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The Schmooze

What’s In a Jewish Father?

Pop culture is flooded with images and stereotypes about Jewish moms. But what makes a Jewish dad is still shrouded in mystery.

Is he nebbishy? Is he silent, reading his morning paper? Is he boisterous and argumentative? Is he a hippy like in ‘Dharma and Greg’? Portrayal of Jewish dads are all over the board – they can’t be pinned down.

In honor of Father’s Day, I propose we go beyond the caricature. I want to hear what being a Jewish dad is all about, and what your Jewish fathers are like. My own abba is coming to visit me from Israel, and I intend to ask him just that question.

Send me a couple of sentences, or an anecdote that you think is the perfect example (zaltzman(at)forward.com) and I’ll create quick illustrations leading up to Father’s Day.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

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