The Chicago Jewish News OnlineJeffry Mallow, a physicist and stand-up comic, has... put together a collection of Jewish humor.... these are all real and recognizable Jewish jokes, and Mallow, bless him, doesn’t mistake good old-fashioned Yiddish aggression for meanness. Because he is interested in the current state and the future prospects of Jewish identity, Mallow has edited out the tired clichés. But wait, there’s more. He includes Jewish jokes from other countries and traditions. (We knew the French could be funny. But the Moroccans?).... “‘Our Pal, G-d’ and Other Presumptions” also shows the extent to which that good old-fashioned Jewish aggression is not simply a frustrated reaction to a hostile universe. It is also ultimately a form of cunning, a smart way of beating the bullies.
Kirkus Discoveries ReviewsJeffry Mallow has been collecting, exchanging, telling and thinking about Jewish jokes for more than 30 years. Mallow is also a standup comedian who tells Jewish jokes, but that isn't his real profession. Improbably, he's a physics professor at Loyola University. In addition to his doctorate in physics, he has a degree in Jewish literature; is honorary chair of the Chicago YIVO Society for Jewish Research, and is a former national president of the Labor Zionist Alliance: Ameinu.
Mallow was exposed to Jewish jokes early in life-his father told them-but his joke collection began in earnest when he was a graduate student and bought some books on Jewish humor. He was hooked. That led to his joke-collecting habit and many gigs as a standup comic with Maxwell Street Klezmer Band. Now he's published the fruits of that pleasurable labor, a book of Jewish humor, "'Our Pal, God' and Other Presumptions" Order it by calling 800-AUTHORS or from iUniverse.com.
Undeniably funny collection of jokes for, by and about Jews.... This smart new collection of Jewish humor brings together heaps of material, both common and thoroughly arcane.... Non-Jewish readers will not only be served up a few good laughs but an entertaining portrait of Jewish life as well. A Kosher deli tray of laughs.