the Jewish people, empowers them to stand strong with the Jewish State of Israel and the Jewish people everywhere and they pledge to continue to stand up and speak out until the world's oldest hatred, antisemitism is defeated.)

If you want to learn more about their work or want to get involved too, contact them at 212-894-4770.

Passover is almost here! ...

(It's a good thing I learned how to cook... or heat food up in the microwave. OH SHUT UP!)

Okay, tonight is the first night of Pesach. I wish my parents were still with me. Pesach used to be the highlight holiday of my life! Fabulous family seders in celebration of the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

(Is there any place I can order out kosher food for Passover?)

JCC Seniors on the Go ...

I heard from BARBARA GOLDBERG recently. Here are some of the upcoming events:

April 18th – GENTLE BEMOVED CLASS

April 25th – Chris Bouille, singer, is coming back. 

May 2nd – Maitland performance arts will bring us a music duo by Robert and Jon, first Monday of the month.

May 9th – GENTLE BEMOVED CLASS

May16th – GENTLE BEMOVED CLASS

May 23rd – GENTLE BEMOVED CLASS

The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando...

On Thursday, April 28th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Harriett's Orlando Ballet Centre, "BOLD CHOICES" will take place.

There will be a musical journey with performance artist MICHELLE AZAR.

According to Rabbi SCOTT HAUSMAN-WEISS: "The show is fantastic, lyrical and seamless. It's a rare performance that speaks to issues of family, tolerance and the American immigration story that all can relate."

For more information, phone the Federation at 407-645-5933.

The Jewish Pavilion...

Speaking of Passover, here is a message from CEO, executive director of the Jewish Pavilion, NANCY LUDIN:

"Passover is one of the most important religious festivals in the Jewish calendar. Jews celebrate the Feast of Passover (Pesach) to commemorate the liberation of the Children of Israel who were led out of Egypt by Moses. The celebration of freedom from slavery is celebrated at the Passover Seder. Passover is considered the most beloved Jewish holiday by our seniors and evokes wonderful memories of childhood celebrations with family. According to surveys, 70 percent of the Jewish community take part in a Seder.

Jewish Pavilion program directors will conduct close to 50 seders in elder-care communities during the month of April. They will vary between short model Seders to full out Seder meals depending on the facility and the number of Jewish residents."

Visit JewishPavilion.org to see a list of upcoming Passover festivities.

One for the road ...

We're talking about one of our most joyous holidays ... now here's one about our most serious, Yom Kippur:

Disc jockey Jack Spector was on the air one Yom Kippur when an indignant Jewish man telephoned him and demanded, "How can you, a nice Jewish boy, be working on Yom Kippur?

"I'm not working," replied Spector. "I'm on tape!"

(This joke has a double whammy. What was the Jew doing listening to the radio and calling the disc jockey on Yom Kippur?)