What’s In a Jewish Father?

Image by Lior Zaltzman

By Lior Zaltzman June 4, 2015

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!

Lior Zaltzman was the Forward’s Digital Fellow. Follow her on twitter @liorca.

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