Freethought & Rationalism Archive

philbo · 08-19-2004, 03:26 AM

Having done a few parodies taking the mickey out of Christianity, and one (so far) for Islam, I thought I'd set my sights on Judaism. I know a little, but thought that this would be just the place to ask for those little quirks in Jewish belief and tradition which could raise a laugh if set into rhyme.

What do you think is funny, odd or just plain silly?

TIA

Phil

Cubeless Academian · 08-19-2004, 04:13 AM

Didn't you know Judaism is the one religion you're not allowed to make fun of?

philbo · 08-19-2004, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cubeless Academian

Didn't you know Judaism is the one religion you're not allowed to make fun of?

I thought that was Islam...

Judaism and Islam - the two religions you're not allowed to make fun of.
(this is starting to sound like the "what have the Romans ever done for us" sketch.. or even the Spanish Inquisition)

the Devil's Own · 08-19-2004, 05:51 AM

Well, the concept of circumcision has always struck me as being odd.

Although there are divergent opinions on whether, or not, it's healthy, I'm not sure why the ancient Hebrews felt snipping off penile skin would appease the immortal super-being?

Can anyone shed some light? :huh:

Gullwind · 08-19-2004, 05:58 AM

Because the bible says so.

I don't know if this is the origin of the circumsicion tradition, but Exodus 4:24-26 certainly seems to indicate that it placates God.

I still haven't figured out why God tried to kill Moses while he was on his way back to Egypt, or why his wife hit upon the solution of cutting off part of her son's . . . uhh, member. :huh:

I guess if it's stupid and it works, it ain't stupid.

philbo · 08-19-2004, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Devil's Own

I'm not sure why the ancient Hebrews felt snipping off penile skin would appease the immortal super-being?

Can anyone shed some light? :huh:

I always assumed they'd had a tip-off...

Jack the Bodiless · 08-19-2004, 06:15 AM

I have a theory about this...

Apparently, it's also forbidden to approach the altar if you have damaged testicles or a severed penis.

...But how would the priest know this?

Obviously, he'd have to look. Which implies that exposing the genitals was once a part of Jewish ritual. This obviously helps to keep female imposters out, and the circumcision thing could have developed as a way of keeping non-Jewish male imposters out too.

Duke Leto · 08-19-2004, 06:29 AM

The Reduced Shakespeare Company offered a unique interpretation on this:

Abraham: But why do you want my foreskin, LORD?

YHWH: I'm making a wallet!

Abraham: Oh!

YHWH: When I rub it will turn into a suitcase. HA HA HA HA HA!

Garnet · 08-19-2004, 07:24 AM

I always thought that Balaams talking ass was funny. Oh, and the instructions about how to evacuate one's bowels.

Sensei Meela · 08-19-2004, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philbo

I always assumed they'd had a tip-off...

:groan:

It's funny to me how the Isrealites could witness God, Himself, and His miracles and then turn around and start worshipping other gods; they must have really short attention spans, or not be very bright. Plus they ate gravel fungus for 40 years.

08-19-2004, 03:26 AM	#1
philbo Regular Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bucks, England Posts: 393	Humourous oddities in Judaism Having done a few parodies taking the mickey out of Christianity, and one (so far) for Islam, I thought I'd set my sights on Judaism. I know a little, but thought that this would be just the place to ask for those little quirks in Jewish belief and tradition which could raise a laugh if set into rhyme. What do you think is funny, odd or just plain silly? TIA Phil

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08-19-2004, 04:13 AM	#2
Cubeless Academian Regular Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Taiwan Posts: 314	Didn't you know Judaism is the one religion you're not allowed to make fun of?

08-19-2004, 05:51 AM	#4
the Devil's Own Regular Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: New York Posts: 323	Well, the concept of circumcision has always struck me as being odd. Although there are divergent opinions on whether, or not, it's healthy, I'm not sure why the ancient Hebrews felt snipping off penile skin would appease the immortal super-being? Can anyone shed some light? :huh:

08-19-2004, 05:58 AM	#5
Gullwind Veteran Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,037	Because the bible says so. I don't know if this is the origin of the circumsicion tradition, but Exodus 4:24-26 certainly seems to indicate that it placates God. I still haven't figured out why God tried to kill Moses while he was on his way back to Egypt, or why his wife hit upon the solution of cutting off part of her son's . . . uhh, member. :huh: I guess if it's stupid and it works, it ain't stupid.

08-19-2004, 06:15 AM	#7
Jack the Bodiless Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: UK Posts: 5,815	I have a theory about this... Apparently, it's also forbidden to approach the altar if you have damaged testicles or a severed penis. ...But how would the priest know this? Obviously, he'd have to look. Which implies that exposing the genitals was once a part of Jewish ritual. This obviously helps to keep female imposters out, and the circumcision thing could have developed as a way of keeping non-Jewish male imposters out too.

08-19-2004, 06:29 AM	#8
Duke Leto Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 3,387	The Reduced Shakespeare Company offered a unique interpretation on this: Abraham: But why do you want my foreskin, LORD? YHWH: I'm making a wallet! Abraham: Oh! YHWH: When I rub it will turn into a suitcase. HA HA HA HA HA!

08-19-2004, 07:24 AM	#9
Garnet Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Lansing, MI Posts: 6,610	I always thought that Balaams talking ass was funny. Oh, and the instructions about how to evacuate one's bowels.

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