Sexy accordion maven Annette Ezekiel of Golem gets a few quotes in this AP article about how the “new trend” of Jewish pop culture as evidenced by hasidic dub star Matisyahu and the proliferation of kitschy couture.
“Religion is not the most popular thing in youth culture these days,” says Sara Joki, 23, of Saratoga Springs. “But people like Matisyahu going on Jimmy Kimmel and singing about God, and seeing people go wild for it, it’s just amazing. It makes me proud of my generation.”
We’re all for Jew pride, but there’s something about wearing a t-shirt and listening to “Chop ‘Em Down” on the iPod that just says “poseur” if that person is out clubbing on Yom Kippur.
Says Jason Brzoska, director of learning communities and marketing for myjewishlearning.com: “I see the increase in Jewish pop culture, but I don’t know if it’s really bringing disillusioned, disengaged Jews together. The problem with pop culture is that it’s ephemeral.”
As Jews who saw nothing but blond feathered hair and little noses on TV growing up, we’re glad the young’uns can see their Judaism reflected in the mainstream. Perhaps this validation might actually bring some of the disillusioned and disengaged back to synagogue. In the meantime, wear those t-shirts ’til they fade.