Okay, I'm not Jewish, and don't want to get very deep into any of this- But I do remember that I used to have a really good laugh reading the humour section of the big book of Jewish myths, folktales and fables that my mother had- mostly stories of Hershel Ostropol, Jewish beggars, Yiddish culture, Chelm, and the like. I didn't think any of them were irritating or offensive. That's the sort of thing I expected to find here - they fit in with Cranky yankee's stories, not all of which I understand, which reflect a deep and fascinating culture and mindset that I'm part of but am as curious about as any other. I fear, Bernard, that I do find some of your jokes irritating - not offensive, but irrtating, because they are shallow and steroetypical, told to you by Jews or not. I wasn't going to complain, though - if they make other people laugh, the world needs more laughter.

I'm sorry I don't have the book to share stories from it with you all. They really are very funny.

-J