We’re Still Here, Surviving and Eating

Would Jews stop explaining holidays in this cringe-worthy way?

Photo by Anton Mislawsky on Unsplash

I cringe every time I hear someone say that every Jewish holiday is based on the theme that “They tried to kill us, they failed, let’s eat” (or a similar variation).

“They tried to kill us. They failed [alt: “We survived”]. Let’s eat.”

It’s how Jews explain most of the Jewish holidays to non-Jewish friends.

Many Jews will say that all Jewish holidays are about this.

It’s succinct, and it’s a fun summary.

It’s a proclamation.

It’s a statement of celebration.

And yet, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth, like whitefish that’s sat out too long.

Maybe I’m taking it too seriously. I’m aware that sometimes I take life too seriously, and I often don’t understand humour but stay with me.

The statement is vague and inaccurate. A non-Jew might look at you in confusion and think you’re serious when you say that that theme is the basis of every Jewish holiday.

Not all holidays involve a celebratory feast, and not all involve suffering.