FX and Hulu's The Bear drama series has been making waves ever since it came out since it gave viewers a look inside a professional kitchen. So why is The Bear's Jewish Lightning term gaining the attention of critics too?
This controversial term was mentioned in the first episode of The Bear Season 2. The episode came out on June 22nd, which caused quite a stir among viewers.
But what was so different about this term? Here's what we know about the term "Jewish lightning."
What Does Jewish Lightning Mean
The controversial scene was part of the first episode of The Bear Season 2. In this scene, we see a character falling into a hole in the wall covered by a picture of Fenway Park.
Later on, the characters in the show wonder why there is a hole in the first place. A veteran restaurant employee named Richie (played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach) explains: "That's the result of some failed Jewish lightning."
While some viewers were amused by this term, there were others who found it insulting to use. But what does "Jewish lightning" mean and why is it causing such a big hullabaloo?
Richie's explanation of the term refers to a hole that Carmy's dead brother, Mikey (played by Jon Bernthal) concealed. It was part of a criminal plan that Mikey had for collecting insurance money if the place would "accidentally" burn down.
If this is such a derogatory term, where did it come from in the first place?
As shared by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, there is no clear indication where the phrase came from. Its use, however, can be pinpointed to Earl Ganz' Jewish Lightning short story that was published in the Iowa Review in the 1970s.
Why Does The Bear’s Fak Yell Jewish Lightning?
In episode eight, the phrase was mentioned again by Fak (played by Matty Matheson). In this scene, Fak realizes that Mikey's previous arson attempt was why the gas system in the restaurant would not work.
While Richie is in a meeting with other members of the staff, Fak suddenly enters and shouts "Jewish lightning!" Richie advises his staff to take a break while he addresses "this problematic individual."
Even though this is a derogatory term, the mention of the phrase in this episode did not cause an online frenzy. Perhaps it's because the show was clear about not endorsing any antisemitic sentiments and that it was simply poking fun at the character. Plus, it helps that the arson plan was thought of by a character who is not Jewish.
Was It Okay to Use the Term in the Show?
The American Jewish Committee refers to the phrase as a "derogatory, ethnic slur that needs to be condemned." The phrase is "rooted in Jewish stereotypes of stinginess and greed."
When the episode came out, the American Jewish Committee tweeted about how the show mentioned the phrase. The non-government organization took this as an opportunity "to grasp the problematic nature of this phrase."
To be fair, the rest of the characters in the show were quick to talk about the problem of saying such a derogatory phrase. Sydney Adamu (played by Ayo Edebiri) says: "I just want to say that I think the explanation… does cement it as something we shouldn't say."
But even though the use of the term was quickly refuted by the other characters, it begs the question of whether it was okay to use.
LA Times' Robin Abcarian shared a conversation she had with Rob Eshman, L.A.'s Jewish Journal's former publisher and editor-in-chief.
“I think context is everything. And in this context, it’s clear the characters who use it and other slurs haven’t quite got up to speed with the way things are. They still talk like they’re making chopped beef sandwiches while the world around them has moved on to fine dining. The drama and humor of the show is in seeing how they are forced to grow up.”
The senior contributing editor also advised viewers to "relax" since "Jews have survived 3,000 years. They'll survive being a punchline in The Bear."
We'd like to think of it as a way of educating viewers on the meaning of the term in the first place, especially those who have never heard of it before.
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