Judaism in the MediaJudaism in the Media

Justin McCrearyJustin McCreary

Judaism in Television

• Judaism is often satirized in television.

• Parodies– When tastefully done, can be entertaining. – Mocks people’s ignorance of the Jewish

culture.– Bear no ill will towards Jewish culture.– When done poorly, can be offensive.

“When You Wish Upon a Weinstein”

• Peter: “Max, lets not deny our heritages. You’re Jewish, you’re good with money. I’m Irish, I drink, and I ban homosexuals from marching in my parade.”

• Max: “Financial advice? How the hell did you know I’m an accountant?” Peter: “Hello, Max Weinstein?”

• Peter: “Oh my god, Is there nothing you people can’t do? I mean, other than manual labor?”

Seinfeld: “The Airport”• Attendant: Well, the only meal

left is a kosher meal.

Elaine: Kosher meal? I don't want a kosher meal. I don't even knowwhat a kosher meal is.

Passenger 1: I think it means when a Rabbi has inspected it, or something.

Passenger 2: No, no. It all has to do with the way they kill the pig.

Passenger 1: They don't eat pigs!

Passenger 2: They do if it's killed right-- under a Rabbi's supervision.

Saturday Night Live: Eddie Murphy: Gumby

• “You know how long it’s been since I had a Morry Amsterdam sandwich?”

• Waiter: “That’ll be $17.27.” • Gumby: “For what?”

• Waiter: “For the last time you

ran out without paying the bill.”

• Gumby: “Wait a minute, smart guy, that wasn’t me.”

• Waiter: “No, it was some other green Jew.”

Futurama: “Future Stock”: Bot Mitzvah

• Fry: “Ooh, a bot mitzvah! Shalom hunger. Shalom free food.”

• Fry: “You guys don’t believe in Robot Jesus?”

• Robot Rabbi: “We believe he was built, and that he was a well-programmed robot, but he was not our messiah.”

Family Guy: “No Meals on Wheels”: Scarejew

• Lois: “Peter, what the hell?!?”

• Peter: “Lois, I'm tired of Mort always mooching off us, so I made a Scarejew.”

• Peter: “Shh shhh, Lois, Lois look.”

• Mort: “Hey guys, I just wanted to return your... Oooh! Oh my god it's Hitler! He's back, he's back. Hurry, protect Jon Stewart. He's our most important Jew.”

Judaism in Film

• Several films portray Judaism in an Several films portray Judaism in an accurate, sad way.accurate, sad way.

• Jewish history is ripe with prejudice.Jewish history is ripe with prejudice.

• Such films show great respect for the Such films show great respect for the Jewish culture.Jewish culture.

• Two well known films are Two well known films are Fiddler on the Fiddler on the RoofRoof, and , and Schindler’s ListSchindler’s List..

Fiddler on the Roof• Fiddler on the Roof is

the film of the Broadway musical of the same name.

• Movie takes place in Anatevka, Russia in 1905.

• This film greatly depicted the Jewish culture in a number of songs.

• “Tradition,” “Sabbath Prayer,” “To Life.”

• Depicted the struggle many Jews faced in order to stay loyal to their faith.

Schindler’s ListSchindler’s List

Schindler’s List• Schindler’s List tells the

story of Oskar Schindler.• A war profiteer, and

member of the Nazi party. • Saved 1,100 Jews during

the Holocaust.• This film honors how

Oskar Schindler came to respect, honor, and weep for the Jewish people.

• “The list is an absolute good. The list is life.”

Activity

• Get into a groups.

• Discuss any religious portrayals or stereotypes you have seen in the media.

• How have they affected your opinion of that religion?

• Discuss how media portrayals your own religions.