The comedian's shtick is called, "Too Jewish." He pokes fun at ghettoization
on the one hand and assimilation on the other. In early January, his road show
brought him to Columbia, SC, where he performed at the gala opening of "A
Portion of the People," the touring exhibit showcasing 300 years of Carolina
Jewry.
With irony and parody, comedian Avi Hoffman mocked Jewish parents who name their
sons "Junior" or "Trey" and christen their daughters "Mary" instead of "Miriam."
Contrasting ethnic stereotypes with mainstream comfort, he parried punch lines,
provoking uneasy laughter.
To me, "Too Jewish" was not too funny for the punch lines reminded me of
tensions within a number of Jewish organizations, including our own.
From a legal standpoint, the Southern Jewish Historical Society is not a
religious entity. It is a secular 501(c-3) organization working under its
bylaws to preserve, exhibit, research and popularize materials focusing on the
history of Jews in the southern United States. Membership is open to
professional historians and lay people of any religion. Our board of directors
includes an assistant dean at a Baptist seminary. At our upcoming conference,
October 25-27 in Shreveport, LA, the keynote speaker will be Paul M. Gaston, a
non-Jew and a noted historian of the civil rights movement. His latest
research involves Jewish identity.
Ritually speaking, is the Southern Jewish Historical Society at times too
Jewish? Should it be more Jewish or less Jewish? Should a motzi be recited
when the board holds a dinner meeting? What about the Birkat ha-Mazon - the
lovely but lengthy Grace After Meals? (It was chanted at the conclusion of
that South Carolina banquet. Was that "too Jewish?") Should kosher meals be an
option on the conference registration form?
At our Hot Springs, AK, conference in 1997, book sales were prohibited
following the authors' panel because it was Shabbat afternoon. (Was that "too
Jewish?") Since then, the authors' panel has been moved to late Saturday or
Sunday. Also in Hot Springs, the luncheon speaker, an Orthodox Jew, refused to
use a microphone and proceeded to deliver a nearly inaudible lecture. (Was
that "too Jewish?")
Should Friday evening worship be part of the program at the SJHS conference?
If so, do synagogue services offend or exclude non-Jews active within our
organization? Don't Sabbath services give non-Jews and non-practicing Jews
reason to arrive at the conference a day late or to forego an evening of
camaraderie and reverie?
To what extent should we open or close the door to Jewish ritual? In light of
our secular status with the IRS, our open membership, and our study of a
religious ethnic group, which approach is most appropriate? Which approach is
least offensive? This can be a fine line.
Being sensitive to Jews and non-Jews and especially to traditional and
non-traditional Jews requires balance. Members with university backgrounds
often urge this group to move toward a more academic, secular historical
association model. Traditional Jews want more of a nod to observance. The
president tries to mediate among opposing views. Those with strong opinions
demonstrate that they care about the direction of the organization. From where
I sit, anyone concerned about the direction of the SJHS is welcome to
volunteer and help shape the society's future.
Respectfully,
Hollace Ava Weiner
President, Southern Jewish Historical Society