If I can handle these Northeastern Jewish families — coming as I do from a Texas clan where dinner conversations focus on hunting, Republican politics, and the Dallas Cowboys — then anybody can.
Now, about Jewish mothers. Pickus’s friend says Jewish women remind men of their mothers. Another friend blames Jewish mothers for the problems of Jewish men. In my case, I beg to differ with the problem part. Any mensch-like qualities I have reflect my mother’s influence.
My mother, who died at 63 in 1984, was a thrifty, straight-talking insurance-agency secretary who successfully raised two sons alone, made a fantastic banana pudding, and loved watching The Dean Martin Show. Her motto: “Be friends with everybody.” To this day people fondly remember Mom as a loyal friend who knit afghans as wedding presents for every young bride in our border town social circle. Jewish women with those traits do fine by me.
Finally, I know first-hand how matters of appearance gnaw at potential Jewish matches. The one time I tried to set up a friend with a spirited and attractive woman, his first question was, “Is she tubby?” For the record, I sent him photos I had taken of her that showed, definitively, that she was not tubby.
I’ve been slapped down for not being tall enough by women who exclaim, “Oh, I couldn’t date you; I’m 5’ 6” and I love to wear high heels!” Okay, that’s their choice, their fate. When I think about appearances, the more Jewish-looking, the better. I just melt for what I call the “straight outta Moldavanka” vibe. Jewish hair, Jewish bust, Jewish nose, Jewish women - I want it all. The call of the tribal DNA cannot be denied. I know this is sounding like a divorced guy’s version of Aishes Chayil, but that’s how I feel.
For any woman who frets about what Pickus dubbed her “Jewish thighs,” I can only quote my mother’s trenchant observation on this matter: “There’s more to love.”
Article comments
1 - Ali
I find your article disgusting. "Angry"? Really? That's a attribute you want to label all Jews with? And borderline relatives? What are you even talking about? Anyone whose fetish has become fixated on a specific race/creed needs to get their head checked. Hoping from Jew to Jew on JDate because you get your rocks off on 'the women and the culture' makes you sounds like a pathetic loser. Someone should write a treaty on middle aged, divorced Southern men who have un-appealing racial obsessions. Oh wait, no woman would do that because any self described connasuir is a fucking joke. (Excuse me I need to go puke now).
2 - CM
Excellent article. The best line was when you pointed out that someone who is anti-Jewish women is probably using superficial criteria to pick women in general. Jewish women, like all women, have a wide range of passions, traits, and desires. Anyone who refuses to date them based on stereotypes is self-hating. Great essay!!