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Tuesday, 25 Adar I, 5784
  |  March 5, 2024

Actor Remembered By Chabad

Chabad Shliach Mendy Harlig first met Tony Curtis when the Hollywood actor's daughter Allegra felt he needed spirituality in his life. Full Story

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suzanne
July 26, 2012 9:02 pm

Kudos to Allegra Curtis, Tony’s daughter’ for trying to help him fill a void in his last years. It was her insight that helped him find comfort in the end. Her feelings and sensitivity for her father say a great deal.

Nicole
December 2, 2010 1:20 pm

Ever since I was 13 years old I was “in love” with Tony.
At the time I did not know even know he was hungarian jew like me !!! there is always a reason for something.
I enjoyed all his films and I had tears in my eyes when he died.

I J .B
November 24, 2010 2:11 pm

A GREAT LOSS IN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY.
DEAR TONY,WE GONNA MISS YOU.IS LEE CURTIS A DAUGTER OF TONY? A GOOD JEWISH FIGURE……..

L'elegance et la sympathie de TONY.
November 23, 2010 11:39 am

Il reste pour moi l’un de plus beaux acteurs du cinema americain.En plus il etait très sympatique. Marcel abitbol.

Roropao
November 19, 2010 11:15 am

Tony Curtis was born a Jew. That will NEVER change and he never asked to change it. Tony Curtis was a human being and during his life he did many GOOD things (and I am sure some bad ones too). Most importantly, I believe he was a GOOD person because of the many actions (religious and non-religious) that we can describe and share together. There is NO need for us (nor do we have the right), to state whether he was a good Jew or not, We are NOT and Should NOT judge people through their religious observance… I KNOW… Read more »

feige jasia
November 19, 2010 4:54 am

I agree with # 40. Good actor, bad actor, mediocre or brilliant, he left us with smiles and laughter after the life he knew how to defend it. When we pass, the important thing is what we leave as a good name and honest ethics. Dear Tony, I love you for what you gave me and I pray for the long life of your family. Rest in peace.

Roz Basserabie again on the late Tony Curtis [ Bernie Shwartz]
November 18, 2010 5:05 pm

I am delighted and stimulated by the responses to the question of what makes a Jew, a” good” Jew? The positivity herein is that most of the comments are by Jews themselves. Lifeblood and dynamism running through Jewish veins in a world where anti semitism is so prevalent. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and the internet is a powerful place to air the many variations. All of which are born out of differing backgrounds and value systems. To be a good person, is much easier than to be a good JEW. A good person can belong to any denomination… Read more »

Helen
November 17, 2010 11:47 pm

I am almost 70 – he was my idol when I was a teenager – I believed his real name was Anthony Schwartz – he will be very sadly missed.

Roz Weiss
November 13, 2010 4:26 pm

Too bad it took you so song to find your Jewish roots. Are any of your children or grandchildren aware that you were a Jew?

GOOD TO LOOK AT
November 12, 2010 3:01 pm

I JUST LOVED HIM.I THINK I SAW ALL HIS MOVIES,GOOD OR BAD. HE WAS GREAT TO LOOK AT. LOVE EDYTHE

G-D Bless you Bernie Schwartz
November 9, 2010 1:59 pm

I believe that every single person who lived on the face of the Earth, in the very last moment of life they either physically or certainly emotionally reach for safety, salvation (I don’t know but it’s something spiritual).
Would someone deny this?
He made an effort in the end. It is not my place to say it was not enough.
Good for you Bernie Schwartz. Good for you.
Fred Weston, Florida

I wish I could have met him
November 5, 2010 1:56 am

Tony Curtis was a very gifted man, he entertained us as an actor and he painted great art works. If you have read his book , you can see that he did everything to get out of poverty and worked very hard to enjoy the good life. He wanted happiness too and found it. I admire this wonderful man and wish him a lichtige gan eden. You will be missed and I wish the greatest of things for his family.

Tony, You be missed! So glad you got back to the Jewish Religion.
November 3, 2010 6:28 pm
Tfillin
November 3, 2010 9:50 am

It gave me a chill to see Tony Curtis with Tfillin. What a wonderful thing. Wish I wold have know of Tony’s faith and belief in Judaism while he was still alive!
Marilyn Cantor …Fla. 11/2/10

never too late
November 2, 2010 6:53 pm

I’d like to believe that he truly and honestly did teshuva for whatever it was worth. Anyhow he was one of the best of his generation.

GOOD GUY
October 31, 2010 1:03 pm

HE WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITES

REST IN PEACE

good person
October 30, 2010 4:35 pm

he was a good person that what is important,the Rabbi always say to Sam and I when I say that I am not shomer Sabbat, you tzadika when u do mitzvah that what important

Funeral
October 30, 2010 4:22 pm

Why did Rabbi Hecht perform the funeral instead of a Chabad
Rabbi?

Tony Curtis
October 30, 2010 8:52 am

Curtis was NOT a great actor although he was competent and while one can see him grow in the parts he played, he just never quite made greatness. The film he ever did was
SOME LIKE IT HOT. He excuted his part well and played off the superlative Mr. Jack Lemmon.
While he may not have been the greatest of actors, he did provide entertainment. We are all better for watching him.

The orthodox mind
October 29, 2010 3:17 pm

Why cant w

Why cant we love Tony as a good person?
Why bring up negative things
G-d said forgive and forget
No loshen hora

63 Kol Hakvod to Chabad
October 28, 2010 3:47 pm

May he rest in peace and thank G-D we have Chabad and their wonderful large famlies which will keep our ner tamid for the future generations.We are not doing a good job if we ignor the fact that the future of judaism is in our children.

Bye Tony
October 28, 2010 12:44 am

Thank’s for all Tony and see you a bether Time .
Fabio from Paris.

for Tony
October 27, 2010 5:30 pm

fantastic !!! haver Tony !

Tony Curtis, A good Jew
October 27, 2010 5:04 pm

I was in hungary at the timeTony Curtis died and davened at The Doheny Street Synogogue whch was helped greatly by him. It is not up to usto decide who is a good jew but instead, we should all stive to be the best jew we can.

Tony Curtis the Great
October 26, 2010 10:23 pm

Mr. Curtis left his art as a legacy, providing a great deal of joy to all of us who admired his work. One of my favorites was the legendary Persuaders with the great Roger Moore. The concept of being a good vs a bad jew is relative. It is up to Hashem to decide. We all come from different backgrounds and environments. I as an illustration, went to a jewish school but had a very poor jewish education. It is also sad when many of those so called “good” jews look over their less religious counterparts. No matter how religious… Read more »

Beautiful story...beautiful individual
October 26, 2010 8:41 pm

I have always enjoyed Tony Curtis’ acting and his pictures. I am especially heartened that he had a lovely spiritual ending.
My sincere consolences to his family. A great loss.

Lashon Hara!
October 25, 2010 10:29 pm

It is never to late for tchuvah. The younger the better but never to late. Hazak ubaruch to Chabad for helping anyone to return to the light of our people. In my circle we do not talk about what one did in the past only what they are doing now.

R. Rachmiel
October 25, 2010 1:00 pm

I’m glad people are excited about the mitzvah of raising Jewish children.

I also pray that the Jewish people can be excited about avoiding lashon hara, kavod ha-meit, and dan l’kaf z’chut.

They are mitzvot.

If you love the Father, you must love his children.
October 25, 2010 8:15 am

An entire life of non-mitzva observance can be altered in the last moments of life. Never write off anyone and always greet your fellow Jew with an open heart – you never know what you can accomplish, in this world and the next. – Feivel

Yechi Chabbad LaNetzach
October 24, 2010 8:01 pm

The accomplishment of the Chabbad representatives throughout the world is extraordinary. The relationship with Tony is just one example. It required initiative, confidence, motivation, love for a fellow Jew, and no reluctance to rimind a Jew of his roots. The rewards of these attributes are remarkable and the response to this outreach is so amazing. Time after time, Chabbad rekindles another soul, one by one, with authentic performance of Mitzvot & Ma’asim Tovim.
Alu VeHatzlichu. Teheh Habracha Shruya bechol mifaleichem!

Moshe ben Yitzchak

Tony Curtis/Bernard Shwartz a Menshe!
October 22, 2010 5:52 pm

For someone like Tony Curtis to have come so far in films, is truly an honor. He came from poor surroundings. But I believe he was mostly self taught. If you look at those beautiful eyes of his, you can see the intelligence he keenly had. He gave pleasure to those who watched his very entertaining movies. He will be remembered for his work in the movies. We will miss his presence……He will not be remembered for being “Jewish”. He will be remembered for what he left on the screen, his talent!!

Shelly R. Aronowitz

Jerry Slatin
October 21, 2010 10:38 am

I got to meet Tony in Las Vegas and took a picture that never came out because it was rushed. A most memarable moment was that being in Budapest Hungary, it was mentioned that he made a tremendous contribution to the restoration of the Great Synagogue in Budapest. I alos came from the Bronx, not far from where Tony was and I’ll miss him very much.

tony curtis and jewishness
October 20, 2010 12:10 pm

at no time did Curtis deny his jewishness nor did he disgrace the jews. i’ve yet to see anything in the bible, or torah that stipulates you MUST marry a jew. True, in order for jewishness to continue we must leave behind someone who will speak out for judaism, i’m sure that will occur naturally, as natural as people speaking up for jesus afrter thousands of years. i’m from an orthodox background but not what you would call religious. i believe doing as many mitzvvahs as i can makes me a mensch AND a good jew.PS the majority of hurtful… Read more »

the 'pintele yid' is in all of Am Yisroel
October 19, 2010 9:55 pm

beautiful and touching and Kol haKovod to Rabbi Harlig and Family

Rest in Peace Bernard Schwartz
October 18, 2010 3:53 pm

Does anyone even know about the gift of remembrance Tony bequethed to the synagogue in Budapest honoring the several hundred thousand Hungarian Jews that perished in the holocaust? I had the opportunity to visit the site and museum last year and it is very moving and impressive. Do not miss if you are ever in Budapest.

Pious Pompous & Pitiful
October 18, 2010 5:24 am

For the record, Ms Basserabie – Hitler’s Final Solution did not discriminate between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ Jews. The 6 million martyrs who were annihilated were not selected on the basis of their observance or non observance. Furthermore those who had married out of the faith did not receive any special dispensation that enabled them to escape the gas chambers. For you to compare the hideous end that our people were forced to endure with marrying out of the faith, is to negate the impact of the atrocities perpetrated by the Nazis. Sadly although the tone of your post arrogantly implies… Read more »

Response to Roz Basserabie
October 15, 2010 3:49 pm

I too am South African, and I hope your comments do not create the impression that all South African Jews are as bigoted and judgmental. As you said in your post, “Teshuva is granted to us all at any time” and Tony Curtis was no exception. Do you wear some special judges hat that entitles you to pronounce your fellow Jews as good or bad? Kol Ha K’vod to Rabbi Mendy and Chaya for providing him with the impetus and opportunity to return to his roots.

Holier then thou
October 15, 2010 1:57 pm

Tony Curtis gave joy to millions of people with his acting and beautiful paintings. Which one of the people who found this time of mourning to leave negative, nasty remarks can say the same? The man’s personal life and beliefs were his business, not yours. Smarmy, back biting, holier than thou Jews are an embarrassment to me and the rest of the Jewish people and when they put their smallness and ugliness in print for the world to see it’s a disgrace. Rest in peace Tony, your joy of life and good heart is seen in your art work. You… Read more »

Mrs.R
October 15, 2010 1:09 pm

He entertained us during his lifetime. Now may he rest in peace. It seems that at the end of one’s life, everyone turns to his or her G=d. It’s natural….who are we to judge?

how do we know who is a true jew
October 14, 2010 3:31 pm

I follow the camandments to the best of my ability and was born into an authodox family but do not participate in being a religious jew does this mean im not jewish if i marry out of the jewish faith does this mean im not jewish who gives a toss it is what i believe in not what any one else believes
rest in peace Tony Curtis you brought happiness to many jewish or not

stephen london
October 14, 2010 11:19 am

when i read all the comments … it just strengthans my belief that we really do carry our genes down from abraham our father through moses and all the proceeding generations , which in reality are closer to us than we sometimes realise …. looking for hashem is as simple as staring into a pool of water …. the longer you hold your stare the more you see , and are seen !!

on Tony Curtis, Chabad, and Jews
October 13, 2010 11:14 pm

I enjoyed Tony Curtis’ movies, esp.Some Like It Hot and Spartacus. For the entertainment he brought to many, he deserved the comfort he got from the Chabad rabbi and his family, thanks to a daughter who cared to make the connection. And yes, I agree, there’s a pintele yid in all Jews, and seeing the Chabad connection just shows what Chabad is capable of doing for all Jews. Let G-d bethe final judge….and may his neshomo have an aliya…

good jew/badjew
October 13, 2010 5:17 pm

not sure about either label for curtis….just sad about us jews marcelle…slowly but surely fading….!

Answer to Ros Basserabie
October 13, 2010 1:16 pm

I think your comments are spot on. A good Jew is one who observes as many mitzvot as he or she can, always trying to improve in observance. Just one of the essential mitzvot is to have Jewish children. The social genocide of Jewish intermarriage, running into millions and continuing, cannot on any basis fall into the category of being a good Jew. This is surely being a bad Jew. If this is not being a bad Jew, what is this world-wide epedemic then?

Another one
October 13, 2010 7:57 am

If it brought Tony Curtis peace of mind to go back to his roots in his old age, so be it, who are we to judge him. I grew up on Tony Curtis movies and just loved him!!!! I, too, wish his family ‘long life’

Eli Bendov
October 12, 2010 7:17 am

Who are we to judge anyone?.This is Hashems job. May his neshama have an aliyah.

Mrs
October 12, 2010 12:51 am

What a heartwarming story!

HE WAS THE WORST ACTOR IV EVER KNOWN
October 11, 2010 11:56 pm

GOD REST HIS SOUL , BUT IT WAS A BIT LATE TO THINK ABOUT YIDISHKITE NEAR THE END OVERSHALOM

Mrs Roz Basserabie
October 11, 2010 5:50 pm

In my country–South Africa, we wish the family of the deceased…’long life’. So, I wish the late Bernard Schwartz’s family a ‘long life’. I was born in 1952 and grew up in a time when TONY CURTIS was a big, popular star. Kirk Douglas too. I loved their movies and their charisma. What I do not love is the hype given to aging celebrity Jews who …near the end, choose their roots. Teshuva is granted to us all at any time, well and good! However, the fact that the celebrities in question , ignored their Jewishnes, while hale and hearty,]… Read more »

We are all Jewish!
October 11, 2010 11:54 am

He was the embodiment of what we all are..Jews! Nevermind what negative things he did in his long life, some folks might be irritated. His good things overpower those little transgretions,..”no one is perfect!” I guess he’s now on stage performing for all of the actors and actresses in Heaven..B”H. We are put on this Earth to do good and to nuture our Nashomah by fulfilling certain deeds. This is a lifelong task by visiting the sick, attending funerals and shiva houses. Not too mention enjoying the g-kidds. Bernie Swartz good for you! Gotta keep those pictures..:>) Gerry Lewy up… Read more »

an unforgettable celebrity will be sadly missed
October 11, 2010 7:33 am

I grew up with Tony…never missed one of his movies or series..with the Persuaders and being Jewish always felt he was one of us although it seems that only in the latter years of his life, did he really begin to re-embrace his Jewish heritage.
He surely will live on in memory for so many of his adored fans over so many decades. Condolences to his family.
We will never forget you Tony

A GOOD JEW?
October 11, 2010 5:35 am

I don’t think that Nancy Zwiebach is suggesting that Tony Curtis was a BAD person, as such. I believe that she is making reference to his not being, specifically, a good JEW. I’m sure he was indeed a good human, but by marrying numerous non-Jewish women, this provides us with a view of his TRUE attitude towards what it meant to TONY to be a Jew – in the REAL sense, as opposed to what he might like fellow Yidden to THINK.

GEDDIT NOW?

Jewish children
October 11, 2010 2:21 am

If I remember correctly, Janet Leigh was either Jewish or was reformed to Judaism. (In which case her children are Jewish). And Elizabeth Taylor was also reformed to Judaism when she married Michael Wilding
Wilding (if memory serves me correctly)

A MENCH
October 10, 2010 9:28 am

bernie worked for my father, irwing kramer, as a messenger boy in the bronx, kramer lerner– and in between he,d wheel me around in my pram,– whenever he came to new york in the early days, he,d look up my father

A Good Jew
October 8, 2010 10:55 pm

performing all of the religious rituals, observing every holiday without exception, and being very pious does not a “good Jew” make. A good neshuma, a connection with one’s heritage, and being a true mensch is my definition of being a good Jew. I didn’t know Tony Curtis personally but if those that did believe that “Bernie” fit that description then that is the best confirmation of the man.

GO MUSHKY!
October 8, 2010 5:06 pm

ur friend f

So beautiful
October 8, 2010 2:39 pm

What a great article, beautiful

Hazel Solomon

very nice :)
October 8, 2010 10:11 am
#24 "To Nancy" Thank you !
October 8, 2010 1:08 am

Nancy may be correct on many points but your comments back are excellent. Many of us.. myself included may not be perfect Torah observant Jews, but I think it’s G-D who will be the final judge. Too many who think of themselves as the correct Jews are the same ones who with their attitude turn many of us other well intended Jews away from ever becoming more religious.
Allan

To Nancy
October 6, 2010 9:11 pm

Who is to define “good Jew?” Is someone who was raised with a full and rich knowledge of Judaism, but isn’t so careful with some mitzvahs, still a “good Jew” because they’re doing the basics, even though they know how to do much more? Whereas, is someone who lacked the benefit of that education, yet proudly identifies as a Jew in a world in which they could easily shun it, a “bad Jew” because they didn’t become a rabbi instead? Because they didn’t live a Torah life that they weren’t exposed to? Yes, Tony Curtis did some things he shouldn’t… Read more »

Tribe, clan family
October 6, 2010 7:52 pm

Finding one’s true clan is important for happiness and well being. It easy to fall into false associations for various reasons. And very comforting and fulfilling to find those people who are really truly your own.

Nancy, you said it all
October 6, 2010 6:09 pm

And, I (and I’m sure many others) agree with you on that!

rosie
October 6, 2010 4:48 pm

wooohoooo go mushky harlig i miss u soooo much!!!!

What makes a good Jew?
October 6, 2010 4:30 pm

I know that Chabad accepts all Jews as Jews and find that wonderful. My family is involved with Chabad as well. (And to his “cousin”, his name was Bernard Schwartz!) But I read that Tony Curtis was married 6 times – were any of his wives Jewish? – not to my knowledge. Which means none of his children are Jewish. I find it interesting because his (from what I understand) good friend – or, at least, his colleague, Kirk Douglas, was also married several times – to non-Jewish women, raising several non-Jewish children and yet both consider(ed) themselves good Jews?… Read more »

to #14
October 6, 2010 12:10 pm

His real name was Bernie Schwartz. Great story. It’s that pintale yid that is always there. Nice work Rabbi!

Kiddush Hashem
October 6, 2010 11:34 am

What a beautiful Kiddush Hashem.
Keep up the great work.

Tony
October 6, 2010 9:35 am

Curtis was a great actor I love his movies and think it is great that the jewish people did not forget about him in his old age!!!!!!!

Robert Odell
Staten Island

mrs. rachel elkouby, london.
October 6, 2010 5:18 am

The rabbi should be proud of being part of such an important mitzva. I am sure all his good deeds will be a blessing for him and his family.

@wondering
October 6, 2010 3:56 am

you are an insipid fool. QED

relative..
October 6, 2010 1:39 am

he is my fathers cousin. his real name is Tony Schwarts.

GO MUSHKY AND CHANA SARA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 5, 2010 11:18 pm
yeshiva day school
October 5, 2010 10:20 pm

Yay Mushky and Motty (and Chana Sarah, Bini and Levi)!

Wondering
October 5, 2010 9:39 pm

Did the Rabbi OK this:
“Actor Tony Curtis was buried Monday with a melange of his favorite possessions — a Stetson hat, an Armani scarf, driving gloves, an iPhone and a copy of his favorite novel, “Anthony Adverse,”

Just saying….

go cousin levi
October 5, 2010 9:23 pm

you are so cute!

gameoflife
October 5, 2010 9:22 pm

his neshama should have an aliyah and help us find a house

boonah
October 5, 2010 9:22 pm

so great to be apart of this family… more then the one i babysit forat least

tamar and leila
October 5, 2010 9:14 pm

keep up the great work Rabbi Mendy and Chaya!

RabbiRod
October 5, 2010 8:09 pm

Great article Pesha

YAY MUSHKY AND MOTTY!!!!
October 5, 2010 8:06 pm

Love,
Bubby and Zaidy

P.S. Great job Mendy!!!!

GO MUSHKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 5, 2010 7:16 pm

ur the best luv ya!!!!!!!!! ur cuzin in miami

GO MUSHKY!!!
October 5, 2010 6:59 pm

LUV YA!

Proud in Miami
October 5, 2010 6:27 pm

Rabbi Mendy and Chaya,
We are so proud of you and all your hard work. You are an inspiration to all of us. It so nice to see that your children are following in your footsteps.

Didn't know he died
October 5, 2010 6:06 pm

He was a great actor. Nice to know he had a connection with his heritage in his later years.

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