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Hop right up and Click the Frog
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
O MEIN PAPA
Papa belted out prayers with off-key passion. A few small congregations who couldn’t afford real cantors hired him as a ba’al tefillah.
Shabbos mornings, Natty Birnbaum stood close to him and sang. He’d bask in Papa’s approving smile. It was the only time he ever saw it.
When Natty was seven Papa passed away while reading prayers.
Nearly 100 years later, Birnbaum, better known as George Burns, remembered with a wry smile, “After he sang in one little synagogue, the following synagogue, instead of hiring him, they kept it closed during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.”
Natty never forgave God.
Wanna know more? Got 10 minutes? To watch the video CLICK HERE
I’m not entirely sure who George Burns was or is, but I guess entertainer. I liked the idea of not forgiving god
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Dear Neil,
George Burns was an American comedian who started performing as a child in Vaudeville. In the 1920’s he paired with wife-to-be Gracie Allen. Their act skyrocketed them to stardom and they became a household name in the 1940’s and 50’s. Something akin to your Morcombe and Wise although, neither George nor Gracie had short fat hairy legs. 😉 George lived to be 100 and became an American icon.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah. Thanks, Rochelle
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The Beatles (featuring Bongo) even sang about their short fat hairy legs on ‘Moonlight Bay’
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Of course that’s how I know anything about Morcombe and Wise, Larry. 😉 (Me dad told me all about you.)
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The video is on Youtube now
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I have it on the complete CD set of the anthology. 😉
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I have the anthology too
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😉
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Beautiful video. Such a star George Burs / Nate Birnbaum. Why did the synagogue did not let him perform after his first show?
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Dear Abhijit,
Actually George made up the synagogue story about his father who loved to sing the prayers but was less than melodious. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So sad for a child to go through the death of a parent. Sometimes memories are all we have.
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Dear Tanille,
Sadly 7-year-old Natty witnessed his father’s death. Thank you for reading.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Seems that Natty had some pretty flawed logic!
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Dear CE
Natty was a seven-year-old child when it happened. I think as he aged toward his 100th birthday, he’d stopped holding a grudge against God. In fact he portrayed Him in blockbuster movie in the 1970’s. Thanks for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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George Burns. Am I right in thinking ‘G’night Gracie’ was one of his punch lines? I even use that myself still. Another trip down memory lane, and an enjoyable one too.
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Dear Sandra,
You do indeed have the right George Burns who teamed up with his wife Gracie for one of the most loved comedy duos of the 20th century. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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When we feel we have been wronged, the hurt stays on.
Hope the grudge goes away as we are the ones who suffer, not God who has nothing to say!…
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True words. Thank you, Anita.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The instant I noticed Natty Birnbaum I knew. He’s referred to as one of Pal Norton’s sewer worker friends in ‘The Honeymooners’.
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Dear Larry,
I’m not surprised you’d recognize the name. 😉 Some of us just “know” these things, don’t we?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oy yes my head has always been plum filled will all kinds of things like that ..Shalom
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Wait, you mean he isn’t God? I clearly remember when John Denver’s music wasn’t selling so well and he had to take a job at a grocery store and met George/God and.., well, they made documentary about it and all 😉 He did have a wonderful, super long career. A very funny man.
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Dear Trent,
That really was the role that put George on the map in his own right. It was a great movie. Loved it. He proved that 100 years just wasn’t enough. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I know he was huge in radio early TV but it was this role that he was he was introduced to me, and the one I remember him for.
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After being Gracie’s straight man for all those years, he finally came into his own. “Oh God” was a terrific movie.
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Although he played him in the movies… I still prefer George Burns’s version to any others I’ve seen. Great story.
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Dear Josh,
I’m scratching my head. Who played whom? Do you mean God? He did make a good one. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, Oh God. Loved it
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You do know a lot about the entertainment industry, don’t you? Fascinating slant on George Burns.
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Dear Penny,
I’ve always been a huge fan of old movies. I think a lot of it comes from my dad who used to tell me all about vaudeville and the big band era. I don’t remember not having a television set so I cut my teeth on the old black and white shows. And I’ve always loved biographies, whether books or bio pics. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a lovely and a wee bit humorous tribute to George! An icon, indeed. His humor was clean, and funny, not like today’s comedians. Love watching the old B/w show he did with his wife. Yes, it still plays… middle of the night, but hey when one doesn’t sleep one finds gems on tv.
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Dear Bear,
I’ve caught of few of those old Burns and Allen shows. She was another fascinating individual who created an unforgettable character. Because she never broke character in public I couldn’t find a single recording of what her voice really sounded like. Glad you enjoyed my story. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A walk down memory lane with this highly nostalgic piece. Written too with your usual brevity and chutzpah, dear Rochelle.
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Thank you for such a lovely comment/compliment, Neel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember George, and Gracie as well. They were both very funny. There are very few comedians around who were as funny, yet very clean. Guess you had to be there. Lol. Good story and history lesson. As usual, you educate us with your writing.
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Dear Jan,
I think today’s performers could learn a lot from those old-timers. I think humor can still be clean. Thanks for the appreciation, m’luv.
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Rochelle, I love this! What a wonderful story, and as usual you have educated us 🙂
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Thank you, Linda. Your comment is much appreciated. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The Beatles (featuring Bongo) even sang about their short fat hairy legs on ‘Moonlight Bay’
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Natty should have simply fired the trouble makers. It most certainly worked with Harry Von Zell
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Alas Natty wasn’t in a position to fire anyone at the time. 😉
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What an interesting story, Rochelle. Thanks for sharing. Do you know where the synagogue is located & the name of it? Thanks!
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Dear Susan,
The building is located on Rivington in NY’s Lower East Side. For more info, here’s a link. https://bedfordandbowery.com/2016/12/how-the-synagogue-where-george-burns-worshipped-became-an-artists-studio/
Thank you re my story. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Shalom, Rochelle!
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Dear Rochelle,
Who doesn’t love George Burns? I’m surprised he’s not known across the pond as well! “Say G’night, Gracie” will always be!
Loved watching the video, too. Can’t believe he’s been gone so long. Wherever does time go?
Shalom and lotsa love and laughter,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Growing up I couldn’t remember the time there wasn’t a George Burns. As far as his being known across the pond, I’d never heard of Morcombe and Wise until the Beatles Anthology came out. 😉 I love the way George reinvented himself after Gracie passed away. Thanks as always for the support and comments.
Shalom and lotsa bad jokes and hugs,
Rochelle
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Dear Hazel Brunhild W(T)F,
Surprising that he accepted the role of God in the John Denver movie. I always thought Gracie had more talent. They certainly made a good team.
Now, if I can only find some cream cheese and lox,
Bagel Boy
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Dear Bagel Boy,
Gracie was the main attraction but it was actually George who wrote her lines in the beginning. I think They did make a good team and he was the driving force behind it.
Yes, nothing goes with a bagel like cream cheese and lox. Anything else is sacrilege.
Shalom,
Hazel Brunhild W(T)F
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I must say, I’m a little disappointed in this one, Rochelle. You had the perfect opportunity to use George Burns and Kermit as The Frog picture.
This was interesting, as always. George Burns was before my time, but I think I’ve seen Oh God! I love old movies. His father’s death may have been a “blessing in disguise.” If his father hadn’t died when he was a small child, Nattie may not have gone to work at age 6 or 7 where he started singing with friends and subsequently broken into showbusiness. For better (which is hard to imagine) or worse, his life would have been drastically different.
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Dear Nobbin,
So enamored was young Natty with show business I’m not sure if his father had lived if would’ve made much difference. And with all of the children in the family, Natty would’ve gone to work at a young age. At any rate, the world is a better place because Natty Birnbaum grew up to be God. 😉 Thank you.
You’re right, I sorely missed my opportunity to use Kermit and George. What was I thinking? Or not thinking as it were.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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LOL! Gods are not always as cool as George.
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Another in your series of entertainers with forgotten pasts, you should collect them all together! Illuminating as always Rochelle.
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Thank you so much, Iain.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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He was an original. That is a very cool photo of the synagogue. Do you know where it is? And, aren’t you just the clever one lately with your Frogs???
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Dear Ted,
He was indeed one of a kind. The synagogue is on NY’s Lower East Side on Rivington and has been made into artists’ studios.
I’ve thought about drawing a few of my own frogs, which I haven’t ruled out, but there are some great ones out there.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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He never forgave God, but he played God … 😉
And … yeah … those early wounds can go deep, can they not?
Lovely little piece, Rochelle!
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
It’s easy to hold a grudge against God, isn’t it? I’ve been angry with Him more than once. And you know all too well how deep those childhood wounds go. I think later in his life, George was able to let go and he did make a sweet deity, didn’t he? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think people need someone/something to blame, and God is an expected target for that – as people see God as responsible for both good and not-so-good that takes place. To many, there’s an idealized parent in a God, where ‘good deeds’ supposedly lead to approval and ‘bad deeds’ would lead to punishment … and so when one faces difficult times, one feels punished and can get angry at the injustice of being ‘punished’ or seeing innocents ‘punished’ with challenges they ought not to have to face. And yet, there these difficulties are … So frustration and need to have something to look up to and believe it, can lead to being angry at God (or the representation of God one was taught/shown as a child). As for childhood wounds, yes, they certainly go deep. Very deep, and sometimes with lifelong threads. As for George, he sure did! 🙂
Na’ama
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I had never heard of George Burns… but I love the story of his path… so much of what we are comes from our childhood.
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Dear Bjӧrn,
Our childhoods do shape us, don’t they? Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As soon as I saw the photos I thought of George and Gracie though I can’t think why I should have! Perhaps it was because my parents were fans. I must ask my Mum! A delightful tale Rochelle.
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Dear Keith,
It makes me happy that you knew of George and Gracie. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I knew George Burns had a god story so to speak. But I did not remember it. Well done and amazing photos.
💞
Etana😉
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Thank you Etana. 😀
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I’m afraid I’ve never heard of George Burns, but I always enjoy your historical fiction, giving us an insight into what made these people who they later became 🙂
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Dear Ali,
I’m pleased you enjoyed my story despite the fact you didn’t know of George Burns. You get a pass. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow what an interesting tale. Thanks for sharing this Rochelle. I never knew that about him. Great pics you’ve found.
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Dear Laurie,
Glad you enjoyed. I’m afraid I might’ve gone a tad overboard on the pictures. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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of course, he was only joking when he said that. i wanted to believe. 🙂
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Dear Plaridel,
He added a lot of humor to the bitter truths. Thank you for reading.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice job, Gracie. Loved George Burns.
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Thank you, Shirley.
Love,
Gracie
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I remember George Burns from when I was a kid – the glasses and the cigar! – though I guess I missed him at his height. He was quite a raconteur, I believe. Such a touching story you tell, of him losing his faith at such a young age. I can see the logic as a small child, witnessing such a dreadful thing. I love his original name – Natty Birnbaum – so much more interesting than George Burns. But as I think we’ve discussed before, it was a sign of the times that those in the entertainment industry shook off their own, perhaps more ‘ethnic’ names. As always, beautifully told Rochelle.
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Dear Lynn,
George Burns went through several stage names before settling on that one. Burns and his wife Gracie were household names through the 1940’s and 50’s. Interestingly, in private, she called him Natty. I’ve read that his ability as a raconteur was to sweeten and add humor the truth of his life. After Gracie’s death he did reinvent himself and most of will remember him as God. 😉 Thank you for your lovely comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My pleasure! Thank you for always finding such interesting people to tell us about – I’ve learned much fron you 🙂
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BTW the way, I love this building – such a beautiful synagogue. Do you know where it is by any chance?
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New York’s Lower East Side on Rivington. It’s actually the synagogue Natty attended as a boy.
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Thank you, Rochelle. I rather love it. I imagine being in there and still being able to hear the cantor singing.
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Querida Rochelle,
I used to enjoy George and Gracie interact on stage. It turns out she was quite bright even though she played his dimwit side-kick. Success at comedy any way you can get it. Super good info … thanks for the memories.
Have a GREAT weekend, mi amiga.
Abrazos y carino,
Isadora 😎
PS: how’s your cousin?
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Querida Isadora,
I read that Gracie never broke character in public, but her voice was actually an octave lower in real life. She was in no way a dimwit. Glad you enjoyed my story, too. 😀
Shalom y Abrazos.
Rochelle
Kent is doing well. I’ll tell him you asked about him. That will make him smile.
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I could feel Natty’s joy as he basked in Papa’s approving smile. He obviously loved and looked up to his father. Beautifully told, Rochelle.
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Dear Mags,
Children do crave their parents’ approval, don’t they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Indeed. You’re welcome, Rochelle.
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What an extraordinary guy — definitely a one-off, entertaining people for nearly a hundred years. The video gives a real sense of his talent and character, a stamina.
Thanks you Rochelle for shining a light on George.
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Yet another piece of history – thank you, Rochelle!
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I enjoyed the story and the comments were informative too! I think for those of us who believe in God, we go through our ups and downs with him. And that’s okay. The name George Burns rings a faint memory. I might have heard it referenced somewhere. Nice to know who he is now.
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Dear Fatima,
I suspect you’re a little young to remember much about George Burns. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fun story! Shalom,
Ronda
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Thank you, Ronda. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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