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1. An Israeli I know was told by an American that there a red light is only a recommendation not a law. The Israeli believed it.
2. A frum American in the IDf was told that the afikomen at the basis seder was a roll. He believed it (in fact, seders are conducted by IDF rabbanim – in this case it would the rav of the base and bringing chametz or non-kosher food all during the year is an offense which is punished by 21 days in the stockade or confinement to the base).
Avi K,
I don’t think either of these cases reflect a lack of humor, but the impact of cultural differences. If someone is not yet or only recently fluent with a new language or culture, it is difficult to discern dry humor. When making such jokes to someone who is less familiar with one’s culture or language, it would be chessed to follow-up with a laugh and, “just a joke”. Yes that might spoil the dry humor delivery, but better a ruined joke than an embarrassed friend.
I bet the Israeli you know who fell for the red light joke is very funny in other situations. Same with the American on the IDF base.
2. A frum American in the IDf was told that the afikomen at the basis seder was a roll. He believed it (in fact, seders are conducted by IDF rabbanim – in this case it would the rav of the base and bringing chametz or non-kosher food all during the year is an offense which is punished by 21 days in the stockade or confinement to the base).
But don’t you think it’s sad that the attitude the secular Israeli government give over is one that causes people to think it’s not a joke?
Avi – What you wrote is a complete falsehood.
1. He was an Israeli, not an American2. They really used a roll for the afikomen. They were trying to hide this fact from him, and he found out.
3. Apparenly, the IDF Rabbinate is not able to control everything that goes on.
4. He went to the Army because he thought it was a Mitzvah to do so and he was very idealistic about the Army and was shocked when he found that out.
5. He stopped being Frum in the army even though he was super-Frum before he went in.
@Avi_K, you reminded me of a story. An Israeli wanted to thank his American host for the delicious food. So he asked an American who was sitting at the table how to say טעים in English (if that turns into question marks I will join the army and use my gun to SHOOT). The American wanted to have a little fun, so he told him “atrocious.” The Israeli turns to his hostess and says (envision an accent here), “Thank you very much! The food was atrocious!”
Actually, that reminds me of another funny story, which I can’t post here or I will identify myself INSTANTLY.
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