(Jewish Group) There Are Lots of Jews in Hollywood. Let a Rabbi Explain Why

[Behind the Aegis]

Here’s something we’re not allowed to say about Ye/Kanye West’s recent series of antisemitic tirades: there’s a small grain of truth in them.

No, obviously not the conspiracy theories, Holocaust denial, or downright fascistic claims that people who don’t believe in Christ shouldn’t hold public office. Ye has clearly crossed over into either profound mental illness, or hatred, or both.

It should not be controversial to admit this. After all, Adam Sandler sang in 1994 that “so many Jews are in showbiz.” And, speaking here as someone who’s worked as a rabbi, queer activist, and journalist for the last twenty years, I don’t think it’s helpful for us to deny this reality, or refuse to discuss it. Doing so just shoves people’s questions underground, where they often ferment into doubts or misgivings, aided by the s***-filled fertilizer of online conspiracy mongers.

So I’m going to talk about it.

Not to defend Kanye, because that’s impossible. But because, again speaking as a rabbi here, I understand that reasonable, non-bigoted people might wonder about why there are so many Jews in the entertainment industry, and I want to answer that question. Especially because, as it turns out, the real story of why there are so many Jews in Hollywood is, itself, largely about America’s long history of racism and antisemitism.

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[70sEraVet]

1. Great article. Thanks.

Years ago, as a way to get in touch with my Jewish heritage, I joined a Yiddish class at the local Jewish center. It wasn't a structured class by any means, just a group that met once a week to share their memories of growing up in households where Yiddish was often spoken. Some had emigrated from the old country as teenagers, but most grew up in as first generation Americans. And all of them were a generation older than I was.
I remember being really startled when they talked of the open antisemitism in the workplace. Apparently, it was common knowledge that certain companies would hire no Jews -- other companies would hire Jews for lower level positions, but would never have a Jew in management.
I had grown up in an era where companies were required by law to APPEAR unbiased. My grandfather had never talked to me about being Jewish and the difficulties that brought in his occupation.