Jackie Mason, cofounder of One Jerusalem and among Judaism’s most cherished treasures, has improbably managed to increase his tribe-street cred even more by going after Jews for Jesus:
Saying he’s “as Jewish as a matzo ball or kosher salami,” Jackie Mason filed a lawsuit against Jews for Jesus for using his name and likeness in a pamphlet. The $2 million lawsuit seeks the immediate destruction of the pamphlet, which members of the missionary group have been handing out at various points around New York City. “While I have the utmost respect for people who practice the Christian faith, the fact is, as everyone knows, I am as Jewish as a matzo ball or kosher salami,” the 75-year-old comedian said in documents filed in state Supreme Court in Manhattan.
Founded in the 1970s, Jews for Jesus practices Judaism but regards Jesus as the Messiah. The pamphlets feature an image of Mason next to the words “Jackie Mason … A Jew for Jesus!?” with information inside that outlines the similarities between Jews and Christians.
As always, we’re of two minds about New York-based activity by Jews for Jesus missionaries. On one hand, it’s obviously annoying to have your religion hijacked by theological newcomers who have zero familiarity with theoretical exegesis – but who feel really, really passionately about their beliefs (they’re kind of like religious versions of many liberal academics). On the other hand, there’s always a chance that some liberal New York Jewish hipster will be passing by, overhear a conversation, and actually learn something about the Old Testament.
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