Laughing matter
Siegel shares humor, heritage with guests
By Kristi Walker
Staff Reporter

The Jewish people’s sense of humor is what has allowed them to survive, said Joel Siegel, ABC-TV film critic, Tuesday at the sixth annual Gates of Chai Lectureship in Contemporary Judaism.

With a seemingly unending repertoire of jokes, Siegel discussed Judaism in American life and cinema for 700 to 800 TCU students, faculty and guests.

Siegel allowed the audience to see the back stage of Hollywood with his humorous remarks of Jewish culture impacting the film industry and the stars involved.

He illustrated his points by showing clips of Hollywood classics and explaining the humor behind certain scenes.

At one point, he showed a clip of “Casablanca” and pointed out the use of “midgets” in the background of the final scene to make a fake plane look larger.

Bryce Romero, sophomore international communications major and a member of Hillel, the on-campus Jewish organization, said he appreciated the humor and emphasis on contemporary Judaism in the presentation.

“I enjoyed him as a TV personality and respect him as a Jewish role model,” Romero said.

Richard Allen, associate professor of the radio-TV-film department, said he was very excited that a man of Siegel’s caliber and recognition came to speak at TCU.

“He is a very good representation of a Jewish person in the industry,” Allen said.
Kenneth Cracknell, Brite Divinity School professor of theology and global studies, said that Siegel is a man with wonderful insight.

“He is very Jewish and it came out in all of his jokes,” Cracknell said. “The shape of his jokes were very spiritual and theological.

“Like most Jewish humor, Siegel’s jokes were very human, but they were telling you about how life ought to be lived - with great hope in the face of great suffering.”

Siegel finished the lecture by answering several questions from the audience. He signed copies of his book “Lessons for Dylan,” a legacy of his life and Jewish heritage, for his son.