Post by Tamrin on Jun 22, 2009 11:49:22 GMT 10
Sephardic Tradition and "The Simpsons" Connections
[Excerpt - Article by Richard Kalman & Josh Belkin, The Simpsons Archive - Linked Above]
[Excerpt - Article by Richard Kalman & Josh Belkin, The Simpsons Archive - Linked Above]
The Sephardic Tradition encompasses the culture of the Jews who descended from Spain prior to the expulsion in 1492. However, a broader interpretation also includes Jews who originated from Turkey, Greece, Italy, England, the Ottoman Empire and other lands. The tradition today has come to include not only those with geographic ties, but also those with links to the fascinating culture. Many Jews know that Sephardim eat rice and beans on Pesach, and know of the unique torah trope of the tradition, but little else. However, many Jews, and even non-Jews are exposed to aspects of the Sephardic tradition and culture without even knowing it.
Ever since the late 1950's, America has been fascinated by pop culture. From Andy Warhol's eccentric artwork to Britney Spears, pop culture has reflected the times and ideas of generations past in a convenient, easy to understand fashion. Today, pop culture can be found in the form of the Internet, radio, movies, or television. While their methods are extremely efficient, only television is able to offer a visual as well as audio component that is free and easy to access. Often pop culture is criticized because it lacks intelligence and stereotypically portrays much of society, but this does not hold true for all facets of pop culture. For example, "The Simpsons," the longest running primetime animated show, has often been praised for being one of the most intelligent and provocative television programs on the air. Although many discount "The Simpsons," simply because it is a cartoon, this portion of the population is blinded to the high "plane" the show operates on. Aside to references to famous authors and philosophers like Marx, Kant, Twain, and Hemingway, "The Simpsons" also displays a knowledge of the Sephardic tradition that would make Rabbi Moses ben Maimon blush.
The creators of "The Simpsons" know that they have a powerful effect on their audience and have the opportunity to impart some wisdom onto their faithful cadre of fans. Much of this knowledge comes from the teachings of the Jewish faith. Long time writer Mike Reiss says, "There have always been a lot of Jewish writers on 'The Simpsons" (Pinsky 109). For example, self-proclaimed Sephardic Jew Hank Azaria not only writes for the show but also lends his voice to numerous characters such as Apu, Professor Frink, and Moe. Writers like Azaria have deftly incorporated Jewish wisdom into various episodes, much of which includes aspects of the Sephardic tradition.
Ever since the late 1950's, America has been fascinated by pop culture. From Andy Warhol's eccentric artwork to Britney Spears, pop culture has reflected the times and ideas of generations past in a convenient, easy to understand fashion. Today, pop culture can be found in the form of the Internet, radio, movies, or television. While their methods are extremely efficient, only television is able to offer a visual as well as audio component that is free and easy to access. Often pop culture is criticized because it lacks intelligence and stereotypically portrays much of society, but this does not hold true for all facets of pop culture. For example, "The Simpsons," the longest running primetime animated show, has often been praised for being one of the most intelligent and provocative television programs on the air. Although many discount "The Simpsons," simply because it is a cartoon, this portion of the population is blinded to the high "plane" the show operates on. Aside to references to famous authors and philosophers like Marx, Kant, Twain, and Hemingway, "The Simpsons" also displays a knowledge of the Sephardic tradition that would make Rabbi Moses ben Maimon blush.
The creators of "The Simpsons" know that they have a powerful effect on their audience and have the opportunity to impart some wisdom onto their faithful cadre of fans. Much of this knowledge comes from the teachings of the Jewish faith. Long time writer Mike Reiss says, "There have always been a lot of Jewish writers on 'The Simpsons" (Pinsky 109). For example, self-proclaimed Sephardic Jew Hank Azaria not only writes for the show but also lends his voice to numerous characters such as Apu, Professor Frink, and Moe. Writers like Azaria have deftly incorporated Jewish wisdom into various episodes, much of which includes aspects of the Sephardic tradition.
