Zen Jewish Humor - The Sound of One Jew Kvetching

It is the sound of one Jew kvetching. It is the essence of years of cultural thought and emotion, distilled into a short joke. It is a philosophical lesson or point, told with a laugh. This is what I have named "Jewish Zen Humor." Although funny at face value, these jokes contain many subtle layers which when peeled away, invite further philosophical examination. Understanding of the Jewish experience adds many levels of meaning. There is a certain wry, intellectual quality to this kind of humor, which is unique to the Jewish culture. Traditionally, Jews have used humor to cope with alienation, tragedy and abuse they've suffered at the hands of others. Laughing at ourselves is as steeped in the Jewish culture as chicken soup and matzo balls.