My mum was brought up amongst the Jewish Community

...in the East End of London durng the late 30's. She often speaks of their unique humour.

"Moishe, a medieval Jewish astrologer, prophesied that the kings favourite mistress would soon die. Sure enough, the woman died a short time later. The king was outraged at the astrologer, certain that his prophecy had brought about the woman's death. He summoned Moishe and commanded him, "Prophecy, tell me when you will die!"
Moishe realized that the king was planning to kill him immediately, no matter what answer he gave. "I do not know when I will die," he answered finally. "I only know that whenever I die, the king will die three days later."


From a Jewish mum to her son:

My dear darling Moshe and that-person-you-married-against-my-wishes,
Happy New Year and well over the fast to you. Please dont worry about me Im well, considering I am having trouble breathing and eating. All I want is for you to have a nice holiday thousands of miles away from your mother.
Please find attached to this letter my last £20. I am just hoping that you will spend it on my grandchildren, poor babies - God knows their mother never seems to buy them anything nice. Maybe youll buy some food, as they look so thin in the photos you sent me.

Thank you Moshe for the flowers you sent me on my birthday. To save you money, I have put them in the freezer in the hope that they will last until my funeral. And please dont think of sending me any more money. I realise you will need it yourself for your next who-knows-where-in-the-world expensive holiday.

I lost my walking stick last week beating off muggers, but dont worry - when I finish writing this letter, I shall crawl back to bed. I am even beginning to get used to the cold since the landlord turned off the heating. The frost helps to numb the constant pain.

Please give my love to my darling grandchildren and give my regards to her.
Love from your devoted mother


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Smile

Mum tells me of one of her Jewish neighbours who used to ask her or her friends to thread a needle for her cos she should be resting on the Sabbath. Mum says she always wondered what she was going to do with the needle and thread - sew? On the Sabbath? Haha!

Love
Jackie