I am not what you would call a ‘practicing’ Jew. In fact, I wouldn’t really identify myself as Jewish. At. All. I don’t speak or read Hebrew. I didn’t attend Hebrew school, nor did I have a Bat-mitzvah. I don’t attend or belong to a temple, and I am not raising my son Jewish. So why do I participate in these religious holiday events?
Anyone up for a ‘Quick Family History’?
Yes?
Good.
Here we go….
My grandmother, my mothers mother ‘Manga’ was an ‘Italian Catholic’ lady. My uncles, my cousins, and all of my relatives on her side of the family are also ‘Italian Catholic’. My grandfather, my mothers father ‘Poppa Sye’ is ‘Jewish’. When Manga and Poppa Sye got married a thousand years ago, their interfaith wedding was a huge taboo. Yes, my grandparents were rebels like that.
My mother, Pam, was raised with both religions and ideals. She was allowed to choose which religion she wanted to be when she grew up. Somewhere along the way, my mother eventually decided to embrace the Jewish religion. I’m not exactly sure when or why.
While my brother Adam went on to attend Hebrew school complete with having a Bar-mitzvah, I went off to tour with the Grateful Dead.
Fast forward in time to the day my mother married her high school sweetheart (my now stepfather – also known as My Daddy and/or Tony Bennett). He is what I like to call a ‘Pseudo-Jew’. My stepfather, Ron, was born and raised ‘Italian Catholic’. His whole side of family is also ‘Italian Catholic’. My stepfather converted to Judaism in his previous marriage and raised his son my stepbrother Lee with the Jewish faith.
So. Let’s break this down.
My family (on BOTH SIDES) are ‘Italian Catholics’. EXCEPT for my immediate family. My mother, my stepfather, both of my brothers, their wives, and all of their children are Jewish.
Got all that?
Confusing. I know.
Anyway, the coolest thing about my family’s religious situation? Up in here we celebrate all of the Jewish holidays AND all of the Catholic holidays. It’s like getting to party together practically year round.
And this year was no different.
I’d love to regale you with funny stories about what occurred in my house for Hanukkah this year, but then I decided I’d rather show you!
Click here for the complete set of photos —-> *Hanukkah 2010*
OR, better yet? Just watch this video.
[WARNING: I am fairly certain you will NEVER be able to get this theme song out of your head. Many apologies in advance. And speaking of this ‘Theme Song’ I have NO IDEA why, or how, my mother even had this song, and/or why she played this song for the duration of Hanukkah. But my brother and my father definitely found a way to make this one of the most memorable and enjoyable holiday’s I’ve ever had. Oh, and please do not watch this video while you are eating or drinking anything; as there is a very strong possibility you may or may not choke upon laughing. You’re welcome.]
Yep. That’s my family!
OMG your father and your son and your brother SLAYED ME!! What moves!!! Happy Hannukah sweet thing, although with your family, I don’t see how it could be anything else but happy 🙂
Thanks Nicky! I can’t decide who was funnier!
🙂
That story is quite similar to my husbands. His ma is Jewish, but not really practicing and his father was something else. He got to decide so he pretty much celebrates everything.
I’m just a confused Italian.
Like I said, Love, love, love the video and the song. I have been humming it since I listened to it earlier.
Another great MeleahMovie. Happy Holiday-of-the-moment. And it’s so nice to see that your Mom thinks you’re her “#1”.
And does your SON know you POSTED that video? And does his SCHOOL read your blog? ha hahahhahah!!!!!! You gave me the BIGGEST LAUGH. I miss having family near other than mom… You guys seem to have so much fun! I love your son dancing, and then the two men dancing (hey, did Jewish people invent “The Jerk” dance, cause some of that sure looked like it LOL!) with the little guy running through. That is video everyone will treasure forever. GREAT job. I am SO tweeting this!
Pingback: Tweets that mention Hanukkah 2010 – The Movie — Momma Mia, Mea Culpa -- Topsy.com
Im a confused Italian too. With a side of Jew.
Im very happy you loved the video!
xoxox
My mom was so ‘done’ with all of us!
Actually she’s pretty sick.
Gotta LOVE getting the bird – from my MOM!
Thanks Katherine!
My son MIGHT kill me.
Hopefully, he will appreciate these videos when he’s older.
🙂
Well, I’m glad you warned us about not drinking anything while viewing this video because you’re right, I would have choked while laughing!
Bwhahahahahahahahahahaha!
OMG, what a FLAWLESS video! Love the song! I felt like getting up and dancing!
Watching your father and son dance was HILARIOUS! And when your father sat down at the keyboard and started jamming, I thought I was going to DIE!
I think it’s absolutely wonderful that you celebrate all the holidays from both the Catholic and Jewish faiths!
I LOVE your family!
X
I should have heeded the warning about the song..:))))))
Awesome video. My family party is today and after watching you video, I’m going over to my parent’s place and telling them we are changing everything.
Wow. If ya’ll have that much fun, I just might have to change religions.
Once again, Tony Bennett is the hit of the party. I like how he shows up in most of the shots.
Although, I am not sure which one has better moves, your dad or your son, but they could go far on DWTS. Great video.
this video, buh blaugh, and BRIGHT YELLOW!!!!!!!!!!! holy shit!!! still laughing!!!! thank you so much for making me laugh ALL the time!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Looks like a pretty good time. You’re dad cuts a pretty good rug for someone just a little older than me.
I saw this yesterday from Twitter and retweeted it. Now I’m watching it here and laughing all over again! Hilarious! Happy Hannukah, Meleah!
Lord, someone’s got some dance moves! It looks like you had an amazing Hanukkah!
When my father busted out the keyboard I DIED too! I was so hysterical
laughing. He really takes things to a whole new level around here.
Im so happy you enjoyed the movie!
That song has been torturing me for DAYS!
Good call! And enjoy your holiday!
My father jumped, leaned in, and made sure he was in almost every photo.
Classic. Tony!
You’re VERY welcome ATB!
Thanks Bob! My dad sure can bust a move!
Aw! Thanks for the tweets Marty. Im happy you liked it so much!
If y9ou ever bring the Crawl to NJ you HAVE to meet my family!
We sure did! Thanks, Ziva.
I love Hannukah yes I d-d-do. I LOVE that song. Your Dad and your son are hilarious. Love the booty shake!
That song will haunt me to my grave!
Ahahahahahhaha
I am from a mixed family as well, but I was raised Catholic. Most of what I know about the Jewish faith is from my dad’s side of the family. I hope you had a great Hanukkah!
Thanks Anne. We sure did.
🙂
hahaha… I don’t think I ever remember Hanukkah being celebrated with that kind of moves … and with a middle finger !
My ancestors were actually Hindu who used to make glass jewellery – thus my last name which means ‘a maker of glass jewellery’.
Unfortunately none in my family even makes any kind of jewellery. But I think it’s high time I take a class in glass blowing…
Must admit we are totally Catholic in my family, although we have the members that call themselves non-practicing Catholics, which I then usually answer back, um, then you are not Catholic, dah? Anyways, that song was killing me but the dancing, man, now that was great. Your family loves to ‘ham’ it up!!!! What a lot of fun!
I’m Catholic. Non-practicing. Always wished I could be Jewish…don’t ask me why, I have no idea.
Love how you made it seem possible and terrific to intermix the faiths…and the celebrations…bring on the parties!
My mom Flippin The Bird just seemed like an incredibly perfect way to end
the movie!
Im all for having as much fun as possible!
NO MATTER what ‘religion’!
Love ya, Lucy!
Hi Sandra!
Well, it IS possible and terrific to intermix the faiths.
More holidays = more home movie opportunities. Right?
🙂
is my room ready. i told you i want to live at your house.
too funny: I went off to tour with the Grateful Dead.
i think that’s me.
I will never get that song out of my head, I may as well just go and convert now. That was one of the funniest things I have ever seen! Your family is amazing.
Okay, you don’t read Hebrew. You didn’t attend Hebrew school, you didn’t have a Bat-mitzvah and you don’t attend temple. But the one question you didn’t answer, the one question you seem to be avoiding, the one question that’s most important, is, Were you circumcised? Because if you were, then I pretty much guarantee you that you could be Jewish. Also, more interesting than you appear to be on the surface.
P.S. — I love potato latkes. Please have your charming family send me some. (It never hurts to ask.)
C’mon over!
Thanks Jennifer.
Sorry, but no, you will NEVER get that song out of your head.
I’d love to, but, I’m not really sure how to mail potato latkes without them
getting all kinds of yucky. They really only taste good straight from the
frying pan!
Great video … you’re Hanukkah looks like a lot more fun than ours. Yes, we’ve always done both, too. My wife’s parents were first generation Jews from Poland, my father a converted Episcopalian (to Catholicism) and my Mom VERY Catholic. I’m a retired Catholic and not much else. If I can’t get that tune out of my head by tomorrow, I’ll never read your blog again.
Keep the faiths! The Oscar bid for best dance routine belongs to your father and son in the kitchen. 🙂
Those guys are hysterical! Now I want to have a Hannukah party too, and I have the song really implanted in my head!
You always make the best videos! Cute family.
We did a whole segment about songs getting stuck in our heads. But I think I’m safe on this one. But when my daughter plays “Jingle Bells” with one finger on the piano it stays with me all day!
Take care.
Sorry if that song stays stuck in your head forever. But I warned ya!
I liked my father & my brother dancing in the hallway!
You’re welcome to join our Hanukkah party any time, Linda
Oh Jingle Bells gets me every time too!
YOu just gotta love it!
Happy Holidays really suits you!
Happy Hannukah!!! Life in your home looks like fun sometimes!!!
XXOO