The following is a compilation of some of Rosa Lee’s favorite writings of wit, wisdom and humor. Not all were penned by Rosa Lee and she has given credit where the author was known. To know Rosa Lee was to truly love and appreciate her unique brand of comedy!
This picture was taken at Rosa Lee’s 85th birthday celebration, where she entertained everyone with her renowned rendition of “You Must Pay the Rent,” an old melodrama that Rosa Lee taught to children of all ages. Rosa Lee often laughed the hardest at her own humor. Since it requires a napkin formed in the shape of a bow, this fun skit was most often performed while waiting for our meals at restaurants. This melodrama has become a family tradition.
Villain: “You must pay the rent”
Damsel: “But I can’t pay the rent”
Villain: “You must pay the rent”
Damsel: “But I can’t pay the rent”
Hero: “I’ll pay the rent”
Damsel: “My hero”
Villain: “Curses, foiled again”
Here are Words of Wisdom from Rosa Lee Rothblatt. These were so often integrated into the many letters and cards created by Rosa Lee for family members, friends and at times, complete strangers!
Words of Wit and Wisdom – Favorites
Words from others that truly touched Rosa Lee’s heart:
Words that Touched My Heart
Words of Wit and Wisdom – Booklet (compiled by Rosa Lee’s Grand daughter, Ciara)
Words of Wit and Wisdom Booklet
Here are Words of Wisdom from Mae Carden that Rosa Lee especially appreciated:
Words of Wisdom from Mae Carden
Here is a Rosa Lee favorite about What a Family is…
A Family is…
Another Rosa Lee favorite poem that appeared in a number of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah speeches of young adults whom she had mentored. This is about the choices we make in life.
A Bag of Tools
About Life & Death
Values of Life and Death
Is There Baseball in Heaven?
This was one of Rosa Lee’s favorite jokes. Unfortunately, we don’t have this recorded with her voice. However, here is the joke for you to enjoy and remember when Rosa Lee would share it with joy in her eyes.
The Funny Water Bug Story (told by Rosa Lee)
Rosa Lee was a great story teller. Enjoy this brief and funny story of Rosa Lee battling a water bug in her garage.
My Name is Elizabeth
This was another favorite joke for Rosa Lee to tell.
One evening a couple was sitting in their living room watching TV. Suddenly, the door burst open and a robber appeared. Pointing a gun at the wife he said, “I am a robber and a murderer, give me all of your money! The woman was frightened and replied, “Please, no, do not do this to me.” The robber responded, “What is your name?” She said, “M-m-my name is Elizabeth.” The robber replied, “My mother’s name was Elizabeth — I couldn’t shoot someone named Elizabeth.”
The robber then turned his gun to the husband and said, “You, what is your name?” With hands raised high above his head, the man replied, “M-m-my name is John — but everyone calls me Elizabeth.”
Inch Me and Pinch Me
This was a favorite Rosa Lee riddle that she couldn’t help herself from telling every child she met.
Inch Me and Pinch Me went for a walk.
Inch Me fell down, who was left standing?
Once the child would say, “Pinch Me” – that is exactly what Rosa Lee did. This was a fun and unusual ice breaker and led to great dialogue. Rosa Lee had a way of connecting with people of all ages, backgrounds, and social status.
What’s Snew?
Rosa Lee would say this one so often that at one point she was banned from saying it!
Rosa Lee: You have some snew on your shirt.
Victim: Snew, what is Snew?
Rosa Lee: Nothing, what is Snew with you?
