Title: The genius of the Jewish joke /
Authors: Berger, Arthur Asa, 1933-
Publisher: Jason Aronson,
Year: 1997
Subjects: Jewish wit and humor History and criticism
Abstract: Schlemiels and schlimazels, Albert Einstein and Jewish mothers-in-law - what do jokes about Jews reveal about Jewish identity and self-worth? Does it matter if a Jewish joke is told by a Jew or a non-Jew? Are Jewish jokes masochistic? Are they funny? The Genius of the Jewish Joke supplies not only countless jokes and riddles about Jewish characters and communities, but also reveals the relationship between Jewish humor and attitudes about Jewish culture and identity.
Contents: 1. How Is This Book about Jewish Humor Different from All Other Books about Jewish Humor? -- 2. How Odd of God to Choose the Jews -- 3. On the Techniques of Jewish Jokes -- 4. Schlemiels, Schlimazels, and Other Jewish Fools and Comic Types (Old World and New World) -- 5. Jokes about Jews and Ethnic and Racial Minorities -- 6. On the Question of Masochism and Other Aspects of Jewish Humor -- Glossary of Yiddish Terms.