Finally Getting Respect

Jacqueline Lehrer
University of Ontario

Jackie Mason, one of many Jewish celebrities that come to mind, is a comedian. He has one routine that lies in the heart of many Jews. The scene takes place at his therapist’s, who tells him "You are not yourself, we are here today to find the real you." Mason’s retort is paraphrased here,

What if I find the real me and I do not like what I’ve found?

What if I find the real me and he has more problems than I do?

What if you’re [his therapist] the real me, do you then have to pay me?

…Identity has been an issue plaguing Jews for many years. Early Jews in Hollywood were often scared to admit their heritage. This fear was based on a concern about the anti-Semitism that could surface had their true selves been known.

But Jews in movies and television today are highly stereotyped. On Will & Grace, Grace finds herself going to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Her friends ask why she attends if she doesn’t drink. Promptly she explains that she can’t resist two things Jews love: free food and therapy.

Crises of Jewish identity are a lot older than Hollywood. Moses lived in Pharaoh’s palace for much of his early life, unaware of his identity. When, according to midrash, he found out that he is adopted, his response, according to some commentators, is violence. We know that he happens upon an Egyptian taskmaster beating up a Jew. After looking both ways, Moshe decides to kill the Egyptian. When the matter is found out he runs away to Midian where he settles down and has a family of his own. In deciding to defend the slave, one sees that despite his Egyptian upbringing, once a Jew, always a Jew.

This is the foundation of such a questioning identity. The key is to be proud of your Jewishness. Recently I attended a shiur (class) which focused on an analysis of Rashi, a 12^th century scholar. In his review of the sources, the rabbi teaching the class illustrated how these sources reflected a pride in being Jewish apparent in 12^th century France (Rashi’s home). Of course, everything is contextual. In Rashi’s era it was important to empower the Jews and instill in them a sense of pride, because the seeds of the Crusades had already been planted. However, I believe one should always be proud of one’s Jewish identity, no matter the external circumstance.

We’ve moved past the era of Rodney Dangerfield’s "I get no respect." If anything, my father is more respected by his boss and coworkers for choosing to live his observant lifestyle. Similarly, I believe we should not hide our Jewishness. Honest pride will actually get us the respect we seek.

[Posted 12/9/04]