Using humor as a coping mechanism is a common theme in all of our lives. It helps us to feel better when we can’t make sense of the world around us. Making a joke out of a sad or frightening event is a way to bring light into the darkness.
The use of comedy throughout Jewish history is quite prevalent, because of the sheer number of adversities Jewish people have faced. No topic is too sensitive for Jewish humor, including the holocaust and other pogroms they’ve been the victims of over the years.
Historically, Jews represent a minority in hostile host countries around the world and have faced near-constant oppression. It has been said that Jews were uniquely qualified to face the COVID pandemic as they have plenty of experience fending off forces that threaten their existence. Be it their hostile neighbors or a deadly pathogen, they have developed tremendous resilience against the oppressor.
More than just jokes
Humor in Jewish culture is used as a survival mechanism. Throughout history Jews have faced so much tragedy and comedy provides a much-needed escape or a respite from the pain. In fact, humor has become so ingrained that it is now a part of Jewish character and cultural expression, regardless of the topic.
Think about Jewish comedians. They poke fun and tell more jokes about being Jewish than non-Jews. Being able to laugh at yourself or your plight provides relief from the serious or hopeless parts of life. It’s how you find a way to go on even when things are bad. Because of this practice of finding ways to laugh at even the most terrifying aspects of their existence, Jewish resilience and humor are closely tied together.
A more serious approach
The phenomenon of turning to humor in the midst or shortly after a crisis seems unique to the Jewish culture. Other cultures that have experienced tragedies like genocide do not feel appropriate makes jokes even long after the event. This may be because Jews have dealt with such ongoing adversity, there would never be a good time to laugh about it.
There are historical novels on the topic through which you can learn about the use of humor throughout Jewish history. Another way is exploring Jewish resilience through fiction.