The Genius of the Jewish Joke focuses on what is distinctive and unusual about Jewish jokes and Jewish humor. Jewish humor is humor by Jews and about Jews, in whatever medium this humor is found. Jokes are defined as short stories, meant to amuse, with a punch line, though Jewish humor exists in many other forms riddles, comic definitions, parodies as well. The book makes a "radical" suggestion about the origin of Jewish humor namely, that Sarah and Abraham's relation to God, and the name of their son Isaac (which, in ...
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The Genius of the Jewish Joke focuses on what is distinctive and unusual about Jewish jokes and Jewish humor. Jewish humor is humor by Jews and about Jews, in whatever medium this humor is found. Jokes are defined as short stories, meant to amuse, with a punch line, though Jewish humor exists in many other forms riddles, comic definitions, parodies as well. The book makes a "radical" suggestion about the origin of Jewish humor namely, that Sarah and Abraham's relation to God, and the name of their son Isaac (which, in Hebrew, means laughter), recognizes a special affinity in Jews for humor. Abraham does not sacrifice Isaac (humor) and, thus, humor and the Jews are linked early in Jewish history. Berger discusses techniques of humor and how they can be used to analyze jokes. He also compares "Old World Jewish Humor" the humor of the shtetl, with its fabulous schlemiels, schlimazels, schnorrers, and other characters and "New World Humor" the humor of Jewish doctors, lawyers, accountants, and other professional types living mostly in the suburbs nowadays. Jewish humor is contrasted with other forms of ethnic humor, such as Polish jokes and Italian American jokes. This humor, in addition to providing pleasure, reveals a great deal about Jewish character and culture and, in addition, the human condition. Now available with a new introduction by the author, The Genius of the Jewish Joke is an entertaining and informative inquiry into Jewish humor that explores its distinctiveness, its unique spirit, and its role in Jewish identity.
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Add this copy of Genius of the Jewish Joke to cart. $10.97, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Reno rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Reno, NV, UNITED STATES, published 1977 by Jason Aronson.
Add this copy of Genius of the Jewish Joke to cart. $10.98, fair condition, Sold by Pilkington & Sons rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Windber, PA, UNITED STATES, published 1977 by Jason Aronson.
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Add this copy of The Genius of the Jewish Joke to cart. $10.99, very good condition, Sold by Books From California rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Simi Valley, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1997 by Jason Aronson Inc.
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Add this copy of The Genius of the Jewish Joke (Classics in to cart. $56.81, good condition, Sold by Project HOME rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Philadelphia, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Routledge.
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