(Submitted and Written by Natalie K.)
It would be logical to assume that Jewish Young Adults would, in keeping with their ethnic heritage and embracing of kitsch make use of uniquely Jewish expressions of exasperation and annoyance. But in their native habitats, whether that’s Cherry Hill, Huntington Woods or Mercer Island, their profanity resists this sort of stereotyping.
JYAs today are much more likely to invoke the famous but contentious figure of Jesus Christ. In addition to the classic exclamation: “Jesus Christ!” The Hebrologist will also note a number of variations on the theme, ranging from the more profane “Christ on a Cross!” or “Jesus son of Joseph!” or “Jesus, Mary and Joseph!” to the silly “Jeezy Creezy” and “Jumping Jesus on a pogo stick!”
This phenomenon is not isolated to diaspora Jewry. When JYA Rebecca moved from New York to Tel Aviv she commented, “I have to start practicing not saying Jesus Christ anymore, I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea.” After a year in the ancestral homeland, her usage has increased, and this is hardly atypical.
Maybe it is rooted in irony, or maybe it just feels good to say, but if you hear an under the breath “Jesus Christ!” look around, it’s probably coming from from a JYA.
I also like the expression “Blinkin’ Baby, Jesus!” It’s always fitting around Xmastime.
I’ll sometimes use the word “Christsicle”. Hey, it’s something on a stick, right?
i definitely use it. i use it because i can, like i don’t have to feel bad cuz he ain’t MY lord.
i ofen say….. “jesus effing christ”
hahha but instead of effing the real worddd
hahahhahahhaa
Perhaps a better relief when profaning could be, using the revealed name of God. Better yet, let’s use the name of one of our own Patriarchs, or Prophets. Abraham, Moses, those would probably be better suited in place for a word of profanity. Why is it that young Jews desire to use the name of someone elses deity to “relieve” their filthy minds? Jesus may not be a deity to Jews but He is to Christians, of which I am a believer. I find it quite degrading that members of the Jewish community would show such harsh and blatant disrespect for Christians. I understand that Jews don’t believe that Christ is their Moshiach, but Christians do. I also understand that Jews may not be bound to love Christians, but the Christians that believe the Bible, are bound to love Jews. “Pray for the peace of Yirushalayim, may those who love the Holy City prosper.”
I have read and heard so many of the eldest Jews, including very respected Rabbi’s speak lovingly of the Christian Community. I am appalled at the lack of respect that you show the Christian’s. You can’t claim to “love” or “respect” Christians and then blaspheme their Moshiach. It almost makes me regret defending Jews all of my life. Growing up in the south I have heard Jews and blacks being defamed quite a bit. I will continue to pray for the Jewish-Christian relationship, we are both an Abrahamic faith. I pray that God will continue to heal the wounds that continue to seperate us, in the MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS…
It wasn’t Christians who burned Jews in large ovens at Nuremberg or Auschwitz. those were Nazi Germans. It WAS Christian soldiers who fought and died to put a stop to that. Does that sound like people who would take Abraham’s name in vain for their amusement?
Muslims are praying Christians find Allah. Jews are praying Muslims find Abraham. Christians are praying everyone finds Christ…
God is praying we ALL find him.
“Jews are praying Muslims find Abraham. ”
NO, we definitely are NOT praying for anything of the sort. judaism is not a proselytizing, missionary faith.