This book is funny. Really, really funny. But, there's something else to Jewtopia, and that is that it puts you in touch with your Judaism. Yes, you're going to laugh out loud over and over, but you're also going to feel proud to be a Jew, you're going to feel righteous anger at the bigotry we've sustained for freaking ever, and you're going to feel a sense of power in the rightness of who we are.

I recommend this book to everyone, but especially to the other chosen people out there.

L'Shalom

Jewtopia is a good read even if you aren't Jewish. The insights into the Jewish mindset are priceless and will have you laughing out loud. You will moe than likely recognize yourself if you are a Jew or if not then you'll recognize your Jewish friends.

Fogel, Bryan and Wolfson, Sam. "Jewtopia: The Chosen Book for the Chosen People", Warner Books, 2006.

Funny Jewish Humor

Amos Lassen

One of the great traits of the Jewish people is our ability to laugh at ourselves "Jewtopia" gives us just that outlet. The book is somewhat based on authors Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfson's play which they created in 2003. They look at Jewish life and at themselves and have great fun laughing. The jokes are over the top and totally irreverent but that seems to be what makes them so funny. In the nine chapters in the book, you get a look at everything Jewish in a way that you have not looked at the Jewish religion before. I had a hard time turning the pages because I was laughing so hard. The first two chapters of the book deal with Jewish history in a very unhistorical way. If what us written in the book is, indeed, the history of the Jewish people than I should have paid more attention as a kid. The historical survey contains maps and insets and vocabulary as well as valuable little tidbits that are not taught at Sunday school.
Chapter 3 is a guide to the Jewish holidays and I guess I have been celebrating them wrong all of these years. In fact there are some new holidays that I never knew about such as Blachahbarchooeschai Day. I also learned that the things that I thought we were begging forgiveness for on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, were all wrong. There is a whole new list of things to atone for like telling a homeless guy that I had no cash right after I had just withdrawn money from the ATM about 20 feet away. An entire new explanation of the Seder plate used on Passover further enlightened me as did the section on Christmas vs. Chanukah.
Chapter 4 enlightens on the subject of food. There is a list of things to do in order to keep kosher like not eating fruit with mites and not drinking wine that has been touched by a non-Jew. There are also some interesting rules for eating such things as bagels and smoked fish.
In chapter 5 we have the Jewish guide to life--"from bar mitzvah to bowels" and that seems to be pretty inclusive just as is chapter six which deals with travel: "planes, trains and diarrhea". Chapter 7 looks at the stereotypes within the Jewish religion with a great deal of emphasis on the Jewish nose which is something that really needs no extra emphasis. We are all certainly aware of Jewish conspiracies and this is the subject of chapter 8, subtitled "Do Jews Control the World?" (Notice please the question mark).
We finally get to the last chapter with our sides hurting from laughter and are presented with the final exam, "How Good a Jew Are You?" I am proud to say I passed. Throughout the book there are eight phone conversations with Jewish mothers which are sure to give you new insight into the Jewish religion.
I especially love the note in the travel section which stated that if you are tired of living with Jews then you should move to Arkansas. I can identify with that.

Sure, it's not a masterpiece of literature, but it was a quick, cute read that made me chuckle pretty frequently. I disagree with the person below who said the writers are ashamed of being Jewish. Nah, not true at all. They just have a sense of humor about certain aspects of their religion and spirituality. I received this book as a gift from a friend, and I would recommend it to other Jews who are proud of their faith, but also don't take it so seriously that they can't have a giggle at their own expense once in a while.

This is a very funny book about self-stereotypes of american jews. The conversations of the authors with their mothers were probably the funniest.

I was thrilled to stumble across this book, because I'd loved the play. (I even bought the hat!) I'm glad my stumble happened in the library and not the bookstore, because this oversized doorstop turned out to be an incredible disappointment. "Stumble" is actually a good word for it.

The book is similar in style and tone to the "America" book from the Daily Show, but unlike that book, it's just not funny. Not. Funny. The humor is almost entirely random and juvenile, and never rises above a sort of "snicker, snicker, wasn't that a clever play on Jewish stereotypes?" level. Sure, the authors are clever guys, but clever has to be used in the service of funny to make me laugh. No such luck here, bubeleh.

I slogged through as much of the book as I could (I even made it past the half-dozen brutally tired Bush/ Cheney jokes around page 3, which was no small feat), hoping in vain that it would get better. I figured that the guys who put together such a hysterical piece of live theater would come up with something even a fraction as good in the book -- they just *had* to -- but I never managed more than a weak smile.

"Chosen Book for the Chosen People?" It's about as good a choice as choosing to take up smoking.

Great, fun book. I will buy more as gifts.

I bought this book for my Jewish boyfriend as a present -- what I didn't realize is that I would end up reading it cover to cover before I gave it to him! This book is incredibly funny -- the illustrations are amazing and it is a great read! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is in need of a great laugh!

This book is fun and enjoyable, but a bit silly and uneven. My wife and I loved the play so we bought the book and, although we're happy we did, it doesn't compare to the performance.

Rife with cliches and no spins on old jokes, there are few laughs in this book. The sample pages above are perfect examples for the (lack of) tone and style to the humor. Basically, they'll throw anything at the wall to see if it'll stick. It's extremely uneven and as such comes off as offensive. Even the cover is more offensive than it is funny.

These guys have NO love for being Jewish...they're ashamed of it. Which is made clear in the first few pages.

The Christmas vs. Chanukah piece above was actually the one I flipped to first at the store...sadly, they think saying "none" or "nothing" over and over is funny. Of COURSE Jews have a Chanukah symbol...Adam Sandler! Not only (sadly) true, but a much funnier answer than any they've got.

Shame...it's a great concept, but it needed the mature, clever writing of the Daily Show writers' "America" book to pull it off. Just like someone else here on this page says, they tried to rip that off, except they forgot A) a concept and B) the funny.

This book is fun and enjoyable, but a bit silly and uneven. My wife and I loved the play so we bought the book and, although we're happy we did, it doesn't compare to the performance.

After reading soooo much about this supposedly hilarious, Jews-make-fun-of-Jews book, I really thought I'd be in for a good laugh. Other than a few funny situations, the book is essentially filled with old Jewish cliches which aren't as funny as they used to be maybe 20-30 years ago. Most of the book didn't even get me to crack a smile, besides the fact that it is filled with historical factual errors (regarding the Torah-Bible, the Talmud, and other sources). It really does not appeal to someone like me, having grown up as an Orthodox Jew, but might have more of an appeal to someone loosely affiliated, or a "twice-a-year" Jew, i.e. someone who goes to synagogue for the High Holy Days, but that's it. If you're at all religious and seriously connected to your faith, this book probably isn't for you. It wasn't for me!

Not bad, but it looked like they ripped off they layout of "America: The Book" and only used half the funny. Although, it was almost worth the price for the conspiracy chapter.

Bottom line: An OK book, but buy it from a discount retailer. I would've cried if I had paid full price for this piece of modestly funny schlock.

This book is definitely a page turner. It is so clever and it is extremely humorous. The reason I chose the title for my review is because I have been recovering from knee replacement surgery, and I read Jewtopia every time I peddled which was quite often. As a matter of fact, reading the book allowed me more time on the bike and helped to pass the time. I loved it and would recommend it to everyone. It is a prize for the Yiddish Culture Group in our retirment community.

This is a very funny book by two Jewish guys who don't take themselves too seriously. It does NOT just poke fun - it is an affectionate look at some quirks of Jewish culture (what culture doesn't have some?), much from the authors' own experiences. Great colorful illustrations! Highly recommended especially if you grew up in the Jewish culture, even if you're not strictly religious. I did, and I laughed out loud in the bookstore.

I bought this for a friend for the Holidays...she is Jewish and I was raised in a Jewish retirement community in South Florida. It was the perfect gift for her, she LOVED it. I am getting one for myself, to remember all my bubbies!

Hilarious book. If you've ever loved a Jew who doesn't take themselves too seriously, buy them this book. It will make you laugh out loud and the pictures are even funnier. What makes it so easy to love is the authors' ability to laugh a little at themselves and share that with others. The illustrations titled "Jews: Always Freezing" and "Christmas vs Hanukah" are especially funny. Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfson have created a totally irreverent portrayal of Jewish people as they see them but be warned...it can offend if you're not the kind of person who finds humor in your own idiosyncrasies.

Sure, this is a funny book. There are parts that are hilarious because you know it to be true; but then again, there are parts that are offensive because they assume things (Like if you are a guy and marry a Jew, you'll never have to make another decision again in your life).
They use personal photos in here (none that are touched up) and some of them are fantastic (I love the Grandma going on a seaplane with her own floatie wrapped around her). I didn't like the comparison between Christmas and Chanukah because there actually is no comparison considering they are nowhere near alike and there is no similarity other than the exchange of gifts. If you aren't so broad minded, you will probably find parts offensive, but if you let loose a little, then you should have a couple of big laughs. These guys are quite funny (I saw them on The View and found myself laughing along with them) and I can't wait to see their show in New York when I go next year.
This certainly is an entertaining read and I think it would make an excellent Chanukah gift or a treat for yourself to read over some vacation time. I liked it.

Normally, juvenile is a selling point for a humor book. However, I found this book tediously juvenile and a bit dull. I enjoyed skimming it briefly at the bookstore but wouldn't spend money on it. I would compare this to the Jon Stewart book which came out a couple of years ago. If you liked America (The Book) you will probably also like Jewtopia, but if you found America (The Book) disappointing then don't expect to like this book either.

Those two guys are funny as hell! Saw the book at B & N last week and almost bought it. I spent a hour looking thorugh it and laughing and then the line was so long I figured I'd get it another time. Just saw them on THE VIEW - they are a riot! And the book is fantastic!!! Can't wait to get the copy in my hand and continue where I left off. I'm going to read it for myself and then give it as a XMAS present to my gentile in-laws! WHAT A HOOT!!!

Seriously -- this is one of the funniest books you'll ever see. Not for the "faint of heart", or anyone who can't laugh a little at themselves -- but if you can or you know anyone who truly appreciates a little self-deprecating humor, this is the perfect gift! Trust me, there's something in there for everyone.

I bought this book for my teenage daughter based on the description and the reviews. It looked funny. I got the sense the humor was edgy, but not too over the top. Well, now I'm returning it. I took a moment to leaf through it when it came in the mail, and I'm sure glad I did. Yes, it looked very, very funny. But there are also four pages of jewish kama sutra positions, with graphic illustrations. And a page of shaving body parts, including the scrotum, with graphic illustrations. And pictures of other sexual practices. This book is really for readers over the age of 18, and possibly over 21. Choose carefully whom you gift this book to. It is certainly not a good bar or bat mitzvah gift!

What can be said about the most clever Jewish humor book (or any humor book for that matter) that I have ever seen. From Moses' Lost Diaries to Illustrated schematics on how to pick a table in restaurant to a multiple choice quiz to find out how neurotic of a Jew you are?! I LOVE THIS BOOK - couldn't put it down! It's laugh out loud funny and I will be giving this as a gift to all my friends!

What a treat! FUNNY, IRREVERENT, AND AMAZING! I accidentally picked up this book up at Barnes and Nobel (and wo am I glad I did) and decided I would save a few bucks and buy it on Amazon...the book is incredibly well researched and the authors have been able to find the funny in everything you could ever think was a Jewish attribute (or not!) The pictures and illustrations are beautiful and the artwork is sensational! FULL COLOR! This book will remain on my coffee table for years to come - a great great present for all the people you don't know what to get but who love fun and irreverent humor!

I read this book and I order a couple more as a Christmas (ha) gift for my friends.

Byran & Sam's book "Jewtopia" is a great read. It's so funny, and helps Jews see the great humor in our culture. From the Foreward and the History (Where It All Began) to the Conspiracy Theories, you are laughing out loud. I bought this book as a present to my 21 year-old sister but I'm reading this book first before I give it to her! This book is just as good as the play. I recommend "The Chosen Book for the Chosen People" to be on everyone's coffee table for many years to come!!

What a joy to have a book that makes you laugh from beginning to end! What might appear as a "coffe table" book is actually a great cover to cover read. The artwork, illustrations and design is firstrate, but what stands out above all is the comedy - this is one REALLY REALLY REALLY funny book - and I'm not even a Jew! This is going to be my gift of choice for all my friends!

If you think the book is funny, check out the play in NY.

I didn't like all of the trading on stereotypes. It got to be too much. So go ahead and say I have no sense of humor. I actually *do,* I laughed while reading this book, but at the same time, I didn't much care for it, if that makes sense.

I'm also not Jewish. I picked this up because I liked the cover and it looked like it would be funny. I've known enough Jewish people that I can see where these ideas come from (and I've thought about converting myself)..but I still find the humor a bit juvenile. A lot like Laurie Notaro's books actually (such as I Love Everyone and Other Atrocious Lies). People who like Notaro will probably love this book.

I was raised Catholic and I don't much care for the Catholic humor books I've read either - to me serious and funny just don't mix together too well. Must be personal taste.

WOW! LAUGH OUT LOUD AMAZING! I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life while reading a book. Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfson have outdone themselves to create not only a visually arresting book, with tons of pictures and illustrations but a book that truly makes you laugh page after page after page. Thier history and travel chapters are absolutely brilliant! SO TRUE! What I loved most was that so much of the book was a ton of actual facts, that I found myself constantly thinking how clever the book was to be able to consistently find the humor. Their "guide to life" chapter with the "How to become a hollywood agent" and their version of the "Kama Sutra" are some of the funniest things I've ever seen on a page. This book is a KEEPER! A REAL GEM! It will go smack in the middle of my coffee-table for all my friends to see and enjoy. This is the book I'll be buying for everyone whenever I need a great funny and clever book to give to friends and family. Move over Mel Brooks! I think these guys might have you beat!

Before you start reading, check out the back-cover quip by Fogel and Wolfson, and you will get a sense of why Jewtopia has been called the chosen book. This book by Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfson, has scribed the essence of their theatrical success, Jewtopia, lightly flashing back into the history of western religious traditions, zooming in on Jews as the 'chosen people.'

Much in this book will throw you in a hilarious craze: the modern versions of how religious icons (Adam, Eve, Moses, Abraham, Jacob, and others) felt and expressed their situations; games and fun quizzes mocking at the reader and the stereotyped ways of thinking about things--especially about Jews; bits of ice-breaking reality; political, social, and geographical roundup of the world through the eyes of a sweet cynic; the American daily parade across the corners of food and health; and much more. The book's mania never stops.

While Fogel and Wolfson masterfully diffuse the boundaries between serious address and tickling humor, Jewtopia emerges as a unique book that questions the misconceptions and gross generalizations about Jews as a nation. Why the buzz that Jews are people with big noses who should be proud of their nomadic past and easily come to terms with their neuroses? Why the irrational envy that Jews control the world's banks and mass media?

After reading this glossy, hardbound book with high-quality photos, sketches, and colorful graphs, you feel like merging the habits of a typical American person and those considered peculiar to a Jew. And if you have a questioning mind like the two guys who created the book, you may well ask yourself, "Is there really something called a Jew?"

Armchair Interviews says: An interesting look at stereotypes.

My husband and I saw this play last night (9/20/06) and it was very funny. After the play Bryan Fogel came on stage and told us that it was their 800th show and the story of how the book deal came to be. He thought that it was very surprising that anybody would be interested in publishing a book modeled after his play. He shared some excerpts from the book with the audience. Half way through picking out some interesting passages & very funny pictures,I was convinced that I wanted to own this book. The audience was enjoying every passage that Bryan picked. He later wrote a little something in the book and autographed it. We read and laughed all the way home to Oceanside on the LIRR. It is probably one of the funniest books every written. It will be a coffee table book and a wonderful gift for all those "hard to get gifts for people", during the holidays. BRAVO for Byran Fogel & Sam Wolfson they have a real winner on their hands. PS The back cover has their moms phone #'s to call then if you don't like the book - BUT don't call them after 9PM.