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Lyr Add: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew
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Lyr Add: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew |
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Subject: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Rabbi-Sol Date: 14 Jun 04 - 11:53 PM The lyrics to this song were written and copyrighted in 1984 by Yossi Toiv & Heshy Walfish and recorded by a group called "Country Yossi and the Shteeble-Hoppers". It is sung to the tune of Johnny Cash's "Because Your Mine, I Walk That Line" 'CAUSE I'M A JEW I wear a keepah on this head of mine I daven mincha in the proper time And by havdallah in my pockets I put wine 'Cause I'm a Jew I do that too I put my shlock down when it starts to rain I shake a lulav which my neighbors think insane I like to bury my gefilte fish in chrain 'Cause I'm a Jew I do that too CHORUS: 'Cause I'm a Jew 'Cause I'm a Jew I do that too Because the Torah tells me to I do that too I do the strangest things a man could ever do 'Cause I'm a Jew I do that too Oh there are times when I wear sneakers with my suit And I must confess that it looks rather cute And there's a time when we must send each other fruit 'Cause I'm a Jew I do that too Oh once a year I twirl a chicken over my head And it wouldn't be that bad if it were dead And there's a time I go outside and burn my bread 'Cause I'm a Jew I do that too CHORUS Once a month I go outside and bless the moon And once a year I have to eat all afternoon And there's a time I pound my chest and sing a tune 'Cause I'm a Jew I do that too On Pesach I will drink four cups of wine it's true And then eat matzoh till I have no strength to chew Then I eat horseradish until I'm turning blue 'Cause I'm a Jew I do that too CHORUS |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Once Famous Date: 15 Jun 04 - 10:19 AM Rabbi Sol How do you feel about songs like this? When does parody stop being fun and become mockery? |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Rabbi-Sol Date: 15 Jun 04 - 02:43 PM Martin, I see that you are a very sensitive person and rightfully so, in light of all the anti-semitic feeling that exists in the world today. Whether it be Hutton Gibson, (Mel's pop), who claimed that the Holocaust never happened, or the pro Palestinian sympathizers who have attacked my posts on other threads of this forum, we have to face the fact that we as Jews are not very well liked today in 2004. That being said, let us analyze this song which was written in 1984, 20 years ago in a different political climate. In drawing the delicate line between parody and mockery, the analytical tool used is "intent". In other words, who are the authors and what was their purpose in writing this song. Although they were college students at the time this song was written, Yossi Toiv & Heshy Walfish are today very respected members of the Orthodox Jewish community. They are what you will call insiders and in no way intended to mock the very religion that they so fervently practice. They were trying to answer the question: "What would people who had never seen our rituals before, think of them, upon seeing them for the first time ? They must think that we are very strange people indeed." And the song goes on to answer the question "Because the Torah tell us to, we do that too". When the song was first recorded, it was extremely popular in the Jewish community, but was never given much exposure in the Gentile world. Perhaps it was the fear of mockery and mis-understanding. The internet did not exist in l984. However, today it does and with it comes exposure to many different cultures, which in my opinion can only serve to promote better understanding among people and break down the barriers of ignorance that causes biased opinions. That is why I chose to go public with the song at this time, and on this forum. I hope that answers your question Martin, and if anybody has any questions pertaining to words or ideas expressed in the song that they do not understand, I am here to answer them. SOL ZELLER |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Once Famous Date: 15 Jun 04 - 03:37 PM Thank you Rabbi. I am so glad that you are here. |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Bill Hahn//\\ Date: 15 Jun 04 - 05:53 PM Now, I suppose, one will have to add a verse about "sheitel"burning---is that like bra burning? Wish I were versed in verse writing. Bill Hahn |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Sorcha Date: 15 Jun 04 - 09:17 PM Or, wig burning.... |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Justa Picker Date: 15 Jun 04 - 09:28 PM "we have to face the fact that we as Jews are not very well liked today in 2004" You mean there was actually a time when we were? :-) |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Rapparee Date: 15 Jun 04 - 09:39 PM Having been born and raised Catholic.... Nevertheless, I found the song quite funny. Seems to me that it's far better to laugh at yourself than to be mocked by others. As for not liking Jews -- I take folks as they come. A couple of the nicest fellas I ever met with Jewish and some of the most grasping, greedy, less-then-human were Southern Baptists. Doesn't mean I paint everyone with those brushes. Rabbi, the images that song conjures up are hilarious. I wonder what I could do with Roman Catholicism? No, they're a lot touchier. Better not. |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: CarolC Date: 15 Jun 04 - 09:58 PM we have to face the fact that we as Jews are not very well liked today in 2004 Well, you're in good company, anyway. The Pagans among us, as well as those of us with somewhat more amorphous spiritual beliefs (and to some people's way of thinking, even more strange than what is in the Rabbi's song) aren't particularly well liked either, at least not by the mainstream public. I think the Rabbi is right. Music often is an excellent way to build bridges between people. |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Sorcha Date: 15 Jun 04 - 10:12 PM Yes, Carole. We are all 'supposed' to be Cbristians and it really barks my butt when we are asked to 'prap' at a function....whatever the function is. I just refuse to lower my head, and pray in my heart to MY Gods and Goddeses. Doncha know that all Good Americans are Christians??? |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: CarolC Date: 15 Jun 04 - 10:14 PM Well, at least they're not burning us at the stake anymore... yet... ;-) |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: mack/misophist Date: 15 Jun 04 - 11:21 PM If you can't mock yourself, who can you mock? It's a good song. That's enough. |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Rabbi-Sol Date: 16 Jun 04 - 05:14 PM I am glad that we are all basically in agreement that the song is not offensive and that it can be entertaining and appreciated for the parody that it is. I have many such songs in my collection that I can share with the group. If you want me to do this, please say so. SOL ZELLER |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 16 Jun 04 - 05:51 PM A better location
..............................................................your collection.........................cannot be found.............................................................................................................................................looking ...............foward ................................to many hours of playful, provoking, and prayerful muse.
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Bill Hahn//\\ Date: 16 Jun 04 - 06:44 PM Humor is a delicate thing. The best part of humor, to me, is a simple truth revealed by irony. Ethnic humor is really only funny when done by people of that ethnicity. Think of Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce, Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Pat Harrington, Godfrey Cambridge, and the early Jackie Mason (I say "early" because now I think he is not funny---just a bit racist himself in demeaning others with no clever puch line.)(Humor like that has to be self deprecating). Tom Lehrer is one of the few that can straddle all ethnicities in send-ups---think of Vatican Rag, Irish Melody, and a few others. In today's world Modern Man can do that in spoofing geographical region's foibles, ethnic foibles, etc; through music. Here are a few thoughts that might be put to a melody by someone else: When Jewish Ladies Burn their wigs---hurrah, hurrah Indian Ladies lost their hair in vain--hurrah hurrah And DuPont ladies will cash in====Hurrah Hurrah Bill Hahn |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: DonMeixner Date: 16 Jun 04 - 06:53 PM Bill, Remember that Tom Lehrer had/has a skewer them all kind of attitude and deals out fairly equal amounts of wry. Shi ite Happens after all. As long as they don't happen to me or my friends or my friends friends I'm pretty OK with most any religion. Don |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Peace Date: 16 Jun 04 - 07:36 PM There are many funny jokes in Rosten's "The Joys of Yiddish." When a people assess their collective character through humour, it very often provides a great insight to fundamental truth, the description of which would take thousands of words and still not make the point a short joke (song) does. Two snipers waiting for Hitler who is supposed to go through an intersection at noon, exactly. Five to twelve they get set. Noon arrives. No Hitler. Five minutes later, no Hitler. Ten minutes later, no Hitler. Fifteen minutes later, no Hitler. One fellow turns to the other and says, "I hope nothing's happened to him." I love humour, Rabbi, and any you provide will be read and appreciated. Thank you. Bruce Murdoch PS I don't find the song in the least offensive. |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Bill Hahn//\\ Date: 16 Jun 04 - 07:58 PM OK---ethnicity as done by a Lehrer can cover a spectrum. Others have to have the talent to be able to leave you laughing and not offended. The ones I mentioned (Jackie Mason aside) can do that. I loved the Hitler joke--so now we play Can You Top This: Drunk at a Bar: Damn Jews sunk the Titanic. Fellow Patron: You're crazy. It was an Iceberg Drunk: Iceberg, Goldberg, they are all the same to me Drum roll now!! One of the best and moving ones appears in film Gloomy Sunday---a must not miss film to see. At a point in the film a Nazi and his companion Nazi walk into a restaurant (the owner --Jewish--had saved the Nazi's life many years back and the Nazi owes him big time--he wants to help him but not seem soft to his companion) so, he says---"tell me a Jewish joke. Owner : (after hesitating) Well, Mr. Korngold is arriving at a Concentration Camp and the Commandant is vain and has a glass eye. If you spot it when he asks he shoots you---if you don't you live. When Korngold's turn comes he says "...sir, it is the left one because it is the only one looking at me with a kindly glance". He is spared. One last one: Guaranteed to offend all: As the Titanic is going down the call for life boats is heard. The Protestant Minister yells---Women and Children First The Rabbi Yells: F... them The Priest says gently--Will there be time? BaBOom On a higher note: Nichols & May routine about the Doctor who calls his mother on the phone. She said she is dying of malnutrition because she did not want to have a mouth full of food when her son the Doctor called at some time. Not a joke but a great routine---like Mel Brooks 2000 year old man who has over 200 children and not one of them call. Bill Hahn |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Rabbi-Sol Date: 16 Jun 04 - 08:17 PM Being relatively new to this forum, when I post another song of the same type, shall I begin a new thread with it or keep this one going ? Perhaps Bill H. or one of the other senior members here can direct me as how to proceed. SOL ZELLER |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Peace Date: 16 Jun 04 - 08:42 PM You any relation . . . ? |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Bill Hahn//\\ Date: 16 Jun 04 - 08:51 PM Pray tell, brucie---what do you mean. "You any relation...?" What context speak you of? Have we totally lost the ability to comminicate in proper and erudite sentences? Bill Hahn |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Peace Date: 16 Jun 04 - 09:03 PM Bill, Ssssh, but look at his last name. We have a major chain of stores in Canada called Zeller's. To a degree. |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Bill Hahn//\\ Date: 16 Jun 04 - 09:09 PM Now---that is what I meant---erudite sentences. Could he not have made that plain rather than a treasure hunt for meaning? Bill |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Donuel Date: 16 Jun 04 - 09:19 PM ZEN JUDAISM If you wish to know The Way, don't ask for directions. Argue. Take only what is given. Own nothing but your robes and an alms bowl. Unless, of course, you have the closet space. Let your mind be as a floating cloud. Let your stillness be as the wooded glen. And sit up straight. You'll never meet the Buddha with posture like that. There is no escaping karma. In a previous life you never called, you never wrote, you never visited. And whose fault was that? Wherever you go, there you are. Your luggage is another story. To practice Zen and the art of Jewish motorcycle maintenance, do the following: Get rid of the motorcycle. What were you thinking? Be aware of your body. Be aware of your perceptions. Keep in mind that not every physical sensation is a symptom of a terminal illness. If there is no self, whose arthritis is this? Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Forget this and attaining Enlightenment will be the least of your problems. The Tao has no expectations. The Tao demands nothing of others. The Tao does not speak. The Tao does not blame. The Tao does not take sides. The Tao is not Jewish. Drink tea and nourish life. With the first sip, joy. With the second, satisfaction. With the third, Danish. The Buddha taught that one should practice loving kindness to all sentient beings. Still, would it kill you to find a nice sentient being who happens to be Jewish? Be patient and achieve all things. Be impatient and achieve all things faster. In nature, there is no good or bad, better or worse. The wind may blow or not. The flowering branch grows long or short. Do not judge or prefer. Ask only, "Is it good for the Jews?" To Find the Buddha, look within. Deep inside you are ten thousand flowers. Each flower blossoms ten thousand times. Each blossom has ten thousand petals. You might want to see a specialist. Be here now. Be someplace else later. Is that so complicated? Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkes. http://www.angelfire.com/md2/customviolins/bushmoore3.jpg http://www.angelfire.com/md2/customviolins/bushscrew.jpg |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Rabbi-Sol Date: 16 Jun 04 - 10:11 PM I am sorry to disappoint anybody, but I am not in any way related to the Zeller Department Store owners in Canada. The only relatives I have by that name are first cousins who are both attorneys. One lives in Berkeley, California and the other one lives in Homer, Alaska. SOL ZELLER |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Peace Date: 16 Jun 04 - 10:14 PM Thank you, Don. What a hoot. |
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Subject: RE: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Peace Date: 16 Jun 04 - 10:16 PM Just bugging you, Sol. Welcome to the 'cat. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Parody: 'Cause I'm A Jew From: Rabbi-Sol Date: 17 Jun 04 - 07:16 PM Since I did not get a direct response to my query, I will take the liberty of starting another thread for my next parody " Peel One More Potato For The Kugel" SOL ZELLER |
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