6/5/2023 0 Comments Plato and a platypus jokesWhat Harvard’s Peretz professor of Yiddish literature and professor of comparative literature does offer is a far-reaching discussion of the essential role humor plays in an ethnic group that historically has dwelt in the margins of the nations and cultures of others. Sarah Silverman, author Ruth Wisse is not. Come to think of it, the book’s title may be intended to warn the reader not to expect a totally satisfying shpritz. Delving into the history, anthropology, sociopolitical utility, and moral value of Jewish humor has the same built-in limitations as analyzing sex-you really had to be there to fully appreciate what all the tzimmes was about. Not so much, the comical picture of Groucho on the cover notwithstanding. Oy, such a provocative book this is-I’m telling you, I can’t tell you.
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