For more than 3000 years, the Jewish people have been persecuted, exiled, dispersed, and almost annihilated more times than one can count.  How have they been able to not only survive, but to thrive?  There are many answers to this question – their faith, a strong sense of culture while assimilating with their host countries, perseverance, and just plain tenacity.

This month, Follen’s Jewish Heritage Group will explore another survival tactic – humor!

Jewish humor, while diverse, favors wordplay, irony, and satire, and its themes are highly anti-authoritarian, mocking religious and secular life alike. Sigmund Freud (pictured) considered Jewish humor unique in that it is primarily derived from mocking of the in-group (Jews) rather than the “other”.  It often takes the form of self-deprecating comments on Jewish culture, acting as a shield against anti-Semitic stereotypes, by exploiting them first.

On Friday, March 10 at 7:00pm, we will convene in the Follen Community Center for an evening of fun and laughter.  You are welcome to bring along all your favorite Jewish jokes to share with the group.  Or you can just come and enjoy hearing them all!

Please bring a snack or beverage to share with the group.

For questions, contact Steph at stephchiha@gmail.com or at 978-369-7569.