Say It Loud We’re Jewish Proud
“Judaism has always been uncool, going back to its origins as the planet’s only monotheism, featuring a bossy and unsexy invisible God. Uncoolness is pretty much Judaism’s brand, which is why cool people find it so threatening”
― Dara Horn, People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present
Being a Jew has always to many seemed to be uncool, as secular Jews from all walks of life often tried to hide their Jewishness in order to assimilate. Popular culture reflected the reluctance of Jews to be proud of their Jewishness with the religious and cultural mores attached to it.
In the wake of the barbaric and horrific October 7th attacks and the subsequent thousands of Anti-Semitic acts toward Jews, Hollywood and social media driven popular culture have ironically begun to reflect a new hip boldness from Jewish people who now are changing by intentionally embracing their origins rather than retreating from it.
Growing up as an assimilated Jew in New York City, I found Judaism boring, archaic, and out of touch with current cultural zeitgeist. The liturgy never changes I would complain. It was no wonder that so many young people felt disconnected from the religion and were leaving in droves. Jewish identity was often at odds with what was happening and current in music, film, television and popular culture.
A 1970s Woody Allen film “Annie Hall” depicted this past ambivalence perfectly contrasting the Jewish Woody as a Chasid with “payos” having dinner with Annie Hall’s WASPy family. The scene speaks to the negative cliched definition of Judaism in America at the time.
The idea that Hanukah has always seemed a second-rate holiday compared to the joy of Christmas was the theme of Adam Sandler’s 1994 “Chanukah Song.” Sandler sang about famous people, icons at the time, like Goldie Hawn, who were Jewish. In a humorous way, he was trying to rebut the notion that the Jews were uncool and unhip.
For many years, Jewishness in our popular culture was depicted as serious and boring, but now, in the wake of antisemitism and the horrific October 7 attacks, just like that, Jews are becoming hip and trendy.
Sandler, himself, recently broke a Rotten Tomatoes record (100 percent approval) with Netflix’s “You Are Not invited To My Bar Mitzvah” a sweet coming of age comedy story about teenage angst surrounding a young girls’ plans for a bat mitzvah. The relevant and savvy film appealed to a broad secular audience even as it proclaimed its Jewishness.
The phenomenal success of “Nobody Wants This” another number 1 Netflix comedy show about a LA “shiksa” podcaster who falls in love with a devout hip rabbi. The hip show is a pop phenomenon defying the odds in resetting what it means to be Jewish in the world,
Celebrities seem to be embracing Jewish culture in public ways not seen before. On Yom Kippur, Paul McCartney was on tour in Latin America. He was photographed going to temple on Yom Kippur. Here was one of the world’s most famous non-Jewish icon sitting with his Jewish wife praying in temple. McCartney, the epitome of cool, was embracing the centuries old Jewish tradition of going to temple on Yom Kippur. The post was seen around the world by millions on social and traditional media.
Shaquille O’Neil, with 35 million Instagram followers, often has Jewish friendly posts. Recently he talked about Sukkot, the Jewish holiday where people build a small hut to eat, sleep and dine. Shaq smiled staying that holiday was one of his favorites because people live in Shacks.
Jerry Seinfeld, who never engaged in conversations about his identity has been out front in speaking about his Jewishness since Oct. 7th.
Bill Maher has supported Jewish culture on his popular HBO show saying “how come it is okay for the left to hate Jews? “Unlike others like Trevor Noah and John Oliver, his savvy show proudly supports Jewish culture and themes.
Comedian Alex Edelman in his acclaimed “Just for Us” Broadway comedy show tells stories and jokes about his Orthodox Jewish upbringing and his embrace of it. The show ran recently on MAX and Edelman just proudly posted on Instagram breaking his Yom Kippur fast with his religious family.
I recently attended the screening of a poignant documentary “Sabbath Queen” at the Hamptons International Film Festival. The film, about the gay son of a prominent Israeli rabbi who dressed as woman character and curated a synagogue for LBGTQ community. The film was packed with secular, trendy Hamptonites willing to see such a film and proudly support its themes. It won one of the festival’s awards
In recent years, streaming platforms have played a pivotal role in showcasing Jewish stories and talent. Series like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel have not only garnered critical acclaim but also sparked conversations about Jewish identity, and culture Similarly, shows like Unorthodox and My Unorthodox Life explore the complexities of Jewish life, particularly in ultra-Orthodox communities, bringing visibility to both the challenges and the rich cultural heritage.
Since Oct 7th, social media has enabled a new generation of Jewish influencers like actress Noah Tishby share their political views and stories that connect with audiences globally. These fashionable young creative and savvy people are exploring their Jewish identities in relatable ways, making Jewish culture more accessible to diverse audiences.
Rather than hide in the wake of hate, Jews of all ages are proudly showing the world who they are. without seeming old and boring and out of touch with popular culture.
In a world filled with hate, perhaps this resurgence of a popular hip savvy and proud Jewish culture, can serve as somewhat of an antidote to the ugly antisemitism in the world.
Edward Adler is a partner with a global strategic communications firm and is on the board of Temple Adas Israel in Sag Harbor.
