OPINION

‘Uncle Bernie’ And the Jews

The Madoff scandal plays to an ugly stereotype. But maybe there's a silver lining for his cultural cohort.

NEWSWEEK
Published Jan 10, 2009
From the magazine issue dated Jan 19, 2009

« Return to Article

Discuss

Member Comments

  • Posted By: SlimCaldwell @ 05/05/2009 6:00:41 AM

    Frankly, I found this article offensive. Epstein is criticizing Jews for not living like Jews are supposed to live. It's as if someone criticized American blacks for trying to become lawyers instead of doing what they do best: play basketball. Or saying Hillary Clinton shouldn't have run for president... women are supposed to be home cooking dinner. Just because some Jewish stereotypes are positive doesn't make them any less offensive when they are forced on a person. In reality, the assimilation of Jews into American society is a good thing - it's a sign that we are living in a free society (more or less) that strives to treat everyone equality and enables one to pursue his/her goals no matter who he or she is or where he or she comes from. The only reason Jews have this "tribal" mentality to begin with is that it was a necessity for survival during centuries of persecution and discrimination. If there is no longer persecution and discrimination, Jews will become exactly like Methodists and Presbyterians in American society (in other words, indistinguishable as a group from their fellow citizens), and that's a good thing as far as I'm concerned. The less tribalism we have, the better. There will still be variety in America, but it will be based on individual choice, and not imposition of ethnic stereotypes. Madoff was a scumbag, no more no less. Mr. Epstein, you may have been shocked, but the fact is Jews can be scumbags too. All our ethnics groups have saints and sinners. In the end you are just reinforcing the negative stereotype of the greedy Jew by emphasizing the importance of Madoff being Jewish. It doesn't matter; he's a crook and should be punished. It has nothing to do with law-abiding Jews who just want to live their lives as they see fit.

  • Posted By: Jchristian60 @ 03/14/2009 7:25:14 AM

    You people (Jews) are so pathetic and incredibly wrapped up in your self-importance. The problem must be with the way you are raised. You are coddled over and told in some way that you are very special and very important; then comes the kicker you believe it and carry it with you into adulthood. Wonderful, that???s why so many people love Jews. I often noticed that Jews often inject "jewishness" into conversation. Jewish comedians always seem to, always mentioning the Jewish side as if it was so very important and popular (it???s not!). Why do you do this; because you think that you are more important than the 3% population you are. Sorry but you are not and actually you are a rather sorry lot. So many Jewish subversives and cheaters for your relative stake in total population (Rosenberg???s, Alexandre Stavisky, most of the Bolsheviks especially the one who ordered the Czars family killed, little girls and all, that was Yakov Sverdlov, a Jew) always accused of being disloyal, why? Could it be because you have allegiance to Israel before the host country that you live in? Bernie Madoff sent much of his money to Israel like a good American... cough! Jews are loyal to themselves and to Israel in that order. They use other countries to feed that cause. If the US were to be in a war with Israel how many Jews would fight for the USA? The answer is very few. Funny, but many many first and second generation Germans and Italians fought against their countries. Would not happen with the Jews. All you do is try to maintain the false idea that Israel is important to the USA and our closest ally. Sorry but if you have to pay for alliance I would rather just forget it... Jews, the bottom line is this. You are a people who refuse to assimilate and try to change the ideals and ethos of the people who have helped you by welcoming you in their native lands. You push things like communism, changing the dating system to a Jewish friendly CE and BCE and to abolish prayer in schools. At the same time you complain all the time about A-Semitism. You came to Europe UNWELCOMED in the first place. You would not leave and once welcomed you subvert, cheat and try to manipulate its population. That wont win any points with the majority goyem you so despise.

  • Posted By: john minett @ 03/08/2009 3:22:36 AM

    what a tired rap...get over it....the ragman is dead...his grandson went to duke and played lacrosse...your vanity and cultural elitist self pity is boring, self-centered and very jewish.

  • Posted By: john minett @ 03/08/2009 3:15:51 AM

    As a generic American (Maternal grandparents - English & Irish), fraternal grandparents (German & Jewish) I believe you sir have "issues," or are simply hung up on your own jewishness. Always looking for some kind of validation of your beliefs or subjects upon which you can build your profound observations on life. Get over it --- your whole rap is simply boring.

  • Posted By: sjttaylor @ 02/14/2009 8:31:42 PM

    Mr. Epstein's comments are appreciated as they are candid, deeply felt and reflective of the Jewish reaction to the Madoff scandal. Epstein is essentially criticizing his fellow Jews for assimilating, for losing their 'Jewishness'. Maintaining artifacts and ties to our ancestry and origins is a very human trait, however most of us recognize the point at which this type of behavior becomes bigotry. It is abundantly apparent that Epstein, by heaping ample condemnation upon his brethren for being too 'Episcopalian' or giving their children overly 'Waspy' names has certainly neared, if not passed, that point.

    Statements like, "an Episcopalian (is) a Presbyterian who lives on his investments..." are simply out of line. Especially true when the statement is made only to then posit the slur that too many Jews today are behaving too much like Episcopalians. What's up with that? Shame on you Epstein.

    So, what is so wrong with assimilation? If Jews choose not to assimilate, which is their prerogative; then on what grounds should Jewish expectations for - and demands of - the full rights and privileges associated with assimilation into this society be addressed? It seems that none of us can have it both ways. We either cast our lot with a particular society and reap its trials, tribulations and benefits; or we keep our distance, maintain a wall of separation and - as a consequence - exclude ourselves from certain duties and rewards that are exclusive to the true believers. The Amish made this choice and willfully opt out of many of the so called 'benefits' of American life. Societies historically have just not had an effective way to deal with groups refusing to assimilate yet expecting all of the rights and privileges granted to those who have. Said another way, is anti-Semitism actually a response many have to Jews who both refuse assimilation yet demand all the 'goodies' hard won by those who have assimilated?
    Perhaps the silver lining in the Madoff scandal is not what Mr. Epstein envisages. Rather than a call to arms for US Jews to be more Jewish, it is a call to us all to invest in the melting pot. The Madoff scandal is our chance to reevaluate the benefits of assimilation. In addition to being a binding and nation-building force, assimilation offers an alternative to the business norms used by ???Uncle??? Bernie which preyed upon the unreasoned predilection members of closed societies have for their fellows. What's the 800 lbs gorilla in this room? Frankly speaking it is this - a large number of Jews got ripped off by Madoff because, being Jewish, he automatically passed their prejudicial test for trust. Assimilation is an answer. Through assimilation, we look at each other not as a member of a sub-society or 'tribe" (to be automatically trusted or distrusted), but as an individual American. It forces us all to evaluate ??? and trust - each other, not on the basis of our religion or skin color, but on the content

  • Posted By: spopho @ 02/10/2009 2:50:41 PM

    As a third generation American Jew I my first impression of Mr. Epstein???s article was that it was very interesting, holding my attention through the whole thing, which is rare for me. Another impression was that Mr. Epstein went on a bit of a rant - something of which most of us can go on from time to time. Unfortunately, for him, it was in print, lots of print. I would imagine he is feeling the fallout from many different directions.

    The reason the article was interesting was because it was straight from the heart, no punches pulled. I congratulate him on having the large huevos needed to flourish in his trade. After reading some of the comments on the article, however, I can see how many groups feel dissed by it. Reading between the lines, Christians are kind of referred to as living a life a good Jewish boy should never aspire too. Jews are seen as lazy and striving to live like Christians. They taught us in elementary school that stereotyping will get you in trouble and here is living proof! They taught us that hindsight is much better than foresight, which Mr. Epstein probably can use as a viable explanation here.

    All in all I believe writing for a magazine is a form of entertainment. Personally, I separate the article from the person. The bottom line is the guy has to write something interesting or he will be sitting at his computer commenting on articles in magazines. Also, there is no doubt that eccentricities cross ethnic lines.

    • Posted By: sjttaylor @ 02/14/2009 6:55:00 PM

      Mr Epstein's views are certainly cogent and very well presented, but in a way reflect the hypocrisy of 21st century American life. If a non-Jew behaves in a 'tribal' manner (preferring let's say to do business with someone of his own ethnic group), the JDL declares he or she to be an anti-Semite. If a non-Jew openly criticizes the practice of unfamiliar religions (like, say - Judaism), the JDL declares he or she to be an anti-Semite. If a non-Jew trivializes and condemns the sporting ability, or lack thereof, of another ethnic group (remember the great Jewish golfer - Morgan Pressel?), the JDL declares he or she to be an anti-Semite.

      That being said, Mr. Epstein's comments are to be much appreciated because they are honest, deeply felt and reflective of where many co-religionists are emotionally on the topic of "Uncle" Bernie Madoff.

      At the same time, they shine a light into a very disturbing corner of society - both those of 21st century America and many which have come before ours. Mr. Epstein is essentially criticizing his fellow Jews for assimilating, for losing their 'Jewishness'. Maintaining artifacts and ties to our ancestry and origins is a very human trait, however most of us recognize that there is a line at which this type of behavior becomes a form of racism. It is abundantly apparent that Mr. Epstein - by heaping heartfelt condemnation upon his brethren for being too 'Episcopalian' or giving their children overly 'Waspy' names has certainly crossed that line.

      Statements like, "...an Episcopalian (is) a Presbyterian who lives on his investments..." are simply out of line. Especially when they are made as a building block to then posit the slur that too many Jews of today are behaving too much like Episcopalians. What's up with that? Shame on you Mr. Epstein.

      So, what so wrong with assimilation? If Jews choose not to assimilate, because perhaps - as Mr. Epstein points out - it is too distasteful to lead the life of an Episcopalian; then on what grounds should Jewish expectations for - and demands of - the full rights and privileges associated with assimilation into this society be addressed?

      It seems that none of us can have it both ways. We either cast our lot with a particular society and reap its trials, tribulations, rewards and benefits; or we keep our distance, maintain a wall of separation and - as a consequence - exclude ourselves from certain duties and benefits that are exclusive to the true believers. The Amish have made this choice and willfully exclude themselves from many of the so called 'benefits' of modern American life.

      Continue down this path and it begins to get a bit scary - at least to me. Because societies historically have just not had an effective way to deal with those groups who refuse to assimilate but simultaneously demand the full measure of rights and privileges granted to those who have. Said another way, is anti-Semitism nothing more than the honest response

    • Posted By: sjttaylor @ 02/14/2009 6:54:57 PM

      Mr Epstein's views are certainly cogent and very well presented, but in a way reflect the hypocrisy of 21st century American life. If a non-Jew behaves in a 'tribal' manner (preferring let's say to do business with someone of his own ethnic group), the JDL declares he or she to be an anti-Semite. If a non-Jew openly criticizes the practice of unfamiliar religions (like, say - Judaism), the JDL declares he or she to be an anti-Semite. If a non-Jew trivializes and condemns the sporting ability, or lack thereof, of another ethnic group (remember the great Jewish golfer - Morgan Pressel?), the JDL declares he or she to be an anti-Semite.

      That being said, Mr. Epstein's comments are to be much appreciated because they are honest, deeply felt and reflective of where many co-religionists are emotionally on the topic of "Uncle" Bernie Madoff.

      At the same time, they shine a light into a very disturbing corner of society - both those of 21st century America and many which have come before ours. Mr. Epstein is essentially criticizing his fellow Jews for assimilating, for losing their 'Jewishness'. Maintaining artifacts and ties to our ancestry and origins is a very human trait, however most of us recognize that there is a line at which this type of behavior becomes a form of racism. It is abundantly apparent that Mr. Epstein - by heaping heartfelt condemnation upon his brethren for being too 'Episcopalian' or giving their children overly 'Waspy' names has certainly crossed that line.

      Statements like, "...an Episcopalian (is) a Presbyterian who lives on his investments..." are simply out of line. Especially when they are made as a building block to then posit the slur that too many Jews of today are behaving too much like Episcopalians. What's up with that? Shame on you Mr. Epstein.

      So, what so wrong with assimilation? If Jews choose not to assimilate, because perhaps - as Mr. Epstein points out - it is too distasteful to lead the life of an Episcopalian; then on what grounds should Jewish expectations for - and demands of - the full rights and privileges associated with assimilation into this society be addressed?

      It seems that none of us can have it both ways. We either cast our lot with a particular society and reap its trials, tribulations, rewards and benefits; or we keep our distance, maintain a wall of separation and - as a consequence - exclude ourselves from certain duties and benefits that are exclusive to the true believers. The Amish have made this choice and willfully exclude themselves from many of the so called 'benefits' of modern American life.

      Continue down this path and it begins to get a bit scary - at least to me. Because societies historically have just not had an effective way to deal with those groups who refuse to assimilate but simultaneously demand the full measure of rights and privileges granted to those who have. Said another way, is anti-Semitism nothing more than the honest response

  • Posted By: Cooperstown @ 02/03/2009 2:56:21 PM

    Part of the reason that so many from Madoff's religious community were taken by Bernie is because of their religious training. Judaism with the Torah and Tanakh as a foundation is one of the most easily refuted religions in existence. It is very painfully obvious that the Torah and Tanakh are largely works of fiction created from borrowed myths. Those who continue to cling to these ancient myths have trained themselves to ignore the obvious and to allow themselves to be duped by what is blatantly fraudulent. The inability to think rationally is reflected in the fallacious arguments that are used to support continued belief in Jewish mythology. They can continue to deceive themselves if that is their desire but they should be prepared to be taken advantage of in the future. Systematically weakening their ability to recognize when they are being hustled will result in little else. Their rabbis, relatives, and religious community, usually unwittingly, are conditioning them to believe the unbelievable. The need to cling to such antiquated and illogical beliefs also indicates a deep seated insecurity. Paradoxically gripping these delusional beliefs so tightly will likely serve to increase said insecurities. The cognitive dissonance created by living in a world filled with so much countervailing information must be incredibly distressing. The erroneous teachings from the Torah and Tanakh have been the source of much grief over the last 2000 years. Isn???t it about time to just let it go? It is your culture you say? If your culture involved other detrimental and fallacious beliefs and/or activities would you really want to cling to such stumbling blocks or would you rather see your posterity advance beyond the fallacious beliefs of the past?

  • Posted By: cj9996 @ 02/02/2009 1:03:55 PM

    Jews are always talking about anti semitism. Because of this they create their own problems. Why is it that they have been persecuted for thousands of years? Is it because they are constantly perpetuating frauds like the ones that Madoff, Schrenker, Ebbers Milken, Boesky, Levine Etc perpetuate? They say they are Jews, but they are really not. They look White because they are mixed with white europeans. True Jews are not white. They are semites like Arabs. The are Middle Eastern. If you look at a jew whos family never left the Mid east They look arab. They do not have blue eyes and blond or red hair. Why aren't asians or India Indians looked at like Jews are? They are certainly easier to pick out of a crowd. Why are they not discriminated against? Because they do not discriminate against the Goyem the way Jews discriminate against Christians. Thnk about it.

    It would be much easier to be anti Asian

  • Posted By: BenFolds @ 02/02/2009 12:53:05 AM

    I applaud Mr Epstein for speaking his mind. The world is too politically correct, as another member has already commented. As a catholic christian, I winced a bit when Mr Epstein relayed the views concerning Episcopalians and my other protestant brothers. However, I do realize these sayings were probably made in jest. Was I offended? No, my skin is thicker than that. So, let's all speak our minds from now on. And Mr Epstein, well, maybe he can continue lamenting his kind co-mingling with the rest of us.

  • Posted By: MichaelX @ 01/30/2009 11:13:57 AM

    Aw,, the good ole' boy network got bit in the ass! By their own!
    Yes, the media is rabidly biased in favor of "jews", because their's is a game of maniopulation and obscurance of truth.
    We will always have the same types of people doing the same type of behavior. It's just their nature. Aww,,they can't help themselves!, Lets just let them get away with it! The very existance of our soveriegnty is being chipped away by the machinations of the zionist abusers of this nations rights. Good Ole'Boyma is just another one of them.

  • Posted By: duckandgather @ 01/26/2009 9:21:32 PM

    With this opinion piece's trashing of Jewish assimilation with the rest of America, I suppose we should be expecting an analogous opinion piece from an African American blowhard trashing the "coconut" Obama. After all, Obama sure sounds like a white guy. Dances like a white guy trying to be funky. Surrounds himself with white people, with the token Holder and Jarrett. What a traitor to his race! ... I hope what I just wrote pisses off most of you because it was hard to write. Because what I believe is that one of the best things about Obama is that he has crossed every imaginary barrier separating tribe and race. And that is the genius of America. So Mr. Epstein, please take your 1950s beliefs back to that era, and allow this beautiful nation of ours to collapse gracefully, and together, with no special compartments set aside for the Jews or for the African Americans.

  • Posted By: mellie20 @ 01/26/2009 3:59:14 PM

    I do wonder why it is that the Newsweek editors allowed such a racist, prejudicial, gentile-bashing article to be published? Surely, if this article attacked the Jewish people or African American community, or had otherwise been written by an atheist, agnostic or Christian person, it would never, ever have been published...Thanks for reminding me that even in 2009, it's not okay to practice racial or ethnic or religious discrimination or segregation, unless it is practiced by the Jewish or African American communities. Well, I suppose Epstein does deserve some credit - at least he is honest.

  • Posted By: major1 @ 01/23/2009 4:16:26 PM

    I'm so glad to see others caught the misuse of "their" in this article. I expect better of Newsweek and frankly, had trouble concentrating on the rest of the article because I was so shocked and annoyed by this glaring mistake. I've noticed this lately on CNN's scrolling news, too...misuse of they're/their and misplaced apostrophes. Can anyone get a writing or editing gig these days?

  • Posted By: tania josefa @ 01/23/2009 9:16:49 AM

    Today, the "distinctive group" of Jews "with a distinguished role to play" seem to be in the land of Israel.

  • Posted By: jmyles08 @ 01/22/2009 6:59:04 PM

    I currently see American Jewish organizations sprouting up all across the country that strengthen the American Jewish community. Birthright allows our youth to re-connect with Israel. Avodah allows our youth the opportunity to do community service all across the country. AJWS is a very well structured service organization that touches all corners of the globe and does incredible work. I currently am involved with an economic development organization that helps Israeli companies do business in Michigan and partner with Michigan companies. I also am involved with an organization on campus that aims to connect jewish business students to the Israeli economy by providing educational seminars as well as potential internship opportunities for our members to work at an Israeli firm for a summer. I am constantly amazed by what Jewish students on campus are accomplishing and for that reason I do not think my generation of jews have lost their edge or will by diluted into an American melting pot any time soon. We are still very tribal and community oriented and every jew I have met I personally feel closer to than other people. This guy was way off and chose to draw outrageous conclusions from a very select group of jewish people. *&^% him for that.

  • Posted By: Alzata @ 01/22/2009 5:23:14 PM

    Congress is a lot like Bernie. But Congress has figured out a way to make it legal to do with our "Social Security" (what a misnomer) what Bernie did with his clients. Social Security is the biggest Ponzi scheme on earth. No jail time for our "honorable" senators and representatives, just a lower collective approval rating than former President Bush (hard to imagine). They should all be in the slammer with Bernie.

  • Posted By: PacificGatePost @ 01/20/2009 3:29:46 AM

    LEARNING FROM BERNIE MADOFF

    What if a letter written by Bernie Madoff explaining himself was discovered?
    --
    http://pacificgatepost.blogspot.com/2009/01/bernie-madoff-letter-of-explanation.html
    -
    ???.in his own words?

  • Posted By: thebeestingbutterfly @ 01/19/2009 8:39:50 PM

    All those who find the inter-breeding remarks infuriating should take note. Being the result of it, I have to deal with ignorant remarks like this on a daily basis from Jews and non-Jews.

    The reason for the angry response is Epstein is reveals a lot of the undertones that some people are not quite willing to discuss yet.

  • Posted By: Marc1000 @ 01/19/2009 7:01:17 PM

    I found Epstein's writing refreshing. It is so rare in these days of political correctness to have someone so clearly display their prejudice. He says Jews shouldn???t play golf because the sport is too wasp???y. Jews shouldn???t give their children names from any other culture. That assimilation means they will no longer have a ???distinguished role to play in American life.??? I don???t agree with any of it, but I???m pleased that Joe Epstein has revealed himself.

Reply

Report Abuse

Enter comments if any for reporting abuse