Maybe organizers of the British Zionist Federation’s “Israel 60” gala didn’t make the smartest choice when they tapped Jackie Mason as one of the headliners. Indeed, one British rabbi, writing in advance of the event, called the American comedian “a terrible choice,” noting that the lofty values contained in Israel’s Declaration of Independence “are far removed from the kind of stereotyping of which Jackie Mason’s work is full.” And sure enough, the Borscht Belt comic’s ethnically charged shtick didn’t seem to play well with the thousands assembled at London’s Wembley Arena. The reviewer from Britain’s Jewish Chronicle wrote that Mason “went down like a lead gefilte fish.” Attendees who spoke to the newspaper weren’t laughing, either. “I couldn’t bear it,” Donna Sherrington told the newspaper. “I didn’t want to watch. I can’t believe people still say things like that.”
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mason is himself a rabbi. would you believe? an embarrassment no matter what the venue.. mason is completely unaware of his self satirizing.... borscht belt blather disguised as comedic insight. so awful it hurts...
I grew up with a father who told hilarious stories with a Yiddish accent. He was the life of any party and friends often requested of him, "Seymour, tell the one about..." Dad prized his record collection of great Jewish comedians. As a family we fondly remember the bond we felt as we listened and laughed together. Jackie Mason holds a place in my heart and belly as his humor and wit remind me of my father. Those that take offense must either be too young or they missed out on the joy and laughter that Jackie Mason and comics of his generation brought to first and second generation American Jews. Jackie Mason is a brilliant stand-up comic whose insights into the “fresh off the boat” Jewish experience influenced a generation of performers. Mason won a special Tony Award for Outstanding Theatrical Achievement as well as the Outer Critics Circle Award, Ace Award, Emmy Award and Grammy nomination. Vats not to like?